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The trail turns west and follows the ridge up through more meadows and strips of trees. Wildflowers abound here, including such colorful favorites as beargrass, lupine, iris, queen’s cup, and golden pea. This is the most attractive part of the hike, although the trail is a bit rocky and deeply gouged by motorcycles.

About 2.5 miles from the trailhead is a junction with the trail coming up from Cold Creek (ssss1). To reach the top of Larch Mountain, you bear left here and climb 0.5 mile past a beargrass meadow and through several confusing junctions with motorcycle routes. The mountaintop is rather ugly, however, with a clear-cut and electrical towers, so for better views return to the meadows below.

With a car shuttle you can make a long one-way trip by going down the Cold Creek Trail (see ssss1 for details).

TRIP 10 Silver Star Mountain: Grouse Vista Loop

Distance 7.5 miles, Loop Elevation Gain 2300 feet Hiking Time 4 hours Optional Map USGS Bobs Mountain, Dole, Gumboot Mountain, Larch Mountain Usually Open Mid-May to October Best Time Mid-May to June Trail Use Dogs OK, mountain biking, horseback riding, backpacking option Agency Yacolt State Forest & Mt Adams Ranger District,Gifford Pinchot National Forest Difficulty Difficult

HIGHLIGHTS This is the most popular route to the top of Silver Star Mountain, perhaps because it has the easiest road access and lends itself perfectly to a loop. Although the hike is very attractive, it is neither as scenic nor as abundant in wildflowers as either the northern loop (ssss1) or the Bluff Mountain Trail (ssss1). Nonetheless, it is an enjoyable hike with glimpses of a towering waterfall to go along with the extensive views from the top.