Saddle Mountain hike
Our original Coast Range summit reporting and photography for Saddle Mountain.
Read the guideOregon Coast and Coast Range · Near Seaside
Saddle Mountain Trail
Saddle Mountain Trail is a steep Coast Range climb in Saddle Mountain State Natural Area. Oregon State Parks documents 2.4 miles each way, 4.8 miles round trip, and a 1,634-foot rise to the 3,288-foot summit. The park is day-use only and can close for weather or access problems. The trailhead lot is at the end of Saddle Mountain State Park Road. It fills. Roadside parking is not a safe substitute.
- DifficultyHard
- Distance4.8 mi round trip
- Elevation gain1,634 ft
- Nearest townSeaside
The place
Why Saddle Mountain Trail is worth the stop
Saddle Mountain Trail is a steep Coast Range climb in Saddle Mountain State Natural Area. Oregon State Parks documents 2.4 miles each way, 4.8 miles round trip, and a 1,634-foot rise to the 3,288-foot summit.
The park is day-use only and can close for weather or access problems. The trailhead lot is at the end of Saddle Mountain State Park Road. It fills. Roadside parking is not a safe substitute.
What the experience feels like
The lower forest gives way to rocky, exposed tread with wire mesh, chunky rock, and steep grades. Wind, fog, rain, and winter snow or ice can make the upper mountain unsafe. The park advises bringing your own drinking water. Trailhead restrooms can be seasonal.
Wear proper footwear and turn around when slick rock or wind says the summit is not worth it. This is an experienced-hiker route, not a casual viewpoint stroll. No separate trail fee is documented on the official profile; verify current notices.
This planning page is the trail-facts URL. The That Oregon Life Saddle Mountain article remains the longer climb story.
From our Oregon archive: Read That Oregon Life’s full story about this trail.
Trailhead map
Start at the verified public trailhead
Coordinates: 45.968600, -123.685200 · Open in Google Maps
The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not a summit, waterfall, or off-trail feature.
Know before you go
Practical trail information
- Distance
- 4.8 mi round trip
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Route type
- Out and back
- Elevation gain
- 1,634 feet
- Trailhead
- Saddle Mountain Trail trailhead
- Parking
- Use the signed Saddle Mountain State Natural Area trailhead lot at the end of Saddle Mountain State Park Road. The lot can fill and roadside parking is not a safe substitute.
- Permit
- No hiking permit is normally required; the park is day-use only and can close for weather or access problems.
- Fees
- No separate trail fee is documented on the official park profile; verify current notices before leaving.
- Dogs
- Follow the current land-manager leash, waste, wildlife, and seasonal rules.
- Restrooms
- Trailhead facilities can be seasonal; the park currently advises visitors to bring their own drinking water.
- Best season
- Weather changes rapidly, with rain and wind possible year-round and snow or ice in winter.
- Key hazards
- Steep grades, chunky rock, wire mesh, wind, fog, slick surfaces, and exposed summit terrain make this an experienced-hiker route.
No star ratings
Why this is rated hard
The hard rating reflects 4.8 mi round trip where steep grades, exposure, heat, or remoteness require stronger preparation and a willingness to turn around.
EasyShort, signed, and relatively straightforward when conditions match the official description.
ModerateMore mileage, elevation, uneven tread, or access rules that require preparation.
HardSteep, exposed, long, or otherwise consequential travel where turning around is part of good judgment.
Protect the place
Leave No Trace at Saddle Mountain Trail
Trails, meadows, and viewpoints wear down quickly when people cut switchbacks, wander off the route, or leave waste behind. Keep this outing on durable, legal ground.
- Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
- Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
- Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
- Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
More in the region
Nearby Oregon trail guides
Official Oregon State Parks Saddle Mountain profile reviewed September 1, 2026.