Run-venture Time @ Silver Star Mtn. (Run) 🍩🍩🍩🍩
Details
Join us on October 25th (Saturday) for an epic peak-bagging time in the alpine-esque mountains of the Yacolt Burn State Forest (https://dnr.wa.gov/forest-and-trust-lands/yacolt-burn-state-forest). This run-venture edition will feature roughly 13-15 miles of distance covered, with over 5,000 of vertical gain. More info below...
Details:
When: Saturday, October 25th @ 8:45am
Distance: 13-15 mile trail run (with some off-trail talus scrambling)
Gain: 5,000 feet (maybe more)
Start: Grouse Vista Trailhead (see map/driving links)
After(party): Beer at a Time in Camas (216 NE 3rd Ave, Camas, WA 98607)
Car Pooling: Hell Yeah! (see future comments)
Drive Time (from Portland): Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (via Washougal River Road route)
Parking Permit: Yes, a Discover Pass (annual or day is required, https://discoverpass.wa.gov/)
History of the Area:
The State Forest's namesake is the great Yacolt Burn fires of 1902, which was named after the town of Yacolt. Multiple subsequent forest fires led to the landscape we see today. A bit more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yacolt_Burn
Silver Star Mountain: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Star_Mountain_(Skamania_County,_Washington)
Route Details:
This is indeed a run, although owing to the steep and rocky terrain there will definitely be some hiking involved. The route will be a mixture of a counter-clockwise loop, and some out and backs, and mostly on designated trails. At times, we will be off-trail, hiking on loose talus slopes (a couple of peaks). In general, the trails of this area are some of the rockiest around, which will slow the "running" part. Plan on being out for 3-5 hours.
Gear:
- Essentials for half day out. There are NO water sources anywhere, so bring all the hydration you need.
- Poles? I'd say no, due to the rocky terrain (high potential for bent/snapped pole).
- A Shell/Jacket is highly suggested. If it's not rainy, it can definitely get very windy and cold in spots.
Directions:
For the sake of time, this link shows the best (most common) overall driving route to get to the trailhead. Google Maps should also send you in the same direction. https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Grouse_vista_trailhead
The Meetup map link may be off a bit (as usual), so please pre-enter information/map into your GPS prior.
Again, ONLY a WA State Discover Pass is accepted at the parking area/TH (required) at this location. You can get one here https://discoverpass.wa.gov/. Northwest Forest Passes are NOT accepted.
We'll establish some carpooling options in the comments below leading up to the event.
After the run we'll hit up Beer at a Time in Camas, which offers great seating, food, and beverage options.
Oh. this is a 4 donut run. ;-)
Donuts Guide:
🍩 - Leif Erikson-ish (flat, little elevation gain)
🍩🍩 - Most NWTR Forest Park runs (5-7 miles, 500-1000 ft ups)...little experience necessary
🍩🍩🍩 - Easier technical Gorge/mtns (7-12 miles, 1000-2500 ft ups)...a bit more experience may be necessary
🍩🍩🍩🍩 - More technical, longer, steeper (12-20 miles, 2500-5000 ft ups)...seasoned trail runner, with much more experience in the mtns
🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩 - Most difficult and technical (20+ miles, 5000+ ft ups)...marathon, ultra-runners only