Silver Star Mountain, Ed's Trail
Oct 10, 2009
by
markp427
—
last modified
Oct 11, 2009 09:26 AM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Silver Star Mountain
- Region: South Cascades -- Columbia Gorge
- Agency: Mt. Adams Ranger District
- Trails: Silver Star Mountain (#180)
- Avg Rating: 3.71
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Silver Star Mountain - Ed's Trail
- Region: South Cascades -- Columbia Gorge
- Agency: Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument
- Trails: Ed's Trail (#180A)
- Avg Rating: 3.40
- Why You Should Go Now
- Fall foliage
Vine maples along the Silver Star trail.
An incredible hike I'd been meaning to try for some time. The drive up (FR 4109) was an adventure, a very bumpy and rocky road with numerous potholes that may give low-clearance vehicles a challenge. Right from the start, the fall foliage was spectacular - the vine maples along the trail were a riot of colors, reds and oranges and yellows. Unfortunately, I picked a very windy day. East winds were gusting 30-40 mph most of the hike, and on the exposed ridgeline that makes up much of Ed's Trail, that made for some discomfort. I had a hooded sweatshirt cinched tightly, which helped. The air temperature was no warmer than 50. On the plus side, this meant very few people hiking - I encountered maybe half a dozen total the entire trip. The trail itself was in fine condition, though the switchbacks just past the natural rock arch were muddy and required some careful climbing. The panoramic view was spectacular despite the presence of some high- and mid-level clouds that obscured several of the peaks. Mount Hood was visible and brilliant.
|
Ed's Trail.
|
It's a long way down, but the view from this spot at the top of the switchbacks made it the perfect place for a lunch break.
|
Amazing fall foliage.
|
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
Forgot your
New user?
