Silver Star Mt. via Grouse Vista

Distance: 6 miles round trip
There are several trails leading to Silver Star Mountain, but Grouse Vista may be the most accessible trail coming from Portland or Vancouver. Finding the trail is not fun. Meandering country roads composed of coarse gravel, lead drivers to the trailhead. The travel is worth the effort, if you dare to visit the most recent Bigfoot sighting! That's right, Bigfoot was sighted walking along the mountain's ridge in November of 2005.

From Portland, use these directions to find the trailhead: directions. Otherwise, follow Padden Pkwy (500) as it transitions into Ward Rd and then again into 182nd Ave. Take a right on 139th St, where you'll begin to climb. Veer left onto Rawson Rd and remain on Rawson as it transitions into L-1400/L-1500. Eventually take a left onto L-100. 3.5 miles later take a right onto Dole Valley Rd, followed by a quick right onto L-1200. The rocky road of L-1200 will take you to the trailhead.

View from Silver Star Mountain

Beacon Rock

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Rumor has it, Beacon Rock is one of the tallest monoliths (solo piece of rock) in the United States. Surprisingly this monolith was not carried by ice age glacier movement, but instead, Beacon Rock is a projectile from the core of an explosive volcano. Mt Hood, maybe? Know one knows for sure. But in the early 1900's a man bought the enormous rock and constructed a series of cutback bridges leading 848 feet to the top! Making Beacon Rock one of the oldest trails in the gorge.

Beacon Rock is very easy to find. From Vancouver, head east on HWY 14 for approximately 40 miles. You can find parking just past the information center (small stone building) on the right hand side of the road. Don't forget your discover pass.

View of Beacon Rock from Hamilton Mt. Trail