Saddle Mountain

NOTE: The trail was closed due to storm damage from the 2006-07 winter storms. You might want to confirm the trail is opened before attempting this box, but it is still there!

This hike takes you up Saddle Mountain, a short but rigorous hike to breathtaking views of the Coast Range. From the top you can watch the Columbia River snaking its way into the Pacific Ocean and five snowclad mountains: Rainier, St. Helens, Adams, Hood, and Jefferson. If you go during the spring, you'll also enjoy wildflower displays on the slopes near the summit.

Directions

From Seaside, drive east on Highway 26 about 10 miles or, from Portland, drive west on Highway 26 about 66 miles. There's a turnoff to the north with a sign pointing to Saddle Mountain State Park. Follow it. It seems like this narrow, windy, one-lane road goes forever, but my map says six miles. I'm skeptical, though. It feels more like 15. Park in the lot at the end of the road and start heading up the mountain. Don't let the "for experienced hikers only" sign intimidate you. =)

Clue

Your Mission: (if you choose to accept it)

This is a rescue mission for Quackers. He's a duck, but unfortunately lost his way and ended up near the top of Saddle Mountain. The last communication received from Quackers follows:

   Quackers: Quack! Need help. Lost. Can't find way down. 
   Rescue 911: Where are you right now?
   Quackers: At the top of Saddle Mountain.
   Rescue 911: Are you injured?
   Quackers: Quack. [That's Duck for 'No.'] But the weather
             is frightful. Storm clouds coming in. Wind
             picking up. Worried.
   Rescue 911: Okay, find cover. We can't get a helicopter
             in with the strong winds. You'll have to wait
             this one out. Do you copy?
   Quackers: Quack, quack! [That's Duck
             for 'Yes.'] ...heading down... mountain...
             little cover...
   Rescue 911: What's that? The line is breaking up.
   Quackers: Going down mountain. Trees. I see a grove of
             trees ahead. Looking for shelter.
   Rescue 911: Can you provide a description?
   Quackers: Many trees...logs...stumps....taking cover.
   Rescue 911: What was that? We can't understand what
               you're saying. The line is breaking up again.
   Quackers: Big log. On left. Taking cover. Quack! Wind
             picking up! My feathers are ruffled!
   Rescue 911: Take cover! Take cover!
   Quackers: Hiding in hole on top of log. Covering myself
             with bark for protection.
   Rescue 911: Quackers, are you secure?
   Quackers: I think I'm safe. For n--
   Rescue 911: Quackers? Are you still with us?
   Quackers: [garbled talk]
   Rescue 911: Quackers! Please respond!
   Quackers: [Connection dropped]

At this point, the transmission ends. Locate Quackers and set him free by stamping him in your notebook and bringing him back down to civilization and safety. Quackers is depending on you.

Hike Length: 5.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1620 feet