Saddle Mountain - Oregon Coast Peak

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Seaside Oregon

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Length: 1.8 miles / 2.9 km

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Overview: The trail starts at an easy pace and begins zig-zaging after about 1 mile. The trail gets progressively steeper and more arduous as it gains height. Just before the saddle it levels out prior to a descent between the two peaks. A steeper trail then takes you to the summit. On the steepest parts the trail is covered with wire to provide a good footing and reduce erosion.

Tips: The Saddle Mountain State Park entrance is located just past mile post 10 going East on Hwy 26 from Seaside. The trail head is 7 mile from the entrance to the park. The road is very bumpy so be kind to your vehicle suspension! There is a restroom at the trailhead. DO NOT attempt this hike without adequate footwear, sufficient water and warm clothing for the summit. DO NOT stray from the trail, climb outcrops or carry out any other dangerous activities. The person writing this guide volunteers for a high-angle rescue team and has plenty of rescues on this peak due to careless behavior! If you are taking young ones then make sure that there are TWO adults in the party!

Points of Interest

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Saddle Mountain State park Trail Head

This is where to park and start your hike. If you choose to stay and hike around the area or stay overnight for any reason there is a State Park campsite situated at the trail head.

Water and restrooms are available here

Saddle Mountain Car Park & Trail Head Photo

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The Lower Trail

The lower trail starts off winding through the forest on a wide earth path. After a while you will reach the start of the zig-zags where the trail becomes a little steeper in places.

Please do not cut the zig-zags as this causes erosion on the banks above and below the trail. There is a table to sit at on the trail at a small landing area on one of the switch-backs.

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The Upper Trail

The upper trail is a little steeper than the lower part. In some places the trail has had erosion prevention carried out on it and so will have linked wire over the ground to prevent more erosion. This also helps for a sure footing....

Continue up the switch-backs until you reach a shallower gradient in a forested area. At the end of this section you arrive at an open area where there are great views to the South and West. Soon after this area you will descend into the saddle.

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The Saddle

From the saddle you will see views of the peak (a steep hike in front of you) and the rock towers that fall away from the side of the peak. There is a somewhat level area in the center of the saddle as well as a table to sit at and admire the view prior to the final ascent of the peak.

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Saddle Mountain Summit

The hike to the summit from the saddle can take some time as it is quite steep. At the top on a good day the views are well worth the hike. The summit is ringed with a metal rail. DO NOT cross the rail for pictures... people have fallen to their deaths by doing so. A 360 degree view and a picnic table provide the opportunity for a memorable hike. When you are rested, retrace your steps back down to the trail head. Be careful on the way down as loose gravel and the wire trail cover can present the opportunity for twisted ankles.