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Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: January 31st, 2021, 11:46 am
by crater1986
This might be a shot in the dark, but I am curious if anyone has any updates or information on Saddle Mountain reopening? The Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is still closed, the message on the parks website is "Park is closed until further notice due to staff and funding shortages related to Covid-19." As far as I know, the area hasn't been open at all since March/April. I respect that they can't open if it they don't have staff or funding, I'm just surprised that it's still closed given that most recreation areas did open up during the summer, and yet this one is still closed.
I would love to hike Saddle Mountain some day, but will respect the closure.
Thank you.
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: January 31st, 2021, 11:50 am
by Chip Down
That seems anomalous. Are other zones closed due to covid? It's as if they just forgot.
Tip: They can't prosecute if you wear a BLM shirt and call it a protest.
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: January 31st, 2021, 5:52 pm
by adamschneider
I suspect that Saddle Mountain is still closed because of the difficulty of social distancing on the narrow parts of the trail.
(On the other hand, the USFS did open Eagle Creek...)
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: January 31st, 2021, 9:57 pm
by crater1986
Eagle creek is USFS land, whereas Saddle Mountain is an Oregon state park, so that's one big difference. But I've done some coastal hikes in the summer and fall that were on state park land, so I'm wondering what's up with Saddle Mountain in particular.
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: February 1st, 2021, 5:47 am
by klar55
crater1986 wrote: ↑January 31st, 2021, 11:46 am
This might be a shot in the dark, but I am curious if anyone has any updates or information on Saddle Mountain reopening? The Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is still closed, the message on the parks website is "Park is closed until further notice due to staff and funding shortages related to Covid-19." As far as I know, the area hasn't been open at all since March/April. I respect that they can't open if it they don't have staff or funding, I'm just surprised that it's still closed given that most recreation areas did open up during the summer, and yet this one is still closed.
I would love to hike Saddle Mountain some day, but will respect the closure.
Thank you.
I guess it's not gonna happen soon.
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: March 23rd, 2021, 10:08 am
by gallione11
Looks like it finally reopened last Friday. Day use only and no water currently.
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm ... parkId=140
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: March 24th, 2021, 9:49 am
by crater1986
This is great news. Thank you.
Just curious, which you do you think is more special from the top of Saddle: sunrise or sunset?
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: March 24th, 2021, 9:42 pm
by adamschneider
I'd say sunrise, for two reasons: One, it'll be behind the Cascades. Two, you'll be the only one up there.
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: March 25th, 2021, 5:54 am
by aiwetir
Sunrise will have more birds singing too
Re: Any updates on Saddle Mountain reopening?
Posted: March 25th, 2021, 5:25 pm
by Chip Down
adamschneider wrote: ↑March 24th, 2021, 9:42 pm
I'd say sunrise, for two reasons: One, it'll be behind the Cascades. Two, you'll be the only one up there.
Well, I've been there at sunrise. And was surprised to see people camping. Anyway, it might be more peaceful at sunrise. At sunset, there's the chance of fratboy parties and barking dogs and fireworks and whatnot. Not to mention I much prefer hiking up by headlamp rather than hiking down by headlamp.