6 miles of hiking • 2250' elevation gain •
Hiked with my parents from North trailhead, via Ed's trail to Star 2 (Star 1, the summit a few feet higher, was too crowded and Star 2 has a better view). Continued south from Star 2 on an faint trail to reconnect with trail 180E, then to the lower summit overlooking a scree field with Indian Pits (kind of saw them). Up on trail 180E bypassing the summit, then abandoned road on the W side of the ridge back to the car.
The flowers are fantastic right now, the terrain looks alpine despite the elevation; I just tend to forget how beautiful Silver Star is. The snow is almost gone - just a couple of patches on Ed's trail and the road, many small patches on upper 180E but it's 99% clear.
BTW we almost turned around in the first 1/4 mile because of close-by shooting (despite so many people around!). As it turned out later, it was a group of teenagers that got just ahead of us (10-17 y.o. maybe and no adults in sight). As we met them again on the way back near the summit, one was carrying a rifle, and we overhead the younger saying the one with a riffle that my dog would be a good target... little bastards. My dad "informed" them that we already called about the shooting, and it did take an effect on them.
We heard other shots during a day, but they were too far away to worry much. Overall, it was a fantastic day on the mountain.
