What: Saddle Mountain State Natural Area.
When: Day-use area is open year-round, but be wary of the rapidly changing weather that occurs in the area. Camping at Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is from March 1-Oct. 31.
Where: Saddle Mountain State Park, Seaside. Coordinates: 45.962883, -123.689990.
SEASIDE, Ore. — The sweet smell of the Oregon Coast Range is one that can’t be replicated, at least not that I’ve found so far.
Hiking in the lush forest with the Pacific Ocean nearby is a combination of my ultimate comforts. The ocean and hiking up steep, green,mountains?
Sign me up.
Recently, after camping at Fort Stevens State Park on the northernmost corner of Oregon, a few friends and I decided to hike Saddle Mountain. The hike had been suggested by a winemaker in Astoria, so at noon on a Saturday, we headed inland from the coast to the destination.
What: Saddle Mountain State Natural Area.
When: Day-use area is open year-round, but be wary of the rapidly changing weather that occurs in the area. Camping at Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is from March 1-Oct. 31.
Where: Saddle Mountain State Park, Seaside. Coordinates: 45.962883, -123.689990.
A long and winding road that climbs steeply for a couple of miles brought us to a small, crowded parking lot. At the base of a 5-mile out-and-back hike, a sign states that the route is a continuous uphill climb.
That’s not a joke.
While 2.5 miles is a pretty short distance, the change in elevation is quite significant — 1,603 feet — for the amount of miles. The main trail is somewhat steep and difficult in many spots, with metal grates hammered into the ground for additional traction. Even with the added safety precaution, I still fell down multiple times in the spots where there’s loose gravel.
Like I said, it’s steep.
In any event, the vertical nature of the hike is well worth the arduous climb, as you pass from old-growth forests, through bald open fields full of wildflowers, to an open, rocky summit. Once atop Saddle Mountain, you’ll thank yourself for your perseverance.
The panoramic view from the 3,283-foot summit is one that will take your breath away if the climb didn’t already. To the south, dark green trees stretch for miles, as well as the not so beautiful logging sites sprinkled throughout the area. To the west, the rolling coastal clouds can be seen making their way inland, and on a completely clear day, I imagine the ocean can be seen.
From the northwest side of the summit (on a clear day), the mouth of the Columbia River enters the sea, and the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon and Washington also is prominent and remarkably humbling.
Climbing highlights
The hot sun made me thankful for the five water bottles we brought to the top, as well as the breeze. I recommend bringing a lot of water and some snacks to enjoy at the top, as well as either a hat or some sunscreen.
After enjoying the view from all sides of the summit, our crew headed back down the mountain. The metal grates in the ground really play to your advantage as you attempt to maintain your balance. The entire trek took about four hours, but that was with us staying at the summit for nearly an hour.
If you’re not really looking for a moderate to difficult climb, you can try the short, 10-minute Humbug Mountain viewpoint trail that shoots off from the main trail a quarter mile from the trailhead.
For those with a little bit of asthma (like myself), be sure to bring your inhaler; I found myself having to stop a couple times to take a breath.
The steep climb and sweeping views just reinforce my obsession with the Oregon outdoors. The more time I spend outside, the less I think I’ll ever leave this great state.
