Saddle Mountain

Saddle Mountain is the highest point in Clatsop County, standing at 3,288 feet with steep slopes running down its sides. Dense forests of spruce and hemlock cover the mountainside, creating a heavily wooded environment from base to ridgeline.

A British naval officer documented the mountain in 1788 and gave it a French name during early maritime exploration. American expedition leaders later recorded their own observations during westward expeditions in the early 1800s.

Local tribes considered this peak an important landmark in their territories and travel routes. Today, the mountain remains a notable reference point for Indigenous communities and reflects deep connections to the land.

The trail to the summit is steep and demanding, so wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water. Plan for several hours of hiking and prepare for changeable weather conditions that can shift quickly at elevation.

The mountainside shelters plant species found nowhere else in the region, making it a special location for botanists and nature observers. These rare plants support specialized insects that depend on them for survival.