Located in Oregon’s coastal Clatsop State Forest, about an hour’s drive west of Portland, Saddle Mountain State Recreation Area is primarily known for the hike to its namesake peak, and the spectacular views that can be enjoyed from its summit—from the Columbia River’s confluence with the Pacific Ocean to the northwest, to the Oregon and Washington Cascade Range to the east. In spring and early summer, the mountain also bedazzles with its showy display of multicolored wildflowers. The park was designated in 1916, and expanded in the following decades, but has a much longer history as a notable landmark, first by indigenous tribes, then by the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The small, first-come, first-served campground at the base of Saddle Mountain makes a perfect basecamp for hiking the trail to the summit of the peak. The campground offers 10 walk-in, primitive sites with picnic tables and fire pits. A vault toilet is located near the parking area and trailhead, which is small and cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. Despite the campground’s small size, the sites are fairly secluded from one another, and from the trail, so it’s possible to enjoy some privacy. Water is not available at this location, and you’ll need to pack out all of your own trash. Dogs are permitted in the park, but must remain leashed. Self-pay sites are $11/night.

Of course, the purpose of camping at Saddle Mountain is to hike Saddle Mountain. In the 1960s, a fire lookout tower used to occupy the 3,283-foot summit. Now all that remains are the incredible views. The 2.5-mile (one-way) trail begins right near the campground and makes a steady 1,640-foot ascent to the viewpoint at the top of the main peak. Along the way, the trail crosses several slopeside meadows, which—during spring and early summer—are carpeted with a variety of wildflowers, including Indian paintbrush, Oregon sunshine, yarrow, Columbia lily, iris, monkey-flower and delphinium. The trail is steep in some sections, and often damp, and rain and/or fog can come in quickly, so be prepared.

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area

The camp sites are first come first served but they didn't fill up when I was there. All ten of them are within a short walk, like a hundred feet at most, of the parking area and have fire pits and picnic tables but that's it really. There's a restroom in the parking lot though. Some sites are close together and some are slightly further apart. We camped here solely for a sunrise hike. Totally worth it. Would do again. Just be aware it's not the easiest hike and there is like a metal mesh fencing type material on the trail to help fight erosion, might not be great for bare paws but it provides excellent traction for shoes.

Let's be honest, you camp here for the hike but to avoid crowds

Saddle Mountain is my go-to campsite.  It sits at the base of a glorious 3 -mile hike, a good workout that ends with 360-degree vistas of at least four major mountains, two major rivers, Astoria, the Oregon Coast... it doesn't get any better.  In 4-5 visits, I've always found a site open amongst the 10 first-come-first-served choices, and only $11 total (no passes needed).  Running water, flush toilets.  Although there's good vegetation between most campsite, it still was a little tight with the neighbors - a couple was loudly talking at 6 am Sunday morning... so sweet....  Only about 10 miles away from the Oregon Coast on Hwy 26 (great signage to the campsite), Saddle Mountain is also a nice stop in a longer trek to several great nearby camping and hiking locations.  Stop reading and just do it.