Saddle Mountain State Park

A good reason to head east from Cannon Beach [1] is the hike up 3,283-foot Saddle Mountain. The trail itself is steep and gains more than 1,600 feet in 2.5 miles. Wet conditions can make the going difficult (allow four hours round-trip) and the scenery en route is not always exceptional unless you look down for the lovely May–August wildflower display; the view from the top is worth the climb.

On a clear day, hikers can see some 50 miles of the Oregon [2] and Washington [3] coastlines, including the Columbia River. Also possible are spectacular views of Mounts Rainier [4], St. Helens [5], and Hood [6], and miles of clear-cuts. On the upper part of the trail, plant species that pushed south from Alaska and Canada during the last ice age still thrive. The cool moist climate here keeps them from dying out as they did at lower elevations.

Some early blooms include pink coast fawn lily, monkeyflower, wild rose, wood violet, bleeding heart, oxalis, Indian paintbrush, and trillium. Cable handrails provide safety on the narrow final 0.25-mile trail to the summit.

The campground at Saddle Mountain is tiny and rustic and offers a secluded option for campers not attracted to the busy family scene at nearby Fort Stevens State Park [7].

Getting to Saddle Mountain State Park

To get to the Saddle Mountain trailhead, take U.S. 26 from its junction with U.S. 101 for 10 miles and turn left on the prominently signed Saddle Mountain Road. Although it’s paved, this road is not suitable for RVs or wide-bodied vehicles. After seven twisting miles, you’ll come to the trailhead of the highest peak in this part of the Coast Range.