Why hike Silver Star Mountain in Skamania, Washington?
Hiking up Silver Star Mountain in Skamania, Washington, is an experience that’s hard to beat.
As you reach the summit, you’re standing above the surrounding landscape of southwest Washington.
On a sunny day, which we were blessed enough to have, the view opens up to reveal distant mountains, adding an extra layer of awe to the journey.
The explosion of wildflowers along the trail makes this hike stand out, especially during the spring and early summer.
It’s like walking through a live painting—everywhere you look, there’s a burst of color and life. The lush greenery makes the scenery feel even more alive and vibrant.
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Things to see on the Silver Star Mountain Trail (aka. photo ops)
The view
The view from Silver Star Mountain on a clear day is phenomenal.
You’ll be rewarded with a full-circle view of the valleys, hills, and mountains of southwest Washington and Oregon.
Five Cascade peaks are visible from here: St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson.
You can also see the Columbia Gorge, the city of Portland, and, in the far distance, the coastal range.
Well worth the climb.
Sturgeon Rock
Sturgeon Rock is a basalt monolith that juts from the hill near Silver Star Mountain.
If you take the Grouse Vista trail and hike the loop, you will pass Sturgeon Rock. Or you could take a quick jaunt from Silver Star Mountain down to Sturgeon Rock.
Wildflowers
During springtime and early summer, the wildflowers along the trail are blooming thickly.
There are so many colors and types of flowers to enjoy.
June and July are peak blooming months.
A bonus during wildflower season is all the hummingbirds buzzing around. Unless you’re Jordan. Jordan feels about hummingbirds the way some people feel about yellow jackets. Keep your distance, please!
Here is a partial list of wildflowers in the area:
- Indian paintbrush
- Lupine
- Alpine rose
- Cascade penstemon
- Goatsbeard
- Subalpine spirea
- Thimbleberry
- Wild iris
- Larkspur
- Mariposa lily
FAQs about the Silver Star Mountain hike
Where is Silver Star Mountain?
Silver Star Mountain trail is in Skamania County in Washington State.
Distance from…
| From: | Distance to Grouse Vista Trailhead |
| Washougal, WA | 18 miles |
| Camas, WA | 20 miles |
| Ridgefield, WA | 32 miles |
| Portland, OR | 40 miles |
| Hood River, OR | 52 miles |
| White Salmon, WA | 56 miles |
| Seattle, WA | 184 miles |
| Bend, OR | 188 miles |
How long is the Silver Star Mountain hike?
Grouse Vista trailhead to Silver Star Mountain: 6.3 – 7 miles, depending on who you ask:)
Out and back trail
Moderate
Family-friendly for older kids
What are the start and endpoints on the Silver Star Mountain trail?
There are two route options for Silver Star Mountain.
- Start at Grouse Vista trailhead (to the southwest of Silver Star) and hike northeast.
- Start at Silver Star trailhead (northeast of Silver Star) and hike southwest.
The Grouse Vista trailhead is your best bet. Be aware that the last 8-ish miles are gravel roads. This is not the hike you want to take with your brand-new car—or really any car you don’t want pock-marked.
However, the other road to Silver Star North Trailhead is infamous. It’s only accessible to high-clearance, 4WD vehicles on a good day.
If you hike the Grouse Vista trail up to Silver Star Mountain, you can continue in a loop to pass by Sturgeon Rock and then travel through the valley to meet back up with the Grouse Vista parking area.
What is the elevation gain on the Silver Star Mountain trail?
The elevation gain from the Silver Star trailhead to Silver Star Mountain is approximately 1,500ft.
The elevation gain from Grouse Vista trailhead to Silver Star Mountain is approximately 2,040ft.
Note: The wind on the ridgeline can be pretty brutal in the shoulder seasons. Even in summer, the summit will be significantly colder than the hike up. You’ll want to have layers available so you can enjoy the view. Also, expect some snow for a good part of the year.
But as you can see in this photo, it was a beautiful, warm day when we did the hike.
How long does it take to hike the Silver Star Mountain trail?
Plan 2-4 hours
Leave yourself enough time to enjoy the views at the top.
What is the surface of the Silver Star trail?
It is mostly dirt trail with some gravelly sections.
Is there parking at the Silver Star trail?
Small parking areas are at the Silver Star trailhead and the Grouse Vista trailhead.
You need a Discover Pass for the Grouse Vista Trailhead.
The passes are not available at the trailhead – purchase in advance.
Where are the restrooms at the Silver Star trail?
There is an outhouse at both parking lots…maybe…possibly.
I wouldn’t count on restrooms at the trailhead. Some trail logs claim the outhouses are there; some say they’ve disappeared.
They happened to be there the day we hiked.
Make a day of your hike on the Silver Star Mountain Trail
The closest town to Grouse Vista trailhead is Washougal, Washington, and Washougal’s next-door neighbor, Camas.
Both towns are charming and worth a stop.
You could also go east and stay in Skamania or head for Hood River. But for today, I’ll stick close to the trailhead and suggest some other things you can do before or after your hike.
Beautiful things to see in Washougal and Camas
Both towns have a rich historic past, and their town centers are charming and fun to walk around.
Downtown Camas
Downtown Camas is perfect for anyone looking to soak up some small-town charm with a side of history.
With its tree-lined streets, you’ll wander into unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy eateries that feel like they’ve been plucked from a storybook.
Established in 1883, this mill town has transformed into a vibrant spot for shopping, dining, and enjoying the day.
Downtown Camas is inviting and walkable.
Don’t forget to grab a printable walking map from their website.
Hidden Bronze Bird Tour
If you’re visiting Downtown Camas for the day, don’t miss out on the Hidden Bronze Bird Tour!
This unique self-guided tour features 14 beautiful bronze birds scattered throughout the town, each a life-size representation of a species native to the area. The birds include a woodpecker, dove, wrens, nuthatches, ducks, chickens, chicks, a stellar jay, crow, osprey, and an owl.
The birds are cleverly placed at various heights and locations, encouraging visitors to keep their eyes peeled as they explore the charming streets of Camas.
It’s a delightful way to combine art appreciation with a stroll through the historic downtown.
The tour is perfect for friends and families looking for a fun and engaging activity at any time.
Make sure to grab a map of the Hidden Bronze Bird Art Tour from the Downtown Camas website and set off to find them all!
Washougal Public Art
The Washougal Public Art Tour runs through the heart of Washougal, showcasing nearly 50 public art installations that range from whimsical to historic.
The Washougal Arts and Culture Alliance (WACA) produced a colorful and handy map to make this tour accessible.
This art tour offers a unique way to experience the creativity and spirit of Washougal, making it a must-do for visitors.
Washougal Waterfront Trail
If you didn’t get enough views already, The Washougal Waterfront Park & Trail offers breathtaking looks at the Columbia River.
This beautifully designed trail is 12 feet wide and wraps around the park, covering just under a mile in length. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, run, or bike ride while soaking in the area’s natural beauty.
The trail features different attractions, including a children’s natural play area, interpretive signs to learn about the local ecosystem, a kayak/canoe launch for water enthusiasts, several viewpoints for photo opportunities, and water access trails for those looking to get closer to the river.
For more information, visitors can check out The Port Camas-Washougal website.
Captain William Clark Park
Captain William Clark Regional Park at Cottonwood Beach is a historical and recreational treasure in Washougal, WA.
This 93-acre park commemorates the site where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped for six days in 1806 during their return journey through the Columbia River Gorge.
The park offers visitors access to Cottonwood Beach, multiuse trails, restrooms, picnic shelters, parking lots, and historic interpretive signs on the area’s past.
The park features two shelters, many picnic tables, two barbecue grills, and over 4 miles of trails, combining asphalt paths and dirt/gravel trails, making it ideal for various outdoor activities.
The park is open from 7 a.m. to dusk for day use only, and overnight camping is not allowed.
Things to do in the Washougal/Camas area
Camas Farmers Market
The Camas Farmers Market is a fun gathering that celebrates the agricultural richness of the PNW, bringing together the community of Downtown Camas every Wednesday.
- Months of Operation: June 5th to October 2nd, 2024
- Hours of Operation: Wednesdays, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- Location: 4th Ave, between Everett and Franklin, between the library and City Hall in historic Downtown Camas.
The market features seasonal produce, flowers, natural products, and prepared and hot foods.
Often, you’ll find chef demos, information on healthy living and gardening, kids’ activities, and live local music. It’s a place where you can chat with farmers, fill your basket with fresh goods, grab dinner, and relax on the library lawn.
Pendleton Woolen Mills Outlet Store and Tours
The Pendleton Washougal Mill has been weaving its iconic wool blankets, fabrics, and famous plaids for over a century.
The Washougal location is a cornerstone of Pendleton Woolen Mills’ operations.
- Outlet Store: The Washougal Pendleton store, adjacent to the mill, is set in a historic building perfect for the industry’s heritage. The store also features a charming vintage miniature loom display.
- Mill Tours: Pendleton also welcomes guests for tours of the Washougal Mill.
The free tour offers an in-depth look at the operations that produce Pendleton’s wool blankets and fabrics.
Tours are available on Mon – Fri at 11 a.m. at select times (no tours on the weekend). Visitors will have the opportunity to witness every step of the manufacturing process, from raw wool sourcing to the state-of-the-art dyeing, carding, spinning, and weaving on dobby looms that create Pendleton’s famous plaids, stripes, and solids.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out the Pendleton Mill Tours page.
Two Rivers Heritage Museum
The Two Rivers Heritage Museum, operated by the Camas-Washougal Historical Society, highlights the history of the Camas-Washougal area and its surroundings.
This museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of the Native populations, the newcomers who settled in the region, and the land that made farming in the region possible.
Good eats in Washougal and Camas
Breakfast:
A diner in downtown Camas offers large portions of delicious comfort food.
They often have seasonal specials that really knock it out of the breakfast park.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Come to Caffe Piccolo for coffee and European-style breakfast and lunch options.
Panini’s are their specialty
Lunch/dinner:
A really fun location in Washougal, especially when the weather is good.
Enjoy PNW beer, cider, and kombucha from the tap room.
Then grab your food from one of the resident food trucks – there are currently four to choose from.
The outdoor seating area is pure fun and community.
This is a great place to come if you have a group or kids or just went on a big hike.
Hammond Kitchen takes it up a notch with elevated, locally sourced food.
Compared to a food truck pod they’re a little fancy – by PNW standards.
And I mean that in a complimentary way; they take reservations, plate the food beautifully, and use cloth napkins. But like almost every restaurant in the PNW, you can show up in a suit and tie or jeans and flannel.
Brunch, lunch, and dinner feature fresh, delicious food with local flair. They also specialize in craft cocktails.
This is a unique option; there’s a flower and gift shop working right inside the restaurant.
So, there’s incredible eye candy to go with the delicious food. And you can order a custom arrangement for your table. This is the ultimate date night spot—proposal worthy.
On that note, Acorn & Oak doesn’t NOT allow children; they just don’t encourage it. They’re diplomatic about this, so I’ll say it. Leave the kids at home.
Acorn & The Oak is designed to be a special, relaxed, and intimate environment.
Brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
Lunch Wed-Sun
Dinner Wed-Sun (Reservations recommended for dinner.)
Breweries:
There are several excellent brew pubs in the area, they all have great beer, and good food.
Each location has a distinct personality.
Trap Door has two locations. The Washougal location has a kitchen with a menu of pizza and pizza-inspired sandwiches. They do pizza by the slice, which is always fun.
Also, check out the blue cheese fondue plate!
There’s seating inside and tables out on the sidewalk for sunny days. Trap Door has your small-town neighborhood pub vibe. All craft breweries are about the beer, of course, but Trap Door is what I would call beer forward.
You can tell a lot about a brewery by its Instagram page, and about 80% of Trap Doors posts feature cans, glasses, and bottles of lovingly photographed beer.
This is the place to go to kick back and enjoy excellent beer and a good conversation.
Note: Both locations are on “Main Street.” Be sure your GPS is taking you to Washougal.
Doomsday leans into their theme, with beer names like Agent Orange IPA, Black Out Chocolate Stout, and Nuclear IPA. The decor is industrial/military surplus. They use gas masks artfully.
But you know, it’s apocalyptic in a fun way😉
The calendar is full of fun events and theme nights.
The pub menu features pizza, but there are other options (salads, wraps, hotdogs).
They have three locations, so again, be sure you’re heading to Washougal.
If you didn’t get enough views on your hike, 54-40 also promises a beautiful view of the river.
The pub interior is also fun. It has an industrial/lodge feel. A big stone fireplace dominates one wall and huge tables are available for a big group.
They keep it moving all year with live music, trivia night, special events, and a pretty great happy hour menu.
I would call this elevated pub food.
Speaking of winter…the building is big, with high ceilings and huge windows. It was a little chilly for sitting still. Dress in layers.
Helpful links
For more information on the Grouse Vista trailhead to Silver Star Mountain loop, visit Oregon Hikers.
For more on Silver Star trailhead to Silver Star Mountain, visit Washington Trails Association
For more on Sturgeon Rock, visit Oregon Hikers Sturgeon Rock
