What is it?
Silver Star is an exposed, twin-summited mountain in Southwest Washington's Skamania County. In 1902 the Yacolt Burn cleared the mountain, leaving open meadows to be repopulated with summer wildflowers. Though not far from Vancouver as the crow flies, the drive to the trailhead is not short, or easy. The last several miles of driving are done over confusing, single lane, pothole-laden roads. Hikers driving low clearance vehicles will be able to make it, but it will be slow going.
Why Visit?
Silver Star offers an amazing 360 degree view that encompasses the Gorge and all prominent Cascade peaks. What makes Silver Star truly memorable however is that it boasts arguably the best wildflower show in the area; on display from mid-June through August.
There may be several options to the summit of Silver Star, but Ed's Trail is without doubt the most scenic and unique. Climbing Silver Star from the north, Ed's Trail stays just below the ridgecrest as it leads through scenic meadows and around rocky outcrops. The trail takes hikers through a natural rock arch and briefly into a shaded forest before the final climb to the summit.
Coming back down a jeep road on the other side of the ridge gives hikers a five star 5.5 mile, 1250 foot elevation gain loop hike.
Get there:
From Battleground, head north on the 503 for 5.5 miles and turn right, onto SE Rock Creek Road. Drive 8.5 miles and turn right onto Sunset Falls Road. Continue another 7 miles to the Sunset Falls Campground. Make a right here, and cross a bridge over the Lewis River. Just after the bridge make a left onto FS 41 and travel 3.5 miles to a hard, downhill right onto Road 4109. Drive a rough 1.5 miles to another junction. Turn left here and drive the final 2.7 miles to the end of the road and the trailhead.
Start hiking at the far (west) end of the parking area near the map kiosk. Follow the trail for a half mile until it joins up with an old road and continues ascending. After 1 mile of hiking the road banks sharply up to the right. Just after this bank, turn left at the signed junction with Ed's Trail. The next 2 miles of hiking are epic. Walk through meadows, under a rock arch, and up a scrambly rock staircase. The trail eventually enters a forest before reaching a 5 way junction. Turn left here onto a jeep road, and make another left 200 yards later. Walk up this rocky road .25 mile to the twin summit. Trails lead up to each highpoint.
Walk back down past the previous 5 way junction. Stay on this old jeep road as it briefly ascends, and then gently descends 2.7 miles all the way back down to the trailhead parking area.
Additional Information:
Portlandhikers.org Field Guide
Afoot & Afield Portland/Vancouver: A comprehensive hiking guide by Douglas Lorain
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
Comments
Gorgeous photos once again! I wish they would get rid of those annoying adds at the bottom of the pictures -- why spoil such great shots?
It looks gorgeous! The name had me sold even before your amazing photos
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