Beautiful day for this hike. Have hiked Silver star multiple times and explored the vision quest sites and sturgeon rock but first time doing Ed's trail which has been on my bucket list after hearing about the wildflowers on Explore Oregon podcast.
Started from Grouse Vista trailhead at 530 AM. Road in decent condition. Bathroom still very dirty.
Trail up to summit straightforward with some wildflowers blooming on the way up. Views from summit of all 5 volcano peaks. Still decent bear grass bloom on summit.
Hiked north to check out Ed's trail. Fun trail with 2 very short class 2 scrambles and cool little arch that you hike under. The views of wildflowers with Mt. St Helens in background was spectacular and makes the flower display on the grouse vista trail pale in comparison. Bear grass past it's prime but mix of yellow flowers, white flowers, lupines, paintbrush.
Total elevation gain of 3000 ft and 10.2 miles in 4 hours.
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