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Saddle Mountain

© Wayne R. Brown

As a teenager, I heard of a mythical place called Saddle Mountain. The older brothers of two of my friends had climbed it. The stories and rumors that came back from that trip gave the place, in my mind, a mystique something like that of long lost Camelot.

I carried a mental image of what I imagined the place to look like for two decades. I had constructed a mental picture of the trail that circled around a bare peak to eventually arrive at its summit. Finally, as an adult, three of us set out to tackle the mountain.

Saddle Mountain did not look anything like that mental picture I had so carefully built up. In reality, after all that time, it was far more impressive and beautiful than I had ever imagined.

To reach saddle mountain, take Hwy. 26 west out of Portland. Perhaps two hours later (and approximately eight miles before intersecting with Hwy. 101) take saddle mountain road. Follow this paved, winding road seven miles to the trailhead. Adjust the shoelaces on your hiking boots and get ready for a hike you'll not soon forget.

Fair warning is in order. This is a trail for the adventurous. Those who are out of shape or who do not possess decent footwear should pick an easier trail.

The path starts out easy enough after a short, steep climb that is only a hint of what awaits you later on. Soon you will find yourself in a grove of alder as you traverse a fairly easy route. Before long, the trail starts to climb. To the left are looming cliffs. The drop on the right grows as you continue. The views become increasingly spectacular.

After winding along the southern flank of the mountain for a time, you eventually discover that you've reached the bottom of the saddle. To the north and south are steep cliffs that descend back into the real world. To the east is a peak with no trail. To the west you see the path to the summit. At this point, staring up the steep path ahead, you may find yourself wondering "what was I thinking?".

The final climb takes you up a steep, surreal, open mountainside to the summit. Take your time and enjoy the amazing panorama laid out before you. Whatever you do, don't fall off the path.

At the top is a fairly level viewpoint. To the north you can see the Columbia River. West (about eight miles away and three thousand feet down)is the Pacific Ocean. South is the Coast Range. To the east is Mount St. Helens. This is a good place to rest and have a snack before returning back down the trail.