There are two routes up the north side of Silver Star Mountain that in good conditions can be combined to form a sort of loop. Along the way, hikers will be delighted with a diverse array of wildflowers, a natural arch, volcanic views and fine hiking. Spring brings colorful wildflower displays, but also crowds, especially on the weekends. Fall colors are another popular attraction. The best months to hike are May through November.

Ed's Trail is the more scenic and more rugged of the two paths up Silver Star, which can be hiked in a sort of loop. A popular way to visit the summit is to ascend on Ed's Trail and return via the Silver Star Trail. With rocky outcrops and a natural rock archway and meadows that burst with wildflowers in the spring, this trail highlights the high country that inspired the late Ed Robertson who co-founded the Chinook Trail Association. The trail was completed in 1996 by volunteers as part of the proposed Chinook Trail, a bi-state route that encircles the rim of the Columbia River Gorge.

Start on the Silver Star Trail (180) - an old road grade that climbs fairly steeply out of the parking area. Ed's Trail is a 1.5 mile segment, but is part of a popular 5 mile hike to the Silver Star Summit, when joined with other trails in the area. From the Silver Star Trailhead, hike south for about 1 mile and stay right to begin Ed's Trail (180A), which climbs the east side of the ridge.

Ed's Trail (180A) is a foot path that takes a slightly less steep route and follows along the east side of the ridge, while the Silver Star Trail traverses the west side of the ridge. The two trails meet again about 1/4 mile from the summit at the junction with the Bluff Mt. Trail. There is a short steep section on Ed's trail that requires a bit of scrambling where a slip could be very dangerous. Avoid this route when wet or icy.

From the junction, continue uphill on the Silver Star Trail for another 1/4 mile and head left up a rocky road bed - the Silver Star Summit Trail (#180D). On a clear day, the views from the summit are sublime - Mounts Hood, Rainier and St. Helens, as well as the forested hills of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Yacolt Burn State Forest.

On the return you can retrace your route or stay on the west side of the ridge on the Silver Star Trail (#180) to get back to the trailhead. You can also keep hiking from here. Several trails meet near the Silver Star summit. Hikers can follow the Chinook Trail to the Kloochman Butte Trail (#180B) to the west or the Bluff Mountain Trail (#172) to the east.