Outbound Collective logo

Hike Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista

Yacolt, Washington

4.5/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

6 miles

Elevation Gain

2000 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Ted S

Silver Star Mountain is one of Southern Washington's must-do adventures offering 360-degree views from both of its two summits. On a clear day, you will have views across to Mount St. Helens, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams.

The Grouse Vista Trailhead is located through the town of Washougal off of highway 14 just past Camas. Once you leave the city, the road will turn to gravel and dirt though it is fairly well maintained until snow arrive and accessible by most cars so long as you're willing to get drive over loose rocks and dirt (moderate clearance makes for a much more enjoyable ride). Map apps can navigate to the trailhead by name.

From the trailhead (sign post only, there are no facilities), head North (right) to immediately start climbing up and into the mountain. The initial stretch of the trail is steep but soon eases back as you leave the forest and traverse across the hills with clear views of Pyramid Rock in front & to the right with Southern Washington's foothills below you & to the left (stay to the left / follow the hillside at the the first trail fork).

After passing directly under Pyramid Rock, the trail picks back up in steepness as it makes its way behind the mountain until it again breaks free from the forest along another hillside ridge. In winter this can be a fairly narrow snow crossing while in spring the slope is alive with flowers.

Continue on the trail back into the forest for the third and steepest of the climbing section again staying to the left as you pass the Indian Pit Trail fork (marked). After just a few more minutes of walking, you will meet up with the main trails from the Northside, turn right at the fork (there's usually a large stone pile marking the junction but just keep heading uphill if you're uncertain) and hike the final stretch.

For overnight adventurers, as you near the summit, you'll pass a few common camping areas to your left before emerging out of the trees at the top.

There are two summit points on Silver Star, the one to your left has a concrete platform left from an old tower which makes for a good lunch spot while the one to the right has a closer view of Mount Hood and some great rock structure to explore below.

Plan for a 2-4 hour outing with food, water and essentials to match. There is no cell signal, water or other services at or around the trailhead or on the hike.

A Washington State Discover Pass is required to park at the trailhead. This is not the same as a NW Forest Pass Permit and is not covered by National Park Passes.

In winter expect significant snow along the trail and a completely covered summit. Snowshoes and traction devices are often ideal.

Find details for the North Route / Ed's Trail.

Read More

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Features

Camping
Photography
Backpacking
Hiking
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic

Hike Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Reviews

On a clear day this place is absolutely beautiful. You can see everything full 360 for MILES. It’s hard but it is SO worth it!! Make sure you have a car that can take the hard roads.

As this trail becomes more and more popular you would expect to see more people on the trail as well, however once you begin the hike you are secluded enough to make it feel as though you are the only one hiking. The rock outcroppings prove to be great places to stop and eat a snack or get a view of the volcanoes as you make your way towards the top of Silver Star. Wildflowers are in full bloom and show no signs of stopping!

If you love going uphill the entire time this is the hike for you! It's strenuous(in my opinion), but every sweat drop is worth it. I could see five mountain tops and I ended up falling asleep at the top while looking out. I can't wait to come back here and camp to watch the sunrise and sunset.

I went in July, and though I doubt it was peak season for wildflowers, they were numerous and beautiful! I ended up with some beautiful pictures. My family and I did manage to get lost as we took a loop that was offered as an option on another hiking site. I think it was because that trail isn't traveled as often and disappeared in to the brush do to lack of use. Fortunately, we had gps and were able to navigate back to another trail. Also, I found the beginning of the trail a challenge as it is rocky and steep. It's gentle once you make it to the top. There wasn't a box for you to pay for a day permit, so if you don't already have one you need to pay online and leave your permit number written in paper on the dash of your car. Lastly, we drove our Prius up to the trailhead without any problems!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike Silver Star Mountain

Dougan Falls

Naked Falls

Cape Horn Trail

Kayak Lacamas Lake

Hike Lacamas Heritage Trail