Saddle Mountain- 11th annual New Year's hike (the Saturday after New Year's Day)
Details
Photo: Back in 2016, treacherous ice and 70+ MPH wind gusts near the Saddle Mountain summit transformed my token “easy” New Year’s Day hike into an unforgettable disaster. And we loved every minute of it!
Though relatively easy for fit hikers, this beautiful coastal hike is not always an all-season route. So some type of boot traction is strongly recommended this year (Ok, the hike is technically next year), even if I later decide it's okay to leave those Microspikes at home.
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, but... 1) Icy terrain freaked out a few of our members in 2016, though we may get off scott free in 2026 🤞 2) The trail’s steepness may pose a challenge for some. 3) There is also occasional cliff exposure.
- Hiking distance: Barely more than 5 miles
- Elevation gain: 1620 feet
- Total hiking time: 3 or 4 hours, car to car
- Total driving distance: 132 miles from the Portland/ Beaverton area; If carpooling (For example, from Sunset Transit Center) the suggested donation to drivers is $13
- Permits: None
- Dogs: Sure, if they are fit, well behaved, and not afraid of cliff exposure
Here is the description for our route to the summit of Saddle Mountain: http://www.summitpost.org/saddle-mountain/150707
My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph when not running), but whatever... Any upbeat pace is fine with me. We're just out here to have fun. We will enjoy a lunch break at the summit, as well as short breaks for snacks, photos, and viewpoints.
- Bring: 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear, a camera, shoes with good traction, and gas money if carpooling. Poles could be useful.
It is also recommended that hikers and climbers always carry the, um, “Eleven” Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Knife/tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
- A cup of kindness
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.