Silver Star Mountain Loop
Low Point: 2375'
High Point: 4390'
Season: Spring/Summer/Fall
Difficulty: 3/5
Directions
Drive state road 140 from washougal, wa along the washougal river for about ten miles. You will see a country store and a bridge crossing the river on the right. Stay on the same road for about a half mile. take a left on sky road for 2.7 miles. turn right on skamania mine road. After a short distance the road forks, stay right. After about three miles go left on forest road 1200 for about 4 miles to grouse creek vista. The trail is on the right.Trail Description
This is a great hike less than an hour and a half from Portland. I chose to start on the left side of this loop trail. The first two miles of trail cut through a forest of dense shubs, but begins to open up offering views of prymid rock and the ridge it sits on. After the first couple miles the trail crosses a bridge over a small falls. There is another larger falls a short distance down stream that requires a bit of bushwacking to get to. At this point the trail begins its ascent towards sturgeon rock. The trail intersects an old road after a few more miles. Follow the road the rest of the way under sturgeon rock and to the top of silver star mountain. The top offers great views of st. helens, hood, rainer, adams, and the list could go on. The trail back down follows the opposit ridge of the ascent. It was a little early for wildflowers, but there were some present. I can imagine in a couple weeks the mountain will explode with color. The area is apparently heavily populated with bear, bobcat, coyote, and a few goats, so keep an eye out.
