Humbug Mountain

In mid-February, I returned to the Oregon Coastal Mountains. This one had a big plus in its favor – it is easily accessible. In fact, I parked right off Highway 26 on the side of a logging road.

It has it all: solitude, views of the volcanic giants of the Cascade Mountains, vistas of the Pacific Ocean, and the chance to see Roosevelt Elk or coyotes foraging for food.

Elk

There is a locked gate on the logging road, but the area is accessible to hikers with a free recreational permit.

The hike is a moderate 5 1/2-mile round trip with about 1,300 feet of elevation gain. It primarily follows logging roads, but there are some steep and rocky sections.

The final ascent led to the 2,500-foot summit, where cellphone tower equipment is located. The panoramic views from the top were strikingly similar to those found at nearby Saddle Mountain.

The descent was a pleasure, with sunshine and total solitude. I didn’t see another person the entire time.