Published September 19, 2013 10:29PM
Perched between the Cascade Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the diverse views from this under-the-radar Coast Range peak are a rare find. From the top you’ll see the deep blues of the ocean to the west—and Mts. Rainier, St. Helens, Hood, and Jefferson to the east. The steep, 2.5-mile (one-way) trail snakes up grassy slopes to a saddle on the mountain’s two-mile-long ridgeline. Veer left and drop to a lower saddle before tackling the final quarter-mile climb to the 3,283-foot summit.
SAD001
Location: 45.962815, -123.689945
Hike southeast from the trailhead. The trail climbs to a small saddle.
SAD002
Location: 45.960503, -123.687108
Crest a small gap in the mountain. From here, the path curves east.
SAD003
Location: 45.96192, -123.682451
Start a switchback climb, gaining 900 feet in the next 1.2 miles.
SAD004
Location: 45.965366, -123.680649
The trail hits the ridgeline at mile 1.7. Follow the ridge northwest.
SAD005
Location: 45.966246, -123.682966
Descend to a saddle below the summit before beginning the final climb.
SAD006
Location: 45.96893, -123.685477
Saddle Mountain (3,283 ft.): This highpoint reveals views to the west of the Pacific Ocean and views east of the major Cascade Peaks. Bring warm clothes: The mountain’s proximity to the ocean can make it cold, windy and foggy.