Silver Star: Grouse Vista – Sturgeon Rock loop, Jun 30th

I have to say that Silver Star is still one of my favorite hikes near the Gorge. Not only any approach you take is challenging and beautiful but it’s also a very rewarding hike. From the summit the views expand 360 degrees and can include several peaks in the cascades. This time Val and I lucked out with a perfect day and vistas extending all the way to Mt Rainier on the north and Jefferson to the South. The hike from Grouse Vista is one I’ve done several times before as it’s the closest to drive to. The first part though just traverses thru forested areas but soon, after you pass the Pyramid Rock everything opens up. I recall last time I was in the area on a very cold winter day that ended up obscuring everything. Even like that it was beautiful. This time though, we had a marvelous display of wildflowers all the way with clear views of the summit and Sturgeon Rock. We made it first to the summit and visited the north side for just a minute to take a picture or two. Since there was a big group resting there, we went to the South side of the summit to enjoy a more peaceful lunch with open views towards Mt Hood. On our way back instead of doing the longer ridge trail and descending to the Tarbell trail, we did the shorter Sturgeon Rock trail instead. On the way down, we found a foot path leading up to the rock so we veered of trail and went up to check it out. The views from up there are something I’d never seen before. Been able to see the south side of the summit, at almost eye level was pretty interesting. Also, the view south that glimpsed over the Gorge toward Mt Hood was also very interesting. From there we continued on the trail towards the Tarbell trail and then closed the loop returning to the car. Needless to say it was a marvelous hike in the company of my sweetheart



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