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

As you approach the parking area, you'll find the trailhead on the left side of the road. Opposite the parking area. The trail is unmarked, so this can be confusing. The trail is pretty rocky, I recommend lacing up the high tops for this one. You may also benefit from trekking poles.

View of Rolling Hills

The trail instantly begins with a steep incline through a dense forest. After less than a mile, the tree line breaks, allowing views of rolling hills to the northwest.

Pyramid Rock above Looping Trail

Pyramid Rock, a large camel-hump-shaped-rock, will soon pop up on your right. A looping trail attaches, which circumnavigates Pyramid Rock, meeting up with the original trail at its end. This gives you two options. Staying the course is easier and much more direct. The looping trail is longer and slightly neglected, but allows an unobstructed, distant view, of the Columbia Gorge.

Sturgeon Rock

Wildflowers

After passing Pyramid Rock, you'll spend a couple miles ascending through the forest in route to the summit. There will be a few breaks in the trees, allowing hikers a different vantage of the rolling hills of the north. Including a close up of Sturgeon Rock (seen above). Depending on the season, there should also be plenty of wild flowers.

View from Southern Hump

View from Northern Hump

Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Rainier are Visible on Clear Days 

View of Southern Hump from the North

The summit is shaped like a saddle. Two large humps connected by a slight dip. Both provide incredible 360 degree views. The southern hump faces the Columbia Gorge while the northern hump faces inward, towards Mt. St. Helens. On a clear day, you can see Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood. Or, if you're lucky, Sasquatch.