Information obtained from Oregon Hikers (https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Silver_Star_Mountain_via_Grouse_Vista_Hike)

Silver Star Mountain is one of the best 360 degree summits within a day's drive of Portland, boasting a rocky, exposed viewpoint of five major cascade volcanoes. It is also a great wildflower area in the spring, and huckleberries abound in the fall.

The Grouse Vista Trail option, from the south, is a little longer and more elevation gain than Silver Star from the north, but the Grouse Vista Trail road is easier. The Bluff Mountain trail is somewhat longer. The Grouse Vista trail is also the option with the most diverse terrain—alternating between exposure and shade, passing by large geologic formations, and keeping most of panoramic views available from the Silver Star summit under wraps until the final approach. The hike can probably be divided in three sections: 1) Steep and forested, 2) Exposed and flat, then 3) Very steep and in-and-out of the trees. Each section is just about a mile long.

Activity Notes

Come for the flowers and stay for the views! On a clear day, Silver Star mountain has one of the best 360º views near Portland. Surrounding it, fields of wildflower-covered meadows that sprung after the 1902 Yacolt Burn, the second largest forest fire in Washington history. 

We will start our hike at Grouse Vista trailhead (Washington Discover Pass REQUIRED), which is much more accessible than the jeep-testing Ed's Trail trailhead. We will begin our clockwise loop on Tarbell Trail bypassing Sturgeon Rock and Hidden Falls before reaching Ed's Trail and turning south. This section features one scramble move and a doorway-sized rock arch. Shortly thereafter, we will join the hoards at the summit of Silver Star, take in the views, and finish the loop to Grouse Vista trailhead. If the weather is good and spirits are high, we can visit the ancient stone walls and 6-foot pits appropriately named Indian Pits. This detour would turn a 12-mile, 2,600' hike into a 14-mile, 3,000' hike.

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 70 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 6 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Relevant Maps CG-C
Awards Qualified Awesome Ridges Award
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