Another Tasha-inspired Hike!

By Wednesday, Aug. 18th the mid-90 degree weather in Western Oregon had "gone east," so we figured it was a great day for a hike since temperatures were forecast only to be in the high 70's. Tasha had picked out a little-known hike of slightly less than six miles round trip with a 1700 ft. elevation gain -- all to reach a peak, "Silver Star Mountain," that I'd never heard of, but it apparently blocks a view of Mt. Adams for everyone in Portland.


En route to the peak we passed through an interesting rock "keyhole" where Tasha is pictured.

From the peak we had great views of Mt. Adams (top), Hood, Rainier (bottom), and St. Helens; however, there was enough smog in the central valley of Washington that hindered a clear view of Rainier. Early-on on Wednesday there was a heavy cloud cover, but just as had been forecast, clouds burned-off by mid-day, giving way to a clear and sunny day with no wind even at the top. Tasha had "discovered" the hike in a book she checked out of the library entitled One Night Wilderness, a book that featured locations not-often-visited that would work for a 1-night backpack trip.

O yes, I guess I forgot to post the most important picture (a late reminder came from my daughter) -- the leap into nowhere, which, by the way, resulted in a less-than-fatal injury upon landing! - rw