Monday, March 5, 2012

Saddle Mountain

Distance: 5.2 miles out and back
Want a stunning, panoramic view of coastal forests, mountain tops, and the Pacific Ocean? Head west on highway 26 from Portland for 65 miles until reaching Saddle Mountain Rd on the right. Continue 7 more miles to the trailhead.  Even on a cloudy day, you'll be blown away by the views. 
View from brief tree clearing

The trail begins at the base of Saddle Mountain. Weaving up the trail for about a mile, the dense forest begins to thin out, revealing some remarkable views along the way.
 Once the tree line ends, there’s nothing to obstruct your view of Saddle Mountain State Park.
 There are several – obvious – side trails as you rise to the summit. worth checking out..
Saddle Mountain Peak
 Saddle Mountain’s final ascent climbs over 300 feet in less than a quarter mile.  Loose gravel and steep gains make this portion of the hike difficult; cable railings and stairways are available. 
Summit View
 The summit can be crowded on a summer day, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of space to share at the top! On a clear day, the Pacific Ocean is visible to the west and Mt. Jefferson & Mt Hood to the east.

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