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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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Saddle Mountain State Park
Western Meadow Lark © stateparks.com
Western Meadow Lark
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SADDLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
SADDLE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Two and a half miles. That's all it is from the parking lot (elev. 1,650') to the summit of Saddle Mountain (elev. 3,283'). Be prepared to marvel at the sheer volume of natural beauty packed onto the mountain, from a mature forest setting to fields of wildflowers to an open rocky summit. The view from the top of the mountain is one that cannot be described ... it must be experienced.

The trip to the top isn't an everyday stroll through the woods, though. Come prepared with water and layer your clothing. The temperature is very different at the summit than in the parking lot. Wear appropriate shoes for rough terrain and be prepared for some steep grades, which make for interesting climbing. A nice walking stick and friend's hand would be helpful in many areas. As you climb, though, remember to look up and out at the landscape before you. Also look down at the wild floral show that may only exist at that elevation. Take frequent breaks and enjoy this unique landscape as well as the beauty of the forest below you.
History of the Area
Located in the northwest region of Oregon, this natural reserve is named after its highest peak that resembles a saddle. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes who used it for hunting and gathering resources.

In 1935, the land became recognized as an official state park when Clatsop County donated around 120 acres to the State Highway Commission (now known as Oregon Department of Transportation). This donation marked one of many efforts during President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal era aimed at preserving nature while providing jobs through public works projects such as building trails and campgrounds.

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), established under FDR's administration, played a significant role in developing infrastructure within these lands between 1933-1942. They constructed roads leading up to Saddle Mountain along with picnic areas and hiking paths which are still utilized today.

Over time additional parcels were added increasing its size significantly; currently spanning over three thousand acres making it one of largest parks managed by Oregon Parks & Recreation Department.
Camping
Saddle Mountain State Park in Oregon offers a campground for those who wish to stay overnight. Here are the details:

1. Saddle Mountain Campground: This is the only camping option within the park itself, located at its base and offering 10 walk-in tent sites (no RVs or trailers). Each site has a picnic table and fire pit with grill.

2. Amenities include drinking water, restrooms, showers, trash/recycling collection points but no electrical hookups.

3. The main attraction of this campsite is access to hiking trails leading up Saddle Mountain which provides panoramic views from its peak on clear days.

4. The campsites do not have vehicle access so you will need to carry your gear about 100 yards down an incline from parking area.

5. may be restricted during summer months due to wildfire risk; check current conditions before planning any open fires.

6. Reservations can't be made as it's first-come-first-served basis.

Please note that there aren't many amenities nearby - make sure you bring all necessary supplies with you!



Picnicking
Saddle Mountain State Park offers picnic tables and grills, perfect for a family outing. No reservations are required for picnicking.
Trails
1. Summit Trail: This is the main trail in Saddle Mountain State Park, stretching 2.5 miles one way and gaining over 1600 feet of elevation to reach the summit.

2. Humbug Mountain Viewpoint Spur: A short offshoot from the Summit Trail that leads hikers to a viewpoint overlooking Humbug Mountain.

3. Nature Loop Trail: An easy half-mile loop near the campground which offers interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.

4. Lower Meadow Trails: These trails meander through lower-elevation wildflower fields with less strenuous terrain than other park paths; perfect for casual strolls or picnics.

5. South Ridge Way Connector: Connects South Ridge Way (a nearby road) directly to partway up Summit trail, providing an alternative starting point for those looking to avoid crowded parking lots at peak times.

6. West Side Bypass: Short bypass route on west side of mountain offering different views compared with traditional ascent/descent routes along east face.

7. East Face Descent Route: Alternative descent path down eastern slope often used by experienced hikers seeking variety after reaching summit via standard route.

8. Campground Access Pathways: Network of small pathways connecting various campsites within state park's camping area allowing campers direct access onto primary hiking trails without needing return their vehicles first.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
August 12 So many flowers by nana
park review stars; one to five My daughter and I have long wanted to do this hike and when we finally did we were not disappointed. We hiked it in August and never before on any hike have I seen so many different wild flowers. The asters were my favorite. It was a great adventure
May 19 Family Favorite by rmay4
park review stars; one to five We did this trail late one afternoon and had a cup of fresh coffee while watching the clouds roll in below us and fill in all the valleys leaving us and only a few peaks showing through. Then as the sun started setting and casting a colorful glow it became magical. The hike back down in the dark could have been better as we decended down into the cloud bank that looked so asesome before it was damp, wet and dark. But still to this day, my kids then 8 and 11, remember this as their most memorable and awesome trip ever and is a motivating memory to encourage them to get out again. Don?t miss it. If you don?t like the trip, I reccomend it again, give is second chance. It has great potential. It would be an early sunrise hike also I think. http://rmay4.wordpress.com/2008/05/20/saddle-mountain-state-park
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Area Campgrounds
Sea Ranch RV Park
415 Fir Street
Cannon Beach, OR
503-436-2815
Thousand Trails Seaside
1703 12th Avenue
Seaside, OR
503-738-0626
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Saddle Mountain State Park is located in Oregon and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. To reach Saddle Mountain State Park, follow these directions:

1. Start by heading west on Highway 26 from Portland.
2. Continue driving for approximately 70 miles until you reach a junction with US:101 North near Seaside.
3. Take the exit onto US:101 North towards Astoria/Cannon Beach.
4. Drive north on US:101 for about 15 miles until you see signs indicating Saddle Mountain State Natural Area/Sunset Highway (Highway 26).
5. Turn left onto Sunset Highway (Highway 26) and continue driving eastward for around six miles.

At this point, you should start seeing signs directing you to Saddle Mountain State Park's entrance:
6a: If coming from Cannon Beach direction - Look out for an intersection where there will be a sign pointing right toward "Sunset Summit" or "Sandy Ridge Road." Follow that road uphill as it winds through forested areas before reaching the park entrance after roughly three more miles.

OR

6b: If approaching from Elsie/Nehalem area - Keep following Sunset Highway (Highway 26) past Mist/Clatskanie Junctions while staying alert to spot signage guiding your way up into mountainside roads leading directly to Saddle Mountain summit parking lot within two additional winding mountainous mileages.

Once at the park:
7a: For those interested in hiking, head towards the marked trailhead which starts just beyond registration kiosk/parking area; choose between various trails depending on desired difficulty level or length of hike - all offering breathtaking vistas along their routes!

OR

7b: Visitors seeking relaxation can enjoy picnicking facilities available nearby picnic tables scattered throughout designated spots amidst beautiful natural surroundings found hereabouts too!

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Oregon
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Oregon State Parks

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