Silver Star Mountain
Mt. St. Helens AreaBest May–Jun, Sep–Oct
A four-volcano summit view from wildflower meadows above the Columbia River Gorge.
About This Trail
Silver Star Mountain rises from the Yacolt Burn country north of Vancouver, Washington, reaching 4,390 feet after a steep climb out of the trees. The 1902 and 1929 fires cleared these slopes more than a century ago, and the mountain has been an open meadow ever since. From the summit ridge, Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier line up across the horizon.
The Grouse Vista approach is the standard route, gaining 1,990 feet in 3.2 miles. Early sections climb steeply through mixed forest, then the trail leaves the trees behind and traverses open meadow to the summit. Spring brings one of the best wildflower displays in Southwest Washington; fall paints the bear grass and huckleberry red.
Route-finding matters. Several trails converge near the summit and through the Sturgeon Rock and Tarbell loop extensions. Carry a map. The DNR access road is increasingly rough but passable to most cars with care; logging operations occasionally close the loop trails. Discover Pass required. Leashed dogs welcome. No toilet at the trailhead.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I ended up parking at the gate, which adds four miles round trip of road walking.”
Last report: Apr 8, 2026
Scorecard
Spring wildflower weekends draw Portland-area crowds. Weekdays and shoulder season are quieter.
Permits / Passes
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Summit and upper meadows are fully exposed to wind and lightning
- Route-finding at junctions — carry a map
- Loop trails can close during active logging
Getting There
Grouse Vista trailhead off DNR road 1200. No toilet at the trailhead. Discover Pass required.
From Grouse Vista, climb steeply through forest, then emerge into meadows for the long ridge walk to the summit. Optional loop via Sturgeon Rock and Tarbell trails; check for logging closures before starting.
Recent Reports
It is worth noting that you can’t actually park at the trailhead listed on the Alltrails loop, as there is a gate at the junction of L-1100 and L-1180. I ended up parking at the gate, which adds four miles round trip of road walking.
Beautiful day for this hike. Road clear and easy to navigate.
Beautiful day as Aferrenberg and I got up to the summit of Silver Star along with the summit’s of both Pyramid Rock summits and Sturgeon Rock. Views were fantastic of Mount Saint Helens, Mount Rainier and Mount Adams looking to the north.