Gifford Pinchot National Forest Silver Star Mountain ~ North Loop Hike Hike 50
Length: 5.2 Miles round trip Elevation Change: 1400' Elevation gain Season: Late Spring thru Fall Difficulty: Challenging Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features:
This northern approach to Silver Star
Mountain via a trail called Ed's Trail,
is one of the most beautiful hikes in
the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
The trail head is at the end of Forest
Road #4109.
The hikes up Silver Star Mountain almost
all follow old road beds that were in
place for logging and for access to the
fire lookout facility that used to be
on the top of the mountain. This hike
is a partial exception to that rule.
The begins a moderate climb and after
a couple switchbacks follows one of
the old roads for a short distance.
Then the trail leads away from the
road bed and becomes a stand alone
trail referred to as Ed's Trail.
Ed's Trail is a delightful hike up
the east side of the Silver Star Mtn
ridge line. In June this hike is
a floral garden. Anytime the
weather cooperates you have
exceptional views of the Cascade
Volcanos, such as Mt St Helens,
Mt Rainier, Mt Adams, Mt Hood,
and even Mt Jefferson.
This trail runs parallel to the
road bed trail that you can use
on return for variety. At times
the trails are only a few hundred
feet apart. Ed's Trail takes you
along the east side of the ridge
and through a free standing arch.
Right after the arch, the trail
becomes very steep and challenging.
However, it never seemed dangerous
to me.
At about 2 miles this trail connects
with the road bed trail that will take
you to the summit of the mountain.
As you approach the top you will notice
that Silver Star appears to have 2
summits. The one on the north is
obviously the higher. Both summits
are worth the time and effort.
After feasting on the vistas and
floral displays, you can return on
the alternate route via the road be
trail that takes you back to the
original trail where you began the hike.
A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
