Silver Star Mountain Loop Hike

Weather is sunny and warm on Sunday! Let's get some great views at Silverstar Mountain and add some miles to our hike. This hike offers great views of Mount Rainier, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson. Wild flowers should be popping out based on trip reports.

We will meet at Gateway Transit Center and caravan over to the Grouse Vista TH. After tagging Silverstar, we will head over to Ed's Trail for some more spectacular views, then loop over to Sturgeon Rock for even more views before heading down the Tarabell Trail to our cars. There will be mild scrambling on one section of Ed's Trail and going up Sturgeon Rock.
There is some logging around Tarabell trail but then the trail goes back into the woods. There is a nice water fall on the way back. We will stop for food and drinks if people are willing on the return. Please do not sign up for this hike if you need to be back at a specific time! It will be warm so make sure to bring plenty of water and electrolytes.

Trail head:
https://goo.gl/maps/wiRYrwQwA18PdPci9

weather:
https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Silver-Star-Mountain-Skamania-County-Washington/forecasts/1330

Total distance: roughly 12 miles round trip
Elevation gain: roughly 3200 ft
Time to Complete: 7+ hours depending upon group pace/conditions
Rating: difficult
Permit: Discovery Pass
Transportation: meet at the Gateway Transit Center
Driving Distance: 70 miles RT

CARPOOLING: We will organize carpooling at Gateway Transit Center. Please be on-time for a prompt departure. Total round trip driving distance is about 70 miles. We suggest a gas donation of 10 cents/mile/person. Exact change makes it easier to divide among drivers. Nobody will be turned around for their inability to contribute.

My Style:
I normally hike at a pace of 2.5-3 mph depending on terrain, always keeping safety as a priority while managing to have some fun along the way. There may be photo opportunities, snack/water breaks, and a lunch break around the summit of either Silver Star or Sturgeon Rock depending on timing.

Necessities: Consider bringing poles as the terrain up Grouse Vista Trail is rocky, along with the ten essentials.

Please make sure you bring the ten essentials (see below).

Ten Essentials:

1. Navigation ( map, compass, awareness of route)
2. Sun protection-sunscreen and glasses
3. Insulation ( extra clothing, layers)
4. Illumination (headlamp or flashlight, extra batteries)
5. First aid supplies
6. fire ( waterproof matches, lighter, candles)
7. Knife, tools
8. Nutrition ( extra food)
9. Hydration ( extra water)
10. Emergency whistle

Please understand that you are responsible for your safety and preparedness, know your abilities and limitations. My goal is to get everyone up and down the mountain without injury but this requires you to know your limits. If we do this we will have an amazing day.