Over the (South Sister) Saddle - 9/1/25

McFarland and Everest Peaks from Ridge with Many Views

Interesting Deadwood

Wild stallion in Old Mill Picnic Area

Wild mare eating a Thistle

The Wanderers were just looking for a small hike with just a little bite to it. After minimal research, we decided to climb up to South Sister Saddle from the Pay Phone Trailhead and drop over the other side. On the way up through the Old Mill Picnic Area, we passed two wild horses (male and female) munching on the side of the road. The male moved on down when he saw us but the mare was chowing down on a thistle and paid us no mind. She looked suspiciously pregnant. Hmm. Maybe a late winter or early spring foal? 

A mare's gestation period is highly variable but typically lasts between 320 and 370 days, with an average of about 340 days, or 11 months. Factors like the mare's breed and age, the foal's sex, and even the time of year she was bred can influence the length of the pregnancy. ~AI Overview

Hiking on up the Old Mill and South Sister Trail, we spotted a beautiful Steller's Jay. The bird was drinking water down in the ditch before we spooked him.

Steller's Jay taking water from South Sister Trail Spring

Diving down steep wash over South Sister Saddle

Macks Peak from steep wash Descent

Enjoying a break on Ridge with Many Views

View up the Ridge with Many Views

Reaching the saddle, we soon started dropping down over the other side. New territory for us. It was very steep, at first, but eventually became more palatable as we crossed over a little to our right then back to the left. Finally, around 2.2 miles into the hike, a horse trail started leading over to the right. Susan followed this trail for a while and it seemed it was circling around the lower end of the Ridge with Many Views above. Since our target was the top of this ridge, we turned to the right and started climbing with a few zigzags. A trail of sorts led us up in a logical manner. It was a good climb and we took a break at the top where the views are at their best. After the break, we turned to head to the top of the ridge to catch the trail that leads back over to the South Sister Saddle. An interesting, albeit small, exploration. Great day with the ladies!

Stats: 4.7 miles; 1500' gain; 4 hours

View down the Ridge with Many Views Trail

Cool section of Ridge with Many Views Trail

Heading back down the South Sister Trail