Clatsop County High Point Trip Report
Date: May 2, 2004
Author: John Garner
From Portland, take US 30 West about 50 miles, to signed turnoff to Saddle Mountain State Park.
Follow winding road up to parking area. Signs request $7 parking fees, if you are so inclined.
Take signed trail to summit. Trail is well-defined and very easy to follow.
In places, chain-link fencing has been placed over the surface to protect against (bad) erosion.
Lots of rain here.
The trail climbs steadily for about two miles, starting at 1,650 ft and rising to 3,000 ft.
It then drops steeply to the "saddle" of Saddle Mountain, and crosses a small bridge (2,800 ft).
From there, it is a very steep half-mile up to the summit (3,280 ft).
Handrails are placed along much of this route, though you don't really need them except
in one or two places. The summit is handrailed-off as well. Actual hp is just beyond railing.
Views are superb, from the ocean to the Cascades. The summit drops off almost vertically
on three sides - watch your step at the edge.
Trip statistics: 4.9 miles round trip; net elevation gain 1,650 ft; total gain 2,000 ft.