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

Silver Star Mountain / Indian pits / Pyramid rock

  • Hike Type: In and Out
  • Distance: 7.8 miles (round trip)
  • Elevation gain: 2200 feet
  • High point: 4,375 feet
  • Meeting location - MMC  / 8AM / July 9. Carpool from there.
  • Driving distance 38 miles/65 minutes one way.
  • Carpool suggested contribution $10
  • Permit:  You need a Washington Discover pass to park at the trailhead.

 

Silver Star has  amazing summer wildflower meadows on its slopes, as well as the fantastic 360 degree panoramic vista from the top. On a clear day, you can see five Cascade volcanoes.  Start from the Grouse Vista trailhead, which avoids the terrible road on the north side. We will do side trips to the Indian pits and Pyramid rock. Pace will be moderate with time to stop and smell the flowers as well as take photos.

We start by hiking up a rocky,  abandoned  road to start, then follow nice trails, passing west of Pyramid rock,  to the summit where we will have lunch and take in the vistas.  We  then retrace our ascent route for 1/2 mile, then divert to view the Indian Pits, an ancient Vision Quest spot.  Return to the main trail and descend another 1/2 mile to a junction where we follow a less used trail around the east side of Pyramid rock. We will have a short scramble (optional) to the top of the rock for more views, then descend and rejoin the main trail back to our cars.

Due to the late spring  and persistent snows this year,  I expect wildflowers to peak later in July, so this should be a great weekend. 

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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