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Trip

Day Hike - Tarbell Trail

Trip will initially open to Olympia Conditioning Hiking Series students. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers, based on availability, 4 days prior to date of the hike. Summit Silver Star Mountain by way of the longer Tarbell Trail route

Contacts

Melody George
Melody George
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 13.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,460 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 4,330 ft
  • Pace: CHS 2 (2.0-3.0 mph)
We will take the Tarbell Trail to the Chinook Trail- 180B to climb up Silver Star mountain via Eds Trail and back via Silver Star trail to connect back with the Tarbell Trail. I had thought about a larger loop to include hidden falls but the last trip reports sound like there is a closure a mile before the falls so we will make this an out and back.
Here is an overview map of the trail system- https://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/eng_rms_tarbell_06_full.pdf
This is my first CHS hike to participate in or lead. I rated it as CHS2 and will try to keep a steady 2mph pace as much as possible but may slow down to 1.5mph up the 3 mile section, especially if it is hot. I like to take generous lunches (more than 20 min) and breaks. I do not often hike faster than 2mph. If you are a trail runner or a quick hiker please be in the mindset that we may need to slow things down for others. Any non CHS hikers should be up for a challenge with the climb and consistent pace.
There does not look to be a water source. I would recommend carrying two-three liters of water and lunch.

We will meet up at the Tarbell Trailhead at 8:30am Sunday. Please note that this trailhead is a little over 2 hours from Olympia. 

From I-5 heading south take exit 14 for WA 501 toward Ridgefield/ Battle Ground. There are several turns and then you will come to WA-503 North. 
Stay on this road, also called the Lewisville Highway, for 1.4 miles and then turn right onto NE Rock Creek Road for Pomeroy Farm, Lucia Falls, and Moulton Falls.

Keep on this road, which becomes NE Lucia Falls Road, for 8.6 miles, and turn right onto NE Sunset Falls Road.

Go 2.1 miles on this winding paved road and turn right onto NE Dole Valley Road.

Go 2.4 miles on this road and then make left onto signed Road L1100 (road number also painted on a tree).

Keep on this gravel road for 2.2 miles and turn right at a junction. There is parking and a restroom on the left for the Tarbell Picnic Area and Trailhead.

Discover Pass is required for each vehicle

Additional details to be provided to registered participants. 

Roster
Route/Place

Tarbell Trail

Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  • Navigation
  • Headlamp
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Knife
  • Fire
  • Shelter
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Extra clothes
  • Recommend Hiking poles for steep loose rock 
Trip Reports