Silver Star via Ed's Trail Loop Hike

Overview

This is the (slightly) more difficult way to visit the north side of Silver Star Mountain. It's also the most scenic. There are great views to the north, beginning at the trailhead and getting better all the way up. This trail has a couple of short stretches of scrambling requiring the use of your hands, so it's probably not the best for small children or dogs. If that worries you, hike the out-and-back variation instead. From the Silver Star North Trailhead, pass a hopelessly inaccurate sign and start up the Silver Star Trail (#180). The first part of this trail is a fairly new single track through a new forest, but soon the trail reaches a closed road and follows it upward. You'll soon come to a switchback at a beautiful viewpoint of the Star Creek Canyon. Just past this switchback, look for a sign marking the start of Ed's Trail #180A. Ed's Trail was built in 1995 by the Chinook Trails Association in honor of CTA co-founder Ed Roberts, who died in 1994. The trail starts up through meadows that become a riot of flowers in June and July. The route hooks around a point, and you'll have views of the ridge to the south. There's an informal trail heading down to the west that connects with the Silver Star Trail and the Chinook Trail. Then you'll see a plaque dedicating the trail. The trail stays just on the east side of ridgecrest and passes several rock outcroppings. The Ed's Trail Arch can be somewhat hidden in the berry plants, but the trail goes right through the arch, so you can't miss it. Soon after the arch, the trail climbs a steep muddy section that often requires scrambling on all fours. This section is only about 30 feet high. A second section will certainly require your hands as the trail ascends a 15 foot rocky wall. Both of these sections can be challenging in bad weather, but they're really not too difficult for anyone in decent shape. Above the rock climb, the trail traverses the ridge through more flower gardens. There's a short section of forest walking before Ed's Trail ends at the Silver S

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