6.34 miles of hiking • 1750' elevation gain •
Silver Star north trailhead always poses a dilemma, either: a) this hike makes the drive almost worth it; or b) this hike is so good I am willing to sacrifice my car for it. But today's hike was exceptional.
First, found a shortcut trail for the summit. From the trail that goes east to Baldy Mtn., unsigned trail juts off uphill where main trail stops climbing. It cuts half of that rocky, crowded road stretch (not that long, but anyway).
Secondly, found the trail up Sturgeon Rock (not after circling 2/3 of it - what I was thinking when I went around N side first?? Not like anyone comes from there anyway. It started good, then turned into impenetrable brush, and then after going through that we were cliffed out). Turned out there's a steep, but well used trail from its downhill SW side. Saw some climbers trails though below vertical rock, I am not a climber but rock quality seems pretty good. The meadow near the top of Sturgeon is small, but PACKED with all kinds of flowers, really neat place. The view from the rock is almost as good as from the summit, but completely different, nice to have both in one hike.
Third, there's a good trail that runs from the old road just above Sturgeon Rock, and to 5 trails' junction just NW of the summit. Again, no need to hike the rocky roads.
Comments
Roman
June 30, 2014
I was late up there yesterday - went to Sturgeon from uphill side near 7pm, tried going around N side (it just looked like fun at the beginning), finally made it up at 7:40 from the west side. What time were you at the rock?
JM
June 30, 2014
Wow, no way! We were up there yesterday too. Did the Sturgeon rock bit as well. Too bad we missed you! Views were limited, but I see you got a glimpse of St. Helens. We started from Grouse Vista.