What is the expected snow level on the trail?

Snow levels appear to be clearing by late spring. In early April, limited and compact snow was noted around the summit junction, not requiring special equipment. By mid-March, steady snow was encountered further down the trail and deeper snow was present at the summit. By [May 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-10.155014616242), no snow was reported anywhere on the trail.

Are there any significant trail obstacles or blowdowns?

The trail is consistently described as rocky, particularly the initial and final sections, making good footwear recommended. One report from [May 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-10.155014616242) specifically mentioned no blowdowns or trail obstacles, and another from [March 18](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-03-19.054454132832) noted rocks were present, suggesting poles might be helpful.

What are the parking situations like at the trailhead?

There is a possibility that parking may be limited or unavailable directly at the trailhead. One report from [April 8](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-04-09.104945216328) noted a gate at the junction of L-1100 and L-1180, necessitating parking at the gate and adding four miles of road walking. However, another report from [May 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-10.155014616242) saw a low-clearance car parked at the trailhead, implying access is sometimes possible.

Silver Star Mountain

Q: What is the current condition of the road to the Grouse Vista Trailhead?

Reports vary on the road's condition. One report from [May 10](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-10.155014616242) stated it was in quite decent shape with only a couple of deep potholes manageable with careful maneuvering. However, another from [May 24](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-05-24.205449561011) described it as bumpy with lots of potholes. This suggests it might be rough in sections, but potentially passable for many vehicles.

Southwest Washington

updated 4 months ago

The trail to Silver Star Mountain remains a destination for expansive views, including the notable five volcanoes and the Columbia River. As of May 24, wildflowers were blooming. The road to the trailhead has been described as bumpy with many potholes, though one report from May 10 suggested it was in decent shape with only a couple of deep potholes that could be navigated carefully. The trail itself is rocky, especially the first and final sections, making good footwear essential. Snow was observed in patches in early April around the summit junction, with limited and compact snow not requiring special equipment. However, by mid-March, steady snow was encountered about two miles in, with deeper snow at the top, leading one party to use spikes for descent. Parking at the trailhead might be an issue, as a gate on L-1100 and L-1180 may require adding road walking to the hike.

Generated from 12 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Silver Star Mountain

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 4 months, so everything below is at least that old.

Reports vary on the road's condition. One report from May 10 stated it was in quite decent shape with only a couple of deep potholes manageable with careful maneuvering. However, another from May 24 described it as bumpy with lots of potholes. This suggests it might be rough in sections, but potentially passable for many vehicles.