"Saddle Mountain Trail in OR" by Jeff Hollett , public domain
![]() | Saddle MountainTrails |
Trail Guide and Map of Saddle Mountain State Natural Area (SNA) in Oregon. Published by Oregon State Parks and Recreation.
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covered parks
A North Coast Landmark
S
7M
ILE
Saddle Moun
ta
in
Ro
ad
State Natural Area
Trail Guide
To Cannon Beach
Amateur geologists also find Saddle Mountain
intriguing. The mountain formed when a large lava
flow of Columbia River basalt touched the ancient sea.
Steam explosions caused by the hot rock hitting the
cold water broke the rock into a giant pile of basalt
fragments.
To Portland
26
53
To Nehalem
U.S. Navy Lt. Charles Wilkes named
Saddle Mountain in 1841 for the
low, saddle-like curve
between two peaks.
Saddle Mountain State Natural Area
On Saddle Mtn. Rd. off US 26,
14 mi. E of Cannon Beach
Park Office: 503-368-5154
Information line: 800-551-6949
oregonstateparks.org
Printed on Recycled Paper
All information or fees subject to change without notice.
This brochure is available in alternative formats upon request.
Call 1-800-551-6949. Oregon Relay for the hearing impaired: dial 711.
63400-8152 ( 10-18)
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL CASH
Today, Saddle Mountain is cherished for its hiking,
colorful wildflowers and rare plants. The site is an
officially dedicated State Natural Area, the highest
level of protection and recognition of natural
habitat given under the Oregon Natural Areas Plan
and Oregon Natural Heritage Act. Botanists and
wildflower enthusiasts find the trail hike one of
the most interesting in northwestern Oregon. The
diversity and abundance of flowers, lichens and
mosses is remarkable.
State Natural Area
Saddle Mountain State Park is a rare living example
of the northern Oregon Coast Range’s ice age past.
Grasslands were once much more common in this
area. Since the last ice age, much of the grassland of
the coastal mountains has given way to forest. Over
time, plant species became isolated in fewer and
fewer grassland pockets. Some of the plants on Saddle
Mountain’s grassy slopes are rare because of the
habitat loss. Only a few coastal grassy “balds” remain
that host the rarest species found on Saddle Mountain.
COURTESY OF MICHAEL CASH
E
arly 20th-century park explorers described
Saddle Mountain as a “strikingly picturesque
pile of cliffed and chasmed rock.” Lewis and
Clark mention the mountain in their Dec. 17, 1805
journal entries, depicting it as “ruged and uneavin.”
The peak is a feature in Native American tribal
legends. The Clatsop Tribe called the mountain
“Swallalahoost.”
Saddle Mountain
Saddle Mountain
Elevation (ft)
3,400
3,200
2,800
2,600
2,400
2,200
2,000
1,800
1,600
The Trail
Saddle Mountain Trail Elevation Profile
0
.5
1
Distance (miles)
1.5
2
2.5
30
0
0'
1600'
Built by Civilian Conservation Corps workers in the
1930s, the trail zigzags through Douglas-fir, Sitka spruce,
western hemlock and noble fir stands. The forest gives
way to grassy slopes as the trail ascends the peak.
0'
2000'
32
0
Elev. 3283'
0
22
Hiking
0'
2400'
2600'
2800'
2800'
280
0
'
2600
'
0
32
2400
'
Elev. 3200'
0'
2200'
Rd
ain
Elev. 2775'
Parking
Restroom
1800'
t
oun
Saddle M
Viewpoint
Bridge
Saddle Mountain Trail:
2.5 miles 1,603’ elev. gain
◆
Elev. 1820'
Spur Trail:
.16 miles 140’ elev. gain
0
0.1
Saddle Mountain has a small, seasonal campground,
usually open March-October. Ten primitive, walkin tent sites are available first-come, first-served.
Saddle Mountain does not accommodate RV or
trailer camping. Visit www.oregonstateparks.org
for rate information.
The main trail is recommended for experienced
hikers wearing proper footwear and clothing. Weather
conditions can change rapidly, bringing wind and rain
year round and snow in the winter. Portions of the trail
can be slick in wet conditions. The trail climbs 1,603
feet over 2.5 miles, and is steep and difficult in spots.
The challenge is well worth the breathtaking reward.
If you don’t feel up to the main hike, try the short,
10-minute Humbug Mountain viewpoint trail that shoots
off from the main trail a quarter mile from the trailhead.
The spur trail gradually climbs to the top of a small
peak and has views of Saddle Mountain.
Friendly Reminders
Primitive Camping
◆
The spring and summer wildflower display on Saddle
2400'
Mountain
intrigues wildflower enthusiasts all season
long. Flowers bloom May-July, sometimes into August
depending on the weather. Please don’t pick them so
others can enjoy the show.
Camping
'
3000
'
2000
Elev. 1680'
If the lure of spring wildflowers isn’t enough to entice
you to the top, the panoramic view from the 3,283-foot
summit will. Fog and clouds often shroud the peak, but
on a clear day you can see the sweep of the Columbia
River as it enters the sea, miles of Pacific shoreline—
and on the eastern horizon, the Cascade Mountains in
Oregon and Washington.
0.2
• Please do not pick or dig plants or flowers.
26• Stay on the trail. Shortcuts cause erosion and harm
00
'
plants and wildlife.
• If you pack it in, pack it out.
• Dogs are permitted on leashes (6’ max). Please
dispose waste properly.
• Campfires are allowed in the campground only.
• Restrooms are located at the trailhead only.
'
2800