Before you register, please:

• Read our updated digital Liability Waiver here. You will be asked to check a box acknowledging you read waiver during registration.
• Read our COVID-19 Event FAQ here. Friends now requires participants to be vaccinated in order to attend outings. After you register, you will be asked to present proof of vaccination.
• Complete the CDC's Coronavirus Self-Checker 48 hours before the outing.

Outing Description

Enjoy the "some of the finest wildflower meadows in the Cascades” as stated by Craig Romano, during prime bloom on this late spring/early summer outing with hike leaders Christoph Stauder and Jay Nutt. On a clear day, you will see five Cascade volcanoes and overlook the entire length of the Columbia River Gorge from Stacker Butte to Larch Mountain. After enjoying the spectacular scenery atop Silver Star, you will hike north another 1.6 mile on an old road through open meadows and return the same distance via the parallel Ed‘s Trail with its famous rock arch. * Only well-conditioned and well-prepared hikers should attempt a very strenuous hike. The hike will generally be long and steep, and may include rock scrambling, stream crossings, and other challenging terrain. Generally 8 miles and over.

Trained volunteers lead Friends outings

• Hike Leader(s): Christoph Stauder, and Jay Nutt
• Shepherd: Patti Kramer

What you can expect on this guided outing: Ed’s Trail involves a short and steep scramble of about 30 vertical feet requiring the use of hands. Like many trails in the Yacolt Burn area that follow old roadbeds and jeep tracks, the hike to Silver Star Mountain from the Grouse Vista trailhead has long sections of loose rock which can test your balance, hiking poles are recommended. This hike can be a steep, rocky descent on tired legs.

Hazards: Portions of this trail are semi-rugged, have long sections of loose rock, and steep in sections. View the recommended 10+ Essentials List to help you pack.

What to Bring:

• Lunch, snacks, and plenty of water (1 liter for every two hours);
• 10+ Essentials in backpack;
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen;
• Hiking poles (if you have them, they will be very helpful when navigating the rocky area.);
• A photo/copy of your vaccination card if proof not sent via email.

What to Wear:

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes, sneakers, or boots.
• Dress for weather: extra layers of clothing for protection against wet or cold weather

Schedule:

• 9:00 a.m. - Meet at Grouse Vista Trailhead
• 4:00 p.m. - Outing concludes back at the trailhead

Fee: Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the Discover Pass web page.

Restrooms: Vault toilet at Grouse Vista Trailhead

Managed By: Grouse Vista Trailhead, WA State Parks, Silver Star Mountain & Ed's Trail, U.S. Forest Service

What to expect at a Friends guided outing: Expect a supportive and welcoming space where experienced hike leaders and shepherds guide you throughout Gorge outdoor spaces. Friends outings provide the opportunity to explore the Columbia Gorge, build community, and learn how Friends is the only conservation organization entirely dedicated to protecting, preserving, and stewarding the Gorge.

A confirmation email with outing details will be sent out 3-5 days before the event.

Questions about this guided outing, contact Melissa Gonzalez at hikes@gorgefriends.org or 971-634-1265.

Questions about membership, contact Hannah Anderson-Dana at hannah@gorgefriends.org

Photo: Laurie Gunn