Hiking

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area. One of the most accessible mountain peaks in the Coast Range, 3,283-foot Saddle Mountain is reached via a challenging but beautiful 2½-mile climb, with a 1,603-foot elevation gain—the reward, on clear days, is a view of the ocean to the west and the Cascade peaks—including Mt. Hood—far to the east. Wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for sections with steep upgrades. There's a zippy change in the altitude as you climb higher, but the wildflowers make it all worthwhile. The trailhead is well signed off U.S. 26, the main highway from Portland to Cannon Beach and Seaside. Saddle Mountain Rd., off U.S. 26, 20 miles east of Seaside and 70 miles west of Portland, Seaside, Oregon, 97138. 800/551–6949; 503/368–5943; www.oregonstateparks.org.