About Saddle Mountains
The 30-mile ridge of the Saddle Mountains rises above the Columbia River in south-central Washington, providing views of the surrounding countryside and wide-open desert scenery. Adventurous visitors can enjoy opportunities to hike, horseback ride, collect petrified wood, and drive motorized vehicles on the rugged roads and trails through the sagebrush. Visitors are encouraged to explore the west end of the Saddle Mountains due to the amount of private land intermixed with BLM-managed lands on the east end. No facilities are present in this area, and snow and rain occasionally close the gravel and dirt roads.Know Before You GoMotorized vehicles limit your impact by staying on established roads and trails only.Know BLM property boundaries, and respect private land.No fees.No littering—if you pack it in, pack it out.Follow summer fire restrictions and closures.Follow Washington State hunting and fishing regulations.No fireworks or exploding targets.Contact BLM for petrified wood collection limits.Point of InterestThe Saddle Mountains have long been a recreational collecting site for petrified wood which is Washington States official “gemstone.” The Saddle Mountains are actually part of a large fold in the earth’s crust called an anticline (an elongated upward fold in rocks). The anticline dips (slopes) very steeply on the north side (Crab Creek drainage) and gently to the south.
How to Get There
The largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the west end of the Saddle Mountains. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on “R” road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. Please keep safety and private land in mind. Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for other visitors and livestock.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Saddle Mountains
Heading to Saddle Mountains? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Saddle Mountains?
No central reservation system listed for Saddle Mountains. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1793) for the latest entry policy and availability.
Are pets allowed at Saddle Mountains?
Pets are mentioned in this park’s information. Specific rules (leash requirements, banned areas) vary by location — verify on the official site before bringing your dog.
How do I get to Saddle Mountains?
The largest area of accessible BLM-managed land is on the west end of the Saddle Mountains. Take Hwy 243 south of Vantage, then Hwy 24 east to Mattawa. Several miles east of Mattawa, turn left on “R” road to climb the foothills of the Saddle Mountains to BLM-managed land. Please keep safety and private land in mind. Use caution when approaching blind hills and corners, and keep a watchful eye for …
How do I contact Saddle Mountains?
You can reach the park at phone: 509-665-2100 or email: BLM_OR_WN_Mail@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
