Silver Star Mountain & Ed's Trail Loop
Yacolt, Washington
Details
Distance
4.74 miles
Elevation Gain
1194 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by David Schelske
Silver Star Mountain & Ed's Trail Loop offers some of the best views in the Pacific Northwest. This hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest is only 2 hours from Portland.
Silver Star is simply a must-do hike for adventure lovers here in the Northwest!
From the parking area, take the main trail up to the first open meadow. Eds Trail splits off here, meeting back up just before the summit. Be warned, Eds Trail is much steeper in sections and is more difficult than the standard trail, although it offers amazing views and adds some challenge and excitement.
Much of the trail is at a high elevation, passing through open meadows with little shade. When you reach the top, there are two summits with amazing views all around – the northern peak is the true summit.
Bring a truck or standard SUV for the drive up. You don't need a 4x4, but something with better ground clearance than a standard car will save you from tearing up the bottom of your rig, as the last mile or so are very rough.
If you want to start the adventure from southern route to Star Mountain read the details on Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Trail.
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Silver Star Mountain & Ed's Trail Loop Reviews
one of my absolute favorites highly recommend!!
5.0
This is hands down one of my favorite hikes yet. I am already itching to go back. We could see all 5 mountains (Mt Saint Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Rainier, Mt Hood, Mt Jefferson), amazing wildflowers, and trees for miles. Since I don't have 4w drive, we parked on the side and hiked up the extra 2 miles to the trailhead. This part of the hike was rough as it was steep and without much view. With the added miles it was still worth it! We ended up doing 10 miles, (4 miles to and from our car and trail head), and 6 miles with the ed's trail loop.
5.0
I loved every minute of this hike, I went towards the end of summer and I can't wait to get back earlier in the year. My favorite part was hiking along the ridge line with the wind blowing through. It is however somewhat troublesome to get to the trail head so make sure that you are prepared with a high clearance vehicle that can make it up there, I saw many cars left on the side of the road. Would always recommend this hike!
5.0
This is an excellent hike. It has some amazing views. Just make sure to have 4wd for the road
4.0
Fantastic hike with breathtaking views! I also recommend riding in a vehicle with either high clearance and/or 4-wheel drive to access the trail head. It's about 8 rugged miles; bring a road map since there's limited cell service and a few unmarked routes that split from the main route. At the trailhead, take the scenic Silver Star Trail. I agree, Ed's Trail is much more technical and isn't well marked. It hugs the ravine and requires that you scramble up a couple rock faces. You'll reach a trail junction in about 2 mi (where Ed's Trail reconnects). There are a couple other routes to hike if you plan to stay longer. Continue southwest along Route 180D to reach the summit, where there are 2 peaks to lookout from. On a clear day, you will see Mt. St. Helens, Adams Mtn and Mt. Hood. The views are incredible!
4.0
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Nearby
Silver Star Mountain via Grouse Vista Trail
Naked Falls
Dougan Falls
Three Corner Rock
Siouxon Trail to 14 Mile Falls
Steep Creek Falls
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