Spring finally hits NW Oregon.

Finally, we are getting some decent spring weather. I know most of you by now are into summer, but we're just now getting spring like weather. Decided to take advantage of the weather and go climb Saddle Mountain. Its not a large mountain by NW standards but the relatively short 2.5 mile trail to the peak makes up for that by being relatively steep. I was disappointed to find any pictures I took showing the horizon also showed a smudge on the camera lens. Its a break for you as I will show fewer pics.

Here's a picture of Saddle Mountain (taken from the Astor Column in Astoria-more on that later).



Here's a picture of the Saddles seat area if you will.



Here's the peak of Saddle Mountain, if you look closely, you can see the trail.



This is taken near the peak, the mountains in the background are left to right, Rainier, St. Helens, and Adams. I don't have any pictures of them but Hood, and Jefferson are also visible from Saddle Mountain.



Here is the Astor Column, comemmorating the Lewis and Clark Expedition. L&C wintered at Fort Clatsop-just across Youngs Bay from Astoria after reaching the Pacific Ocean.





Finally, the city of Astoria and the Columbia River. Beyond the bridge lies the Columbia River bar and the Pacific Ocean.

Very cool Pics Mark! This week is gonna be SUMMER ............90's!

Once July 4th has passed, this part of the country is drop dead gorgeous and I SO look forward to this time of year.

Mark, these photos, and landscapes are astonishing sir !
What a beautiful area this is !!!!..Must be something to see this area
in person, and just walk or climb around. I think that cooler weather
you are talking about, is actually a good thing too. You can enjoy
yourself more, and take in all the scenery without it being too hot !
There definitely is alot to take in there by the looks of it also. Some
spectacular views of the mountains, valleys, and trees ! It's really
VERY nice !!!..That Astor Column is off the charts as well. The pictures
or paintings are just amazing also. While the view of Astoria, the water,
and bridge could literally be used as a postcard ! ..These are some
INCREDIBLE pictures ! Thank you very much for letting us see them !!!

Great pics!

GORGEOUS pics Mark!

Glad you are enjoying the weather!

Seems like we've swapped weather, Mark. Cool overcast, drizzling and some scattered light showers again this morning, high's in the 70's.

Great pictures, as usual. Great seafood around Astoria, as well. Smoked sturgeon.

Awesome pics Mark, i look foward to getting up to Oregon this years but Bend(where i normally go) is a little too hot for me in the summer so my hope is to get closer to the coast! 10:35 AM and stil no sun here, a typical monterey bay summer.. fog until after noon!

Frackin Byooduhfool!!

Great pictures Mark!