{"id":38929,"date":"2022-05-28T08:10:57","date_gmt":"2022-05-28T14:10:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38929"},"modified":"2022-06-07T13:54:08","modified_gmt":"2022-06-07T19:54:08","slug":"silver-star-mountain-cascade-range-washington-8-23-21","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/?p=38929","title":{"rendered":"Silver Star Mountain, Cascade Range, Washington (8-23-21)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Day 18 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast!<\/em><\/p>\n

7:59 AM, 46\u00baF, Grouse Vista trailhead<\/em> – Sunlight filtering through the trees and an encouraging patch of blue sky had both vanished by the time SPHP was ready.\u00a0 Smoke or fog!\u00a0 Always seemed to be one or the other on this Dingo Vacation.<\/p>\n

Fog had ruined the views the past couple of days.\u00a0 Both smoke and fog the day before that.\u00a0 Nothing the Carolina Dog could do about it.\u00a0 Yet the increasingly cloudy sky was disheartening as Lupe passed three gray boulders by the dark opening at the start of the Tarbell trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Grouse Vista trailhead<\/strong> along Road 1200 N of Washougal.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to set out on the Tarbell Trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Tarbell trail was wide and smooth.\u00a0 Lupe followed it higher through a shady green forest.\u00a0 In under 10 minutes, she reached a junction.\u00a0 The Tarbell trail narrowed and leveled out as it continued straight, destined for Hidden Falls.\u00a0 Lupe took the wider trail that branched off to the R.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the Tarbell trail. Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
L to Hidden Falls. R to Silver Star Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Trail No. 180F was soon climbing rather steeply.\u00a0 Covered with loose rock, the pathway widened enough to be an old jeep trail or USFS road as it wound N.<\/p>\n

Loop had already gained 400 feet of elevation, and the rate of climb was diminishing, by the time the trail curved E.\u00a0 Lupe trotted along a narrow single track corridor lined with dense foliage.\u00a0 No views, but sunshine reappeared.\u00a0 Encouraging!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trail No. 180F.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The American Dingo finally reached a clearing.\u00a0 Still lots of clouds, but some blue sky, too!\u00a0 \u00a0Lupe paused to take in the first distant views she’d enjoyed while climbing mountains in days.\u00a0 Large portions of a hillside to the N had been clear-cut.\u00a0 Part of Larch Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,480 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was in sight back to the W.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
A partly clear-cut mountainside. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
N end of Larch Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view of greatest interest, however, was to the NE.\u00a0 A big knob of rock was visible along a long ridge.<\/p>\n

That must be Pyramid Rock<\/span><\/a> (3,577 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, Loop!<\/em><\/p>\n

Is that where we’re going, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Might be, since Silver Star Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,360 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0is still in the clouds.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid Rock<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe went on.\u00a0 Back in the forest, views vanished.\u00a0 No. 180F rose at an easy pace, now trending NE.\u00a0 Some stretches were perfectly flat.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back in the forest.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Progress was rapid.\u00a0 \u00a0Lupe came to a trail junction at a clearing.\u00a0 Pyramid Rock now loomed nearby.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid Rock<\/strong> from the junction. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Want to climb Pyramid Rock, Loop?\u00a0 Silver Star is still shrouded.<\/em><\/p>\n

Might as well, SPHP, before Pyramid Rock disappears, too!<\/em><\/p>\n

Certainly possible.\u00a0 Intent upon making hay while the sun shined, the Carolina Dog took the unmarked side trail going SE.<\/p>\n

A short, steady climb led to a saddle where the side trail curved E.\u00a0 Lupe was now due S of Pyramid Rock.\u00a0 A tall grass field dotted with bushes and a few trees led to the base of the rocky part.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid Rock<\/strong> from the saddle. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Seemed simple enough, until SPHP checked the topo map<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Makes no sense!<\/em><\/p>\n

What doesn’t, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

This map, Loop!\u00a0 Clearly labels the hill S of us here as Pyramid Rock.<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re joking, right, SPHP?\u00a0 That hill isn’t even rocky.<\/em><\/p>\n

I know it, Looper.\u00a0 Doesn’t look like a Pyramid Rock at all!\u00a0 However, the map labels what we think ought to be Pyramid Rock merely as HP3577.\u00a0 Even Peakbagger.com agrees, calling it Peak<\/span> 3577<\/span><\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Meanwhile, both insist that the hill S of us is Pyramid Rock<\/span><\/a> (3,480 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Just crazy!\u00a0 Can’t think of an explanation for it.<\/em><\/p>\n

I can, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

Really?\u00a0 Do tell, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

Humans named it.\u00a0 Doesn’t have to make any sense at all.\u00a0 Anyway, which one do you want to climb, SPHP?\u00a0 The hill the map says is Pyramid Rock, or the real one?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, I don’t know.\u00a0 Maybe we’ll do both?\u00a0 Let’s start with the easy one.<\/em><\/p>\n

A two track road led most of the way up the hill to the S.\u00a0 Above it, Lupe picked her way through tall grass, bushes, and up a small rocky section the short remaining distance to a few rocks along the upper edge.\u00a0 Along the way, she discovered a most unusual creature.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
About to head up the hill to the S. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Getting close to the top. Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Come look at this, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Wha’dya find, Looper?<\/em><\/p>\n

The world’s shortest snake, SPHP!\u00a0 Sniffs funny.\u00a0 Might be dying!\u00a0 It’s barely moving.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
World’s shortest snake.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

That’s not a snake, Loop.\u00a0 That’s a slug!\u00a0 Sort of a snail without a shell.<\/em><\/p>\n

Weird!\u00a0 Don’t think I’ll eat it.\u00a0 Got any chocolate coconut bars, instead?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yeah, I do.\u00a0 Don’t eat the poor slug!\u00a0 Actually quite a handsome specimen as far as slugs go.\u00a0 Leave him be, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Handsome as far as slugs go?\u00a0 Slugs don’t seem to go very far, SPHP.<\/em><\/p>\n

The top of the fake Pyramid Rock was acres in size.\u00a0 The N lip clearly wasn’t the high point, so Lupe went in search of it.\u00a0 Tall, wet vegetation hid the ground over a large region all practically the same elevation.\u00a0 No discernable specific point appeared to be the true summit.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Summit of fake Pyramid Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Satisfied that she’d done as much as could be done, Lupe returned to the N lip.\u00a0 A chocolate coconut bar break was taken here, while enjoying the view of what still seemed to be the real Pyramid Rock<\/span><\/a> (3,577 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, plus Sturgeon Rock<\/span><\/a> (4,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Silver Star Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,360 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, both of which were now emerging from the clouds.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Relaxing on Fake Pyramid Rock<\/strong>, aka World’s Shortest Snake Hill<\/strong>. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (L) beyond Pyramid Rock<\/strong> (L of Center). Silver Star Mountain<\/strong> (R of Center). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (far L), Pyramid Rock<\/strong> (L), Silver Star Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Half an hour flew by up on Fake Pyramid Rock.\u00a0 Time to move on.<\/p>\n

Silver Star Mountain is below the clouds!\u00a0 Climbing the true Pyramid Rock might not be the best choice, SPHP.\u00a0 Maybe we better get to Silver Star?<\/em><\/p>\n

Seemed reasonable.\u00a0 Looper returned to Trail No. 180F, which ran NNE from the junction along the mostly open side of the ridge, passing W of true Pyramid Rock.\u00a0 Sturgeon Rock could still be seen along in here, but Silver Star Mountain could not.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Continuing along Trail No. 180F. Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (L). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Making progress! Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Eventually climbing faster, widening out, and becoming quite rocky, the trail curved back into the forest.\u00a0 In this region, a woman caught up to SPHP, and struck up a conversation.\u00a0 Her name was Boni.\u00a0 She and her husband, Dave, lived somewhere over toward Larch Mountain.\u00a0 Dave soon appeared, and fell in with Lupe’s growing parade, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rocky stretch close to where Boni caught up.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Dave was an expert on the local trail system.\u00a0 He and Boni had hiked up Silver Star Mountain many times.\u00a0 Dog Mountain<\/span><\/a> (2,948 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, farther E along the Columbia River gorge, was another recommended summit, and sure sounded good to Lupe, but Silver Star was their favorite.\u00a0 Boni and Dave were both very friendly, but soon pressed on ahead.<\/p>\n

Lupe started coming to other trails.\u00a0 No 180F fed into No. 180.\u00a0 No sign that SPHP noticed, but farther on, there was a sign for No. 180E, which went to the Indian Pits along the S ridge.\u00a0 Might have been interesting, but Lupe went right on by.\u00a0 It was only a little farther up to a huge cairn at another trail junction.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At big cairn junction.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Abandoning No. 180, which continued N, Lupe turned E (R) at the cairn on No. 180D, which was also a wide and somewhat rocky path.\u00a0 It wasn’t far to a flat spot on the L where a single stone campfire ring was hidden among the trees.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Heading up No. 180D. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From here, the trail angled SE.\u00a0 Gaining 120 feet of elevation beyond the campsite, the trail turned E again as it reached a saddle between two high points.<\/p>\n

11:16 AM, 57\u00baF, Silver Star Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,360 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – Still quite cloudy, but at least the American Dingo wasn’t lost in fog.\u00a0 Off to the N (L), Boni and Dave were visible over at Silver Star’s summit.\u00a0 Straight ahead, Lupe had a great view of Little Baldy Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,920 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> way out along Silver Star’s E ridge.\u00a0 Bluff Mountain<\/span><\/a> (3,928 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was beyond Little Baldy, and a series of hazy, more distant ridges stretched away past it.<\/p>\n

The map showed a “Star 2” survey benchmark at the high point to the S, which was very close by.\u00a0 Lupe went up there first.\u00a0 Disappointingly, no sign of the Star 2 benchmark could be found, only a thick metal rod sticking up out of a pile of rocks.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Little Baldy Mountain<\/strong> (Center) with Bluff Mountain<\/strong> (R) beyond it. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the metal rod at the Star 2 high point<\/strong>. Silver Star Mountain true summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Star Mountain’s E ridge<\/strong> (foreground) with Little Baldy Mountain<\/strong> (R) from the Star 2 HP<\/strong>. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Looking SW, Pyramid Rock and World’s Shortest Snake Hill were both in sight way down the ridge.\u00a0 Clouds still hung around Larch Mountain’s summit.\u00a0 Near the horizon, the Columbia River was barely discernable through the haze.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid Rock<\/strong> (L of Center) with false Pyramid Rock<\/strong> beyond it. Larch Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Having seen what there was to see from the Star 2 high point, Lupe went over to Silver Star Mountain’s true summit.\u00a0 Still there, Boni and Dave welcomed Loopster to their favorite mountaintop.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Boni and Dave on Silver Star Mountain<\/strong>! Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Another conversation ensued.\u00a0 Both Pyramid Rock candidates were in view from the summit.\u00a0 Dave confirmed that the very rocky high point along the SW ridge was the true Pyramid Rock, no matter what the map said.\u00a0 When SPHP asked Dave about a natural arch somewhere on Silver Star Mountain, Dave knew all about it.<\/p>\n

Just go back down to the little campsite with the stone fire ring, then take Trail No. 172 around to the N side of the mountain.\u00a0 Look up.\u00a0 From the right spot, the arch is visible well up a steep slope.\u00a0 A small cave is behind the arch.<\/p>\n

Boni was surprised!\u00a0 Dave had never mentioned the arch to her before!\u00a0 She wanted to see it, too.\u00a0 Dave agreed to take her there.\u00a0 Happily, before departing, Boni had good information to share.\u00a0 Thus far, SPHP hadn’t noticed any, but Boni insisted that Silver Star Mountain had plenty of huckleberries.\u00a0 She’d seen many on the way up.<\/p>\n

Stay alert!\u00a0 Don’t want to miss out on the huckleberries!<\/em><\/p>\n

Boni and Dave went on their way.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP lingered up on Silver Star Mountain.\u00a0 The true summit was a 15 foot diameter rocky crag that jutted 10 feet up above the rest of a considerably larger summit region.\u00a0 Shaking Loopster’s paw, SPHP congratulated the American Dingo on her success, following praise up with an eagerly accepted chocolate coconut bar.\u00a0 Shared, of course.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Atop Silver Star Mountain<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Star 2 high point<\/strong> (L) from the true summit<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lots more to see up here, too!\u00a0 During her traditional summit hour, Lupe toured the highlights.\u00a0 To the SW, Larch Mountain was cloud-free now.\u00a0 A concrete foundation, perhaps all that remained of an old lookout, was immediately NW of the summit knob.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Larch Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
The old concrete foundation. True summit<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sturgeon Rock<\/span><\/a> (4,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was due W, and looked much different and more dramatic from up here.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There was a fabulous view of Silver Star Mountain’s long E ridge, and of countless hills, mountains, and ridges to the N.\u00a0 Only 0.33 mile N, Lupe could see Silver Star Mountain North<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (4,210 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Star Mountain’s E ridge<\/strong> (Center & R), Little Baldy Mountain<\/strong> (R), and Bluff Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak<\/span> 3977<\/span><\/a><\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Star Mountain North<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The clouds were breaking up!\u00a0 More and more blue sky appeared.\u00a0 Views kept improving.\u00a0 Silver Star Mountain was turning out well.\u00a0 Still not all it might have been, though.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, no sign of the big volcanoes, Looper.<\/em><\/p>\n

Which ones should we be able to see from here, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Mount Saint Helens<\/a>(8,333<\/span> ft.)<\/span><\/span><\/strong> and Mount Adams<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> (12,276 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> N and NE.\u00a0 Maybe even Mount Rainier<\/span><\/a>(14,411 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>.\u00a0 Mount Hood<\/span><\/a>(11,239 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> SE.<\/em><\/p>\n

75 minutes after arriving at Silver Star Mountain’s true summit, Lupe was back on it.\u00a0 Silver Star was popular.\u00a0 Getting busy!\u00a0 Time to go.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Final moments on the true summit<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Our Silver Star Mountain adventure isn’t over already, is it, SPHP?\u00a0 We’re still going to check out the arch Dave told you about, aren’t we?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 Lots more to come, Looper.\u00a0 Might even see those volcanoes yet!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Leaving the summit. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Returning to Trail No. 180D, Lupe headed back down to the campsite.\u00a0 No sign, but sure enough, a trail did head NE off into the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the stone fire ring campsite just N of Trail No. 180D. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Start of Trail No. 172 (L) where it leaves the campsite. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Didn’t take long to follow the trail around to the N side of the mountain.\u00a0 A pink slip of paper was impaled on a stick next the trail.<\/p>\n

A note, SPHP!\u00a0 What does it say?<\/em><\/p>\n

Go to excellent huckleberry bushes straight ahead!\u00a0 (We left some for you.)\u00a0 Look straight up from there and see arch.\u00a0 Remove this note please.\u00a0 Boni & Dave.<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking straight ahead across a small rock slide, and up the slope from there, a little sliver of the arch was visible.<\/p>\n

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The arch is above the rock formation seen directly beyond Lupe. Photo looks ESE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

C’mon, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s go up there!<\/em><\/p>\n

Easier said than done.\u00a0 Huckleberry-whacking is an exceptionally slow process.\u00a0 After crossing most of the rockslide, Lupe started up.\u00a0 The slope was very steep, and densely covered with huckleberry bushes.\u00a0 Big, ripe, dark purple, and sweet!\u00a0 SPHP devoured hundreds of huckleberries.\u00a0 Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, remained.<\/p>\n

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Huckleberries! Scrumptious!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Heading first toward the L (E) up to the base of a big rock outcropping, then to the R (W) where Lupe discovered an equally steep faint trail, SPHP scarfed up huckleberries the entire way.\u00a0 After gaining 80 to 100 feet, Lupe was positioned for success directly below the arch.<\/p>\n

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Below the arch. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Finishing the climb, Lupe entered a little grotto behind the arch.\u00a0 A low cave went maybe 6 to 8 feet back into the mountain.\u00a0 Plenty of headroom for a Carolina Dog!<\/p>\n

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Entering the grotto.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
In the grotto. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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In the cave.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Most awesome Dingo Cave ever, SPHP!\u00a0 Hidden spot way up on Silver Star Mountain’s N slope, with this grand arch entryway, and a fabulous view!<\/em><\/p>\n

Certainly was pretty sweet!\u00a0 Depending on how one wanted to frame it, either Peak<\/span> 3977<\/span><\/a><\/strong> or Silver Star Mountain North<\/span><\/a> (4,210 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> could be seen out the big arch picture window.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
View from the cave. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Star Mountain North<\/strong> through the arch. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Peak 3977<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The arch and cave combination was very cool and unusual.\u00a0 Lupe and SPHP hung around a little while enjoying the view before returning to Trail No. 172.\u00a0 On the way back to the campsite, an unmarked trail took off to the WNW.\u00a0 Exploring it, Lupe soon reached a major trail junction.<\/p>\n

Three old wooden signs gave directions.\u00a0 Lupe was back at Trail No. 180, which went both S and N.\u00a0 The junction with the big cairn where Trail No. 180.D split off heading for Silver Star Mountain’s summit was 0.25 mile S.\u00a0 Going N, Ed’s Trail (No. 180A)<\/em> split off from No. 180, destined to wrap around the E side of Silver Star Mountain North.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sign for Trail No. 172, which Lupe had just come from.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Ed’s Trail No. 180A wraps around the E side of Silver Star Mountain North.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Trail No. 180 went both S and N from here.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where to, SPHP?\u00a0 S back to the big cairn?<\/em><\/p>\n

Nope!\u00a0 We’ve got one more project on this side of the mountain.\u00a0 Take No. 180 N.\u00a0 Maybe we can climb Silver Star Mountain North<\/span><\/a> (4,210 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>?<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
At the junction. Lupe left it heading N on Trail No. 180 (L). Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Leaving the junction, Trail No. 180 was smooth, wide, and level as Lupe followed it through the forest.\u00a0 Before long, the trail climbed a bit.\u00a0 0.25 mile from the junction, the Carolina Dog emerged from the trees on an open shoulder just W of Silver Star Mountain North.<\/p>\n

Distant clouds, but lots of blue sky now!\u00a0 Very encouraging!\u00a0 The day was getting better and better.\u00a0 Looked like Silver Star Mountain North would be an easy climb, too.\u00a0 A rock slide to go up, but Lupe could do that.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trail No. 180 out on Silver Star Mountain North’s W flank<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below Silver Star Mountain North<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Turning back, because she’d gone too far N, Looper returned to the edge of the forest.\u00a0 Leaving the trail to climb ESE, she passed through a bushy region on her way to the rock slide.\u00a0 Huckleberries!\u00a0 Tons of ’em!\u00a0 Lupe cooled her jets, sniffing about while SPHP indulged.<\/p>\n

The inevitable huckleberry delay came to its conclusion.\u00a0 Lupe started up the rock slide, aiming for the lower S end of the line of cliffs above.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the rock slide. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Below the cliffs. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Above the rock slide, just S of the cliffs. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Above the rock slide, Lupe reached the edge of a large plateau that tilted down toward the S.\u00a0 Quite rocky, the plateau was dotted with scattered trees and bushes.\u00a0 Climbing N near the W edge, Loop was soon beyond the last trees.\u00a0 The summit wasn’t much farther.\u00a0 On the way to it, she came to a semi-circular rock windbreak.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Near the W edge of the plateau. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
By the windbreak. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2:43 PM, 63\u00baF, Silver Star Mountain North<\/span><\/a> (4,210 ft.)<\/span><\/strong><\/em> – The summit was at the far NNW end of the plateau, where a low ridge of rock ran along the N and NE edge.\u00a0 Except near the horizon, almost the entire sky was now cloud-free.\u00a0 However, that didn’t mean visibility was as good as it should have been.\u00a0 Smoke still marred the views to the W and SW, where the Columbia River remained barely visible.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Silver Star Mountain North summit<\/strong>. Photo looks NNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Locally, visibility was excellent.\u00a0 The Carolina Dog enjoyed grand views of the long N ridge, and Silver Star Mountain<\/span><\/a> (4,360 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>, where she’d been with Boni and Dave so recently.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Peering down on the N ridge. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Another view. Trail No. 180 below. Photo looks NW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Star Mountain<\/strong> (Center) from Silver Star Mountain North<\/strong>. Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yet the most exciting view was far to the SE.\u00a0 Kind of smoky over that way, too, but the smoke wasn’t terrible.<\/p>\n

SPHP, look!\u00a0 A volcano!\u00a0 We finally get to see one!<\/em><\/p>\n

You’re right, Loop!\u00a0 That’s gotta be Mount Hood<\/span><\/a> (11,239 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hood<\/strong> (R). Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hood<\/strong> with help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Maybe seeing Mount Hood from Silver Star Mountain North meant that the Luck of the Dingo was finally returning?\u00a0 The trend was favorable, but distant clouds still hid Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams.\u00a0 Plenty of time left, though, and the American Dingo could make good use of it.<\/p>\n

C’mon, Looper!\u00a0 Let’s go visit Sturgeon Rock<\/span><\/a> (4,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong>!<\/em><\/p>\n

Returning to Trail No. 180 as quickly as possible, despite another round of huckleberry fest, Lupe headed S.\u00a0 At the junction with all the signs, she continued S up to the intersection with the big cairn and kept going.<\/p>\n

Downhill now, but not that far, to where Trail No. 180E branched off to the Indian Pits.\u00a0 Ignoring that turn, Lupe went another 25 feet to where Trail No. 180C branched off to the W (R).<\/p>\n

Trail No. 180C was wide and rocky, yet looked a bit overgrown, as Lupe started down it.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (Center) from Trail No. 180C. Photo looks WNW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No. 180C lost elevation, a trend that accelerated as Lupe went on.\u00a0 By the time Loopster drew even with the E end of Sturgeon Rock, it was much, much higher.\u00a0 A line of columnar vertical cliffs above showed that Loop would have to try to reach the ridgeline farther W.<\/p>\n

The ridgeline sloped down to the W, but so did the trail.\u00a0 Once Lupe was beyond the cliffs, SPHP started looking for a way up, but the slope was still extremely steep.\u00a0 After passing two massive deadfall logs, Loopster finally came to a place where a faint use trail angled up into the forest.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Passing the fallen logs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Starting up the faint use trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The use trail was an illusion that soon faded away.\u00a0 After gaining some elevation, Lupe got stuck below a nearly vertical bank that was still too steep to manage.\u00a0 The critical problem zone wasn’t very tall, maybe 20 feet.\u00a0 A mad scramble thrashing around in the bushes while traversing farther W ensued.<\/p>\n

Before too long, Lupe came to a spot that might work.\u00a0 Barely, but it did!\u00a0 Now above the trees and tall bushes, Loop was still on a very steep slope, but she could claw her way higher.\u00a0 It was much farther to the ridgeline than it had appeared from below, but the Carolina Dog managed to get up to where the terrain was much flatter.<\/p>\n

There was a good use trail up here that headed right for Sturgeon Rock!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Above the worst of it, but still on a very steep slope. Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Along the S edge of the ridge. Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (Center), Silver Star Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Wait, Loop!\u00a0 Don’t go to Sturgeon Rock yet.<\/em><\/p>\n

Why not, SPHP?\u00a0 Isn’t that what we’re here for?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, but you can tag the Clark County High Point<\/span><\/a> (4,080 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> on the way.\u00a0 It’s somewhere up along the ridgeline between here and Sturgeon Rock.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, so two ascents for the price of one?\u00a0 I like it, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Loopster went up to the ridgeline, which wasn’t far from the trail.\u00a0 The views were great!\u00a0 A lot of smoke to the SW, but otherwise the sky was clear, especially to the E over by Sturgeon Rock.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Looking WSW toward the smoke. Larch Mountain<\/strong> (L).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
On the ridgeline. Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (R), Silver Star Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How do we find the Clark County High Point, SPHP?\u00a0 What do we look for?<\/em><\/p>\n

Possibly a cairn, or even a registry, Loop, but I doubt we’ll find either.\u00a0 It’s just wherever the county line crosses this ridge.\u00a0 Go E along the ridgeline hitting whatever little high points there may be, and you’ll go right over it somewhere along the way.\u00a0 Good chance we won’t even know when we’re there.<\/em><\/p>\n

And that still counts, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, yeah!\u00a0 Totally legit!<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, that sounded easy enough out on an open ridge with no significant obstacles.\u00a0 Hitting every high point along the way, Lupe headed E.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (R).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Silver Star Mountain North<\/strong> (L), Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (R of Center), Silver Star Mountain<\/strong> (far R). Photo looks ENE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Who knows? This might be it, SPHP!<\/em> Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
This would be a good spot for the Clark County High Point<\/strong>!<\/em> Photo looks NNE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Say when, SPHP! … I just don’t know, Loop. Supposed to be only 40 feet lower than Sturgeon Rock, so maybe a little farther?<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Running out of mountain, SPHP!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Like looking for a needle in a haystack, and yet I’m supposed to step on it!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
No cairn, no registry, no survey benchmark, no clue, yet I’ll still get credit for an extra ascent!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the end, the use trail wound up to an elevated platform immediately W of Sturgeon Rock.<\/p>\n

So, do I get credit for visiting the Clark County High Point, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Yes, of course!\u00a0 Must have hit it somewhere along the way by now, Loop.<\/em><\/p>\n

Oh, good!\u00a0 I’ll be collecting an extra chocolate coconut bar then.<\/em><\/p>\n

Fine, fine!\u00a0 Have to wait until you’ve climbed Sturgeon Rock, though.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On the platform just below Sturgeon Rock<\/strong>. Larch Mountain<\/strong> (L). Photo looks W.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

From a distance, Sturgeon Rock had looked like a fail.\u00a0 Lupe wasn’t going to be able to get up onto that lofty pinnacle!\u00a0 But up close, the situation appeared rather different.\u00a0 Lupe was already only 20 feet below the top!<\/p>\n

Think you’re looking good, Loopster!<\/em><\/p>\n

And in a moment she was!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Success!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not a roomy place!\u00a0 Sturgeon Rock<\/span><\/a> (4,120 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> was most definitely an airy perch.<\/p>\n

Stay right there, Looper!\u00a0 Don’t move!\u00a0 Gotta get a couple more shots!<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Moment of glory on Sturgeon Rock<\/strong>!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
As seen from the platform. Photo looks E.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Couldn’t leave Lupe up there too long!\u00a0 SPHP called her down.\u00a0 A short break was taken on the platform, enjoying the Sturgeon Rock success, plus all the grand views.\u00a0 By now, even the clouds to the N and NE had retreated so far off that more wonders were on display.<\/p>\n

Mount Saint Helens<\/span><\/a> (8,333 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> and Mount Adams<\/span><\/a> (12,276 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> were both in sight!\u00a0 Of course, Mount Hood was, too.\u00a0 Hazy, but Lupe had been looking for these bad boys for days now, and finally, here they all were!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Mount Saint Helens<\/strong>. Photo looks N with lots of help from the telephoto lens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Adams<\/strong> (R). Silver Star Mountain North<\/strong> (L) in the foreground. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Zoomed in on Mount Adams<\/strong>. Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Mount Hood<\/strong>. Photo looks SE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Silver Star Mountain, what a day!\u00a0 You’ve been all over this mountain now, Loop, including the arch and cave, met Dave and Boni, the local trail and huckleberry experts, seen 3 famous volcanoes, and even made it to the top of Sturgeon Rock!<\/em><\/p>\n

Aren’t you forgetting something, SPHP?<\/em><\/p>\n

Like what, Loop?\u00a0 Your chocolate coconut bars?<\/em><\/p>\n

Well, yes, that, but I mean about Silver Star Mountain.<\/em><\/p>\n

Indian Pits?\u00a0 You wanted to see the Indian Pits, Loop?<\/em><\/p>\n

I suppose the Indian Pits would be OK, but look over there, SPHP!<\/em><\/p>\n

Looking down Silver Star Mountain’s long SW ridge, a massive knob of rock stood out.\u00a0 Pyramid Rock.\u00a0 The real one, not the fake one with the world’s shortest snake that Lupe had climbed this morning.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid Rock<\/strong> (Center). Photo looks SSW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Probably still time, if we hurry, Loopster.<\/em><\/p>\n

On the way down the ridge W of Sturgeon Rock, Lupe followed the use trail past where she’d come up, hoping to avoid the super steep slope.\u00a0 Even the use trail led to a ridiculously steep decent, but it was at least somewhat better than Loop’s route up had been.<\/p>\n

Two big white trees were across No. 180C where Lupe reached it again.\u00a0 Turning E, she went all the way back up to No. 180.<\/p>\n

Downhill to No. 180F!\u00a0 Pyramid Rock basked in evening sunlight as Lupe approached and went by, hurrying on to the junction with the side trail.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Trail No. 180C where Lupe reached it after following the Sturgeon Rock use trail down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Approaching Pyramid Rock<\/strong> (L) on No. 180F. Photo looks SW.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid Rock<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lupe made it to the same saddle she’d been to earlier in the day.\u00a0 Still time!\u00a0 Pyramid Rock remained bathed in sunlight as the Carolina Dog followed another trail through the tall grass to the base of the S face.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Back at the saddle, destined for Pyramid Rock<\/strong>. Photo looks N.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The use trail ultimately led to a short scramble near the top that SPHP wouldn’t be anxious repeat on the way down, but Lupe made it!<\/p>\n

7:35 PM, 55\u00baF, Pyramid Rock<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/em> (3,577 ft.)<\/span><\/strong> –<\/em> Half an hour before sunset, Lupe stood all aglow atop the real Pyramid Rock.\u00a0 Well beyond her, both Sturgeon Rock and Silver Star Mountain were still lit up, too.\u00a0 Smoky all points W, but the sky was otherwise clear, and the smoke wasn’t thick enough to deny a sunset.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
On Pyramid Rock<\/strong>. Sturgeon Rock<\/strong> (L), Silver Star Mountain<\/strong> (R). Photo looks NE.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Enough room up here to relax easily enough, even a bit of grass among all the rock where Lupe could get comfortable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Pyramid Rock summit<\/strong>. World’s Shortest Snake Hill<\/strong> (R). Photo looks S.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A light W breeze.\u00a0 Silence.\u00a0 Precious minutes ticked away.\u00a0 Lupe stayed until the last glimmer of the weary sun sputtered and died.\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Only twilight remained.\u00a0 It would soon be gone, too.<\/p>\n

The American Dingo beat twilight to the punch.\u00a0 Avoiding that scramble on the upper S route, Lupe went SE first, losing enough elevation to get below it before returning to the use trail.\u00a0 A better route!<\/p>\n

Back at Trail No. 180F, SPHP had to bring out the flashlight.\u00a0 Down the trail Lupe went, trotting through the black forest, confident that comfort, dinner, and rest were waiting at the RAV4.\u00a0 (End 9:31 PM, 55\u00baF)<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
With Boni & Dave on Silver Star Mountain<\/strong>, Cascade Range, Washington 8-23-21<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Links:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Next Adventure<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Prior Adventure<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Want more Lupe adventures?\u00a0\u00a0Choose from Lupe’s Summer of 2021<\/span> Dingo Vacations to New Mexico, Wyoming & the West Coast Adventure Inde<\/strong><\/span>x<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, Dingo Vacations Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a> or Master Adventure Index<\/span><\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0Or subscribe free\u00a0to\u00a0new Lupe adventures<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Day 18 of Lupe’s 3rd Summer of 2021 Dingo Vacation to the West Coast! 7:59 AM, 46\u00baF, Grouse Vista trailhead – Sunlight filtering through the trees and an encouraging patch of blue sky had both vanished by the time SPHP was ready.\u00a0 Smoke or fog!\u00a0 Always seemed to be one or the other on this … Continue reading Silver Star Mountain, Cascade Range, Washington (8-23-21)<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":38849,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1416],"tags":[105,1539,106,1515,26,1540,104,1537,1536,1538,501],"class_list":["post-38929","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1416","tag-american-dingo","tag-boni-dave","tag-carolina-dog","tag-cascade-range","tag-dingo-vacations","tag-grouse-vista-trailhead","tag-lupe","tag-pyramid-rock","tag-silver-star-mountain","tag-sturgeon-rock","tag-washington"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/adventuresoflupe.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/IMG_2043-scaled.jpg?fit=1651%2C1238&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38929","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=38929"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38929\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41089,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38929\/revisions\/41089"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/38849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=38929"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=38929"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/adventuresoflupe.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=38929"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}