{"id":18256,"date":"2024-03-14T06:27:07","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T13:27:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jauntyeverywhere.com\/?p=18256"},"modified":"2024-04-26T09:32:49","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T16:32:49","slug":"hiking-silver-star-mountain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jauntyeverywhere.com\/hiking-silver-star-mountain\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Silver Star Mountain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Hiking up Silver Star Mountain in Skamania, Washington, is an experience that’s hard to beat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you reach the summit, you’re standing above the surrounding landscape of southwest Washington. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The explosion of wildflowers along the trail makes this hike stand out, especially during the spring and early summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s like walking through a live painting\u2014everywhere you look, there’s a burst of color and life. The lush greenery makes the scenery feel even more alive and vibrant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The view from Silver Star Mountain on a clear day is phenomenal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You’ll be rewarded with a full-circle view of the valleys, hills, and mountains of southwest Washington and Oregon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Five Cascade peaks are visible from here: St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can also see the Columbia Gorge, the city of Portland, and, in the far distance, the coastal range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well worth the climb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sturgeon Rock is a basalt monolith that juts from the hill near Silver Star Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During springtime and early summer, the wildflowers along the trail are blooming thickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are so many colors and types of flowers to enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
June and July are peak blooming months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a partial list of wildflowers in the area:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silver Star Mountain trail is in Skamania County in Washington State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From:<\/td> | Distance to Grouse Vista Trailhead<\/td><\/tr> |
Washougal, WA<\/td> | 18 miles<\/td><\/tr> |
Camas, WA<\/td> | 20 miles<\/td><\/tr> |
Ridgefield, WA<\/td> | 32 miles<\/td><\/tr> |
Portland, OR<\/td> | 40 miles<\/td><\/tr> |
Hood River, OR<\/td> | 52 miles<\/td><\/tr> |
White Salmon, WA<\/td> | 56 miles<\/td><\/tr> |
Seattle, WA<\/td> | 184 miles<\/td><\/tr> |
Bend, OR<\/td> | 188 miles <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n How long is the Silver Star Mountain hike?<\/h3>\n\n\n\nGrouse Vista trailhead to Silver Star Mountain: 6.3 – 7 miles, depending on who you ask:) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Out and back trail<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moderate<\/p>\n\n\n\n Family-friendly for older kids<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n |