Saddle Mountain (5.5 miles, 1,600 vertical feet) is the premier hiking highlight of the northern Oregon Coast Range, offering a chance to glimpse five volcanoes (Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Hood and Jefferson) when conditions are right. On a nice Saturday or Sunday, hordes of Portlanders ascend its accessible switchbacks during their weekend jaunt to Seaside or Cannon Beach. The summer crowds are a powerful motivator to seek recreation elsewhere, and make the rare, clear, snow-free winter day an opportunity not to be missed.
We had such a perfect alignment of conditions on Presidents' Day and headed west on 26 from Portland, stopping at
Camp 18 for a breakfast worthy of lumberjacks from the days of yore. By 10:30 a.m. we parked and headed up the trail. The day was perfect - blue sky, temperature in the 50s with occasional gusts of wind. Although the route started in a wooded area, the absence of spring foliage made it easy to see the surrounding mountains, and eventually the ocean as we continued upward.
The wind gradually became more intense. In the exposed areas toward the top, gusts reached to 20-30 mph. At the summit we expected to only hang out for a moment before seeking shelter from the wind, but were pleasantly surprised to find a calm spot to snack and enjoy the view. And it was an epic sight! All five volcanoes were out, along with the Olympics to the north, Goat Rocks to the northeast, Astoria and the Columbia River bar to the northwest and countless Cascadian landmarks.
After hanging out for fifteen minutes we descended, passing dozens of other hikers on their way up with the same idea. By the time we reached the car, the parking lot overflowed with vehicles extending down alongside the access road. The key lessons learned for the day reiterated what was already known: hike Saddle on a clear day, and hit the trail as early as possible.
View more pics from the hike.
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