SADDLE MOUNTAIN (CLATSOP COUNTY, OREGON)

'Saddle Mountain' is the tallest mountain in Clatsop County, Oregon.^[2] Part of the Oregon Coast Range, Saddle Mountain is in Saddle Mountain State Natural Area in the northwest corner of Oregon. The peak is listed on Oregon’s Register of Natural Heritage Resources and is the highest point in Clatsop County.^[3]

Contents

Geology

History

Access

See also

References

External links

Geology

Saddle Mountain was created around 15 million years ago when lava flows poured down the old Columbia River valley. When the lava encountered the water at the Astoria Sea, great steam explosions and thermal shocks occurred to create a large pile of basalt rocks. The mountain consists of this volcanic breccia, which is a rock made up of broken basalt fragments that are fused together in a fine-grained matrix.The Volcanoes of Lewis & Clark

History

In modern time, the mountain has been viewed and described by a variety of European and American explorers. Beginning in 1788, these explorers included British captain John Meares, Lewis and Clark in 1805, and the Wilkes Expedition in 1841. Meares named the peak Mont de la Selle in 1788.

Access

The hike to the taller of the two peaks is a 5.5 mile round trip challenging hike. Elevation gain is 1603 feet and leads to a 360 degree view to the Pacific Ocean, Cascade Mountain peaks such as Mount Hood, and other peaks in the Coast Range. The lower peak (elevation 3200 feet) to the east and south does not have trail access. The trail is steep at times along rock outcroppings, but does offer views that include wildflowers in bloom in the springtime.^[4]
Saddle Mountain is located seven miles off of U.S. Route 26 about 65 miles west of Portland, Oregon. The access road to the mountain and state park is paved. The area contains dense forests of spruce and hemlock, and some ancient lava flows.^[5]

See also

South Saddle Mountain

References

1. Lewis & Clark's Columbia River
2. Peakbagger.com: Saddle Mountain, Oregon
3. Oregon State Register of Natural Heritage Resources
4. NW Hike: Saddle Mountain hikes
5. OregonLive: Camp 18 to Saddle Mountain

External links

★ Trails.com Saddle Mountain

★ Oregon Parks and Recreation Saddle Mountain