ericnoel - Jul 8, 2012 11:52 am Date Climbed: Jul 6, 2012
Saddle Butte
Drove up. Wide views. Good wildflowers. Long long roads.
Dundeel - Oct 2, 2011 4:34 pm Date Climbed: Oct 1, 2011
Saddle Up
Drove up in the dark with high clearance.
Redwic - Sep 14, 2010 12:56 am Date Climbed: Sep 11, 2010
Great Views And A Rare Animal Sighting!
This was my fourth of four CoGPPs summited in one day. I was able to drive my passenger vehicle to the summit, although I had to stop numerous times along FR-470 to remove hidden rocks. During my descent, I saw a cougar running down FR-40 from the slopes of Saddle Butte. I also encountered the largest bird I have ever personally seen in wilderness: a California condor. At first I could not believe it, but there was no mistaking the species (as I had previous seen them in captivity, in books, and on television). Some people I initially told about the sighting thought I was mistaken, as California condors had not been in Northwest wilderness areas for many years. I did some research after returning home and found out the Oregon Zoo had released 10 California condors (including three from the previous year), so it is likely I saw one of those. It was likely a once-in-a-lifetime bird sighting for me, and not one I will soon forget.
ericnoel - Jul 8, 2012 11:52 am Date Climbed: Jul 6, 2012
Saddle ButteDrove up. Wide views. Good wildflowers. Long long roads.
Dundeel - Oct 2, 2011 4:34 pm Date Climbed: Oct 1, 2011
Saddle UpDrove up in the dark with high clearance.
Redwic - Sep 14, 2010 12:56 am Date Climbed: Sep 11, 2010
Great Views And A Rare Animal Sighting!This was my fourth of four CoGPPs summited in one day. I was able to drive my passenger vehicle to the summit, although I had to stop numerous times along FR-470 to remove hidden rocks. During my descent, I saw a cougar running down FR-40 from the slopes of Saddle Butte. I also encountered the largest bird I have ever personally seen in wilderness: a California condor. At first I could not believe it, but there was no mistaking the species (as I had previous seen them in captivity, in books, and on television). Some people I initially told about the sighting thought I was mistaken, as California condors had not been in Northwest wilderness areas for many years. I did some research after returning home and found out the Oregon Zoo had released 10 California condors (including three from the previous year), so it is likely I saw one of those. It was likely a once-in-a-lifetime bird sighting for me, and not one I will soon forget.