Silver Star Mountain Trail Condition Report
- tmschales
- Jun 19
- 3 min read
Via Grouse Vista Trailhead
Skamania, Washington
Parking Pass Needed: Discover Pass
Date of Visit: 6/18/2025
Distance: ~7 miles out and back, choice of routes
Elevation Gain: 2117ft
Potential Concerns: ticks, very rocky/gravel uneven ground, sun exposure (heat illness), pollen, crossing scree fields, snakes
Trailhead Amenities: Pit Toilet
Youtube link: https://youtu.be/KFuZ6Cz4PI4
This was one of those “The Joy is in the Journey” hikes for me… We were rained/fogged out and did not get to experience those jaw-dropping insta-views. I still found it to be lovely, and actually quite striking in color contrast with the grey skies, cream colored beargrass, and reds and greens in the valleys.
Surprisingly, this was my first time hiking Silver Star; it had been on my list for a few years. I think I envisioned more of a catwalk/ ridgeline hike and was a little surprised that it was mostly along old gravel roads. It definitely packs a steep climb over loose rock, no switchbacks here! I’d consider it somewhat strenuous because of that, and a lot of humans have a tough time with their knees coming DOWN those steep rocky areas.
*If this is your first time on this hike:
Last section of the drive into the trailhead is a bit rough, but it was actually better than I expected from social media posts. I’d strongly recommend extra water, electrolytes, trekking poles, and sun coverage here.
Loose gravel/rocky ground can can be challenging for new hikers, especially when they are exposed and if you have any fear of heights. Take your time and always maintain as many points of contact with the ground as possible (Firmly plant one foot before lifting the other). I use trekking poles for bonus traction, but a lot of people find them useless in rocky areas.
If you’re not familiar with the Gorge, having the appropriate parking pass can be confusing! This trail requires the Discover pass.
Bring a layer for the summit- it can be chilly and windy, especially if you get a day like I had!
See above for the other general information about the trail, and potential concerns.
Don't forget your 10 essentials!
Other Funsies:
Wildflower Blooms: The Beargrass are popping! Silver Star is also home to nearly 100 other wildflowers species. During our visit we saw lupine, paintbrush, avalanche lilies, mountain spirea, White inside-out flower, along the trail and talus areas at surprisingly low elevations. (Don’t overlook all the tiny species)
Panoramic Views: I don’t have any evidence from this visit… but I’m told that on clear days, 5 volcanoes are visible! (St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood, Jefferson).
Geology: Stands on uplifted Western Cascades volcanic rock and granodiorite, with cliffs, talus slopes, and open ridgelines.
Get out there and enjoy those Gorge views!
I hope you find this helpful, and if you do please consider donating toward my goal of removing financial barriers and providing complete head-toe gear, permitting, and guiding for humans that would otherwise not be able to enjoy our outdoor areas.
Even $1 helps us reach this goal!
Happy Trails,
Trish
Welcome!
I've started these reports because the loss of funding and staffing for USFS and other agencies in Oregon & the Pacific Northwest will result in reduction of trail maintenance, and I am concerned for public safety with poor trail conditions. This is my "What can I do to help people stay safe?" solution.
These reports are a tool to use in conjunction with maps, weather forecasts, and wildfire maps- they are not all inclusive and please note that trail conditions are apt to change rapidly (And I cannot be liable for conditions that have changed after my visits).
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