Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,630.00 ft (496.82 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
6.00 mi (9.66 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

If you are heading out to the coast from Portland, a hike up Saddle Mountain is an absolute must!  Just 7 miles off of Highway 26, the giant basalt outcropping is the highest peak in the northern portion of the coast range, and on clear days it offers fabulous panoramic views that stretch from the Cascade Range to the Pacific Ocean.

The trail begins climbing immediately from the parking lot, and some portions of the trail can be quite steep, so bring shoes with good traction.  Although the hike is a continuous climb, there are plenty of spots to rest along the way, including picnic tables that are spread out along the trail and vista points that make taking a breather well worth the time.  Hiking through stands of red alder, second-growth Sitka spruce and noble fir, the lower section of the trail is dotted with an incredible variety of wildflowers, including pink fawn lily, Pacific bleeding heart and western trillium.  Once farther up the trail, take a close look at the basalt, as it hosts a coral-like landscape of unique grasses, mosses and sedums.

The Saddle Mountain State Natural Area also offers 10 walk-in campsites sprinkled around the trailhead, with amenities including restrooms (without showers), running water, picnic tables and built-in fire rings.  Camping is only $5 per night.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Views from the Pacific to the Cascades. Wildflowers. Diverse terrain.

Cons

Often blanketed in clouds.

Trailhead Elevation

1,650.00 ft (502.92 m)

Features

Big vistas
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

01/23/2017
Great morning to hike Saddle Mountain. Just a few patches of snow and ice on the trail, but I do recommend carrying crampons with you this time of year. It was a bit windy, but there were clear views of the ocean, Astoria, the Columbia River, and Mount Rainier. If you go, be aware that on the 7 mile road in form Highway 26 there are several pot holes, some large. Also be careful of the metal mesh that has been put down to minimize erosion, as it can be slick when wet, and trecking poles can get caught in it. This is a great hike any time of year.
Hoping to do this one this summer 2016
06/05/2016
Enjoy some pics!
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