Silver Star Mountain

The beargrass bloom is exceptional this year on Silver Star. I do this hike every year around the first of July because of the outstanding wildflower displays. Some years, paintbrush steals the show. This year it is beargrass.

The weather yesterday was incredible: temperature in the 70s with a light breeze and views of all the big volcanoes from Rainier to Jefferson. We went up Ed's Trail and returned on Silver Star Trail, with lunch at the former lookout site on the summit. I counted about 40 species of wildflowers in bloom, with more species still in bud.

The start of the trail at the end of Road 4109 needs some brushing and Ed's Trail some sketchy tread in places, but overall the trails are in good condition. The Silver Star Trail, formerly a road, is restoring itself nicely now that ATV access has been blocked by large boulders around the trailhead parking area.

I do recommend using the driving approach via Dole Valley Road and DNR Road L-1100 to the intersection with Forest Road 4109 rather than driving to Sunset Falls and taking Forest Road 41. The mudholes on Road 41 are big enough to swallow a passenger car while DNR is actively maintaining Road L-1100 (it was being graded yesterday when we went up).

Road 4109 has numerous drain dips beyond the intersection with Road L-1100 so high clearance vehicles (Subaru Forester/Outback or higher) are recommended.

Despite the rough roads, I estimate there were 100 people hiking on the mountain yesterday, including two large organized groups, so don't expect solitude if you go.