Saddle Mountain
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4.5 mi
Distance
1 hrs 34 min
Time
terrain
1,480 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail to Saddle Mountain in Saddle Mountain State Park.
Fantastic all year hike as weather permits. Views of Mt Hood and the ocean at the top on a clear day. Last approach to the second summit is steep and grated with wire fencing, be careful as this can be slick in the winter months.
Getting Started
Take 26 northwest to the saddle mountain turnoff. Next few miles are narrow but mostly paved. Parking can be crowded on weekends, but fine if you arrive early.
Taking Children
Fine hike for children, steep at the end. Be cautious with kids around the slick metal fence grate.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
This mtn. hike brings you to possibly some of the best views on the Coast of Oregon. We’ve had so many good experiences on this hike-bring lots of water and a snack, wind breaker for top of hike rest time. Weather varies substantially, flowers are different every time you go up, sometimes it’s fogged in so prepare for that possibility. Wear good hike boots, don’t even bother if you are shaky on your feet (people have had bad experiences), trail can be slick, very steep, dangerous spots at times. Lots of people on typical days with lots of dogs, kids. We go early to avoid overflowing park lot, etc.
Can camp since they have 6 sites at park lot, flushing toilets.
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stars
This is a great that can be done in about half a day from the Portland area. Awesome views of the coast range.
Try to get out here during the week or early on the weekends in order to beat the crowds.
https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/17776f81747d20ac462793ee66c3aa07/?layer=caltoporelief,stamenterrainhd,OpenLandscapeMapHD
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Public Tracks
Saddle Mountain; 5 miles, 4 hours
iWatch read 5.93 miles.
Track (7/24/17, 11:29:55AM start)
For detailed route description, see hike 04, Saddle Mountain, in "Moon Oregon Hiking: The Complete Guide to More Than 490 Hikes" (Moon Outdoors), May 11, 2010 by Sean Patrick Hill.
Noteworthy features are nice collection of wildflowers near summit, and dramatic view of very wide region from the summit.
Did side spur to overlook on return leg.
Trip time includes multiple photography stops.
Saddle Mt (3/11/18, 12:12:38PM)
Upper 60’s, sunny, clear, snow on trail second half to summit. JZ, KZ, DS, ZH
Saddle Mountain Trail
My photographer pace is much slower than hiker pace. 😂
Saddle Mountain Track (6/3/19, 11:39:40AM)
Did not record full tract. Shot gape in recording
