The 4,390-foot summit of Silver Star Mountain is easily visible from much of the Portland and Vancouver area, and is located about 28 crow-flying miles northeast of home.

In late spring I hiked to the summit of Silver Star from Grouse Vista.

On a personal note, we placed my father’s ashes on Silver Star’s summit fifteen years ago.

Sitting on the summit gave me an opportunity to honor his memory. He would have enjoyed the location.

The views are open and far-reaching on a clear day. Deer are often nearby, as are black bears when the huckleberries ripen in the autumn.

Less than one mile away are Indian pits used for religious ceremonies in the long past.

I imagine at times the spirits of the Indians and my father sitting around an open campfire telling wild and wooly stories about hunting and other adventures.

Even though I miss him, the old cowboy is always nearby when I am in the wilderness.