Silver Star Mountain

The view from Silver Star Mountain is one of the best around. Sitting in the center of the Chinook Trail System near Battle Ground, Silver Star offers expansive vistas from the get-go, and is one of the absolute best spots in Southwest Washington for wildflowers in the springtime. The catch: you’d better have a high clearance vehicle, because you have to drive one of the worst roads in the state of Washington to access it.

From the large trailhead parking area, begin climbing on doubletrack. Most of the trail follows this doubletrack, once an old roadbed. This allows you and your hiking companions to chat easily, but also gives you a wide open area with which to take in views all around you. To your left is the treed ridge of Starway, a brutal bushwhack from the north side, but actually decently accessible from the Silver Star Trail, should you wish to extend your hike.

To your right, the Yacolt Burn State Forest and several logging areas unfold in a patchwork quilt of verdant green and brown. Far in the distance, the towns of Longview and Vancouver can be discerned, and on a clear day, the Oregon Coast Range may even be visible.

Follow the doubletrack to a flat overlook into the valley between Silver Star and Starway. As it switchbacks, a junction appears to your left. The trail branching off is Ed’s Trail, an alternate route around the north side of a small knoll. Ed’s Trail is a slightly more advanced route – be sure to have trekking poles and confidence in your footing should you adventure this way.

Back on the main trail, hike around the south side of a small summit and continue past a saddle. The trail dips down a bit, then begins climbing again on even rockier terrain. You’ve left the wide-open views and now are hiking through close-in second growth forest, though still on doubletrack.

About two miles from the trailhead, come to a junction. Ed’s Trail joins this junction to your left, while another wider trail branches off. This is the trail that allows access to Starway and other futher wanderings. Be sure and consult your map to see what your options are.

The Silver Star Summit trail stretches ahead of you, indicating the summit is only 0.1 miles away. But be warned, it’s a steep last leg, almost a climbing scramble.

But it’s well worth it. From the 4300-foot summit, you’ll have views in all directions. Mounts Rainier, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson, as well as the Pacific Ocean and the nearby towns all lie at your feet. Don't forget your camera.