Trail #172 Bluff Mountain

Area Status: Open

From Silver Star Mountain this 6 mile trail runs east following the ridge and intersects Starway Trail #175 after about 0.5 mile. Proceeding along the ridge, the trail offers excellent views of the Portland/Vancouver metro area. After 2 miles, the trail drops down and runs south of Little Baldy Mountain. Continuing downhill, the trail turns north after approaching Bluff Mountain, then climbs steeply and follows an old road bed to Road 41 and Bluff Mountain Trailhead.

This trail winds through a forest that grew back after the Yacolt Burn of 1902 which consumed 238,900 acres. Because the area had been burned a number of times, there were large areas where trees would not grow back. In the 1960s, many areas along the trail were terraced and replanted in a huge reforestation effort. As you hike, you will see pockets of noble fir interspersed with open areas that offer some amazing wildflower displays in season.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	03/19/2024: Bluff Mountain Trail is open.
Usage:	Light
Closest Towns:	Yacolt, WA; Washougal, WA
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument Administrative Headquarters (360) 449-7800

General Information

Directions:

Bluff Mountain Trailhead

From Vancouver, Washington, take 503 north to Battleground. Continue north on 503 (NE Lewisville Hwy) for 5.6 miles. Turn right (east) onto NE 152 Ave./Rock Creek Road. Continue as the road curves south then east and becomes Lucia Falls Road. After 8.6 miles, turn right on Sunset Falls Road. Go 7.3 miles on Sunset Falls Road to Sunset Campground. Turn right and cross the East Fork Lewis River on Forest Road 41. Stay on Forest Road 41 for approximately 9 miles to a large parking area atop McKinley Ridge.

Activities

Day Hiking

See activity description under Backpacking.

Backpacking

Hikers can choose between two routes east toward Silver Star Mountain along the ridge. The eastbound trail follows the ridge and intersects Starway Trail #175 after about 0.5 miles. Proceeding along the ridge, the trail offers excellent views of the Portland/Vancouver metro area. After 2 miles, the trail drops down and runs south of Little Baldy Mountain. Continuing downhill, the trail turns north after approaching Bluff Mountain, then climbs steeply and follows an old road bed to Road 41. This trail winds through a forest that grew back after the Yacolt Burn of 1902 which consumed 238,900 acres. Because the area had been burned a number of times, there were large areas where trees would not grow back. In the 1960s, many areas along the trail were terraced and replanted in a huge reforestation effort. As you hike, you will see pockets of noble fir interspersed with open areas that offer some amazing wildflower displays.