Saddle Mountain, a remote and rocky ridge located in central Washington. These hills rise to 2700 feet and offer stunning views of the desert landscape and the Columbia River below. But that’s not all – the fossilized wood on these rugged hills contains a record of the area’s geological history. Petrified or opalized wood is the official gemstone of Washington, and Saddle Mountain is a treasure trove for rock enthusiasts who love agatized wood.
If you’re interested in exploring Saddle Mountain and finding some petrified wood for yourself, the area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management and is open to the public.
There are no signs or facilities at Saddle Mountain, and there is no entrance fee. However, it’s important to respect boundaries and pack out all your trash, as with any BLM area. You may also see caution signs and fenced boundaries around private land on Saddle Mountain.
Saddle Mountain Rockhounding Map
GPS Coordinates for Digging Sites:
| Site | GPS Coordinates |
|---|---|
| Dig Site #1 | 46.80886, -119.88947 |
| Dig Site #2 | 46.78957, -119.89806 |
| Dig Site #3 | 46.79709, -119.88929 |
Types of Petrified Wood Found Here
But what kind of petrified wood can you find at Saddle Mountain? This area is known for producing agatized and opalized petrified wood samples.
It’s believed that the wood found here, known as ‘bogwood,’ is the result of millions of trees that drowned in nearby swamps and sank to the bottom over time. These trees were then buried under lava flow and volcanic ash for many years. As time passed, the minerals replaced the organic matter, resulting in the beautiful petrified wood we see today.
It’s estimated that the petrified wood at Saddle Mountain is at least 14 to 15 million years old. You can find all types of wood here, including cedar, fir, pine, and birch.
How To Get There
To get to Saddle Mountain, take Highway 243 south of Vantage, then take the exit to the east to Mattawa on Highway 24. Head east of Mattawa for a few miles and you’ll see a dirt road on the left side leading to Saddle Mountain. It’s a rough road, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Keep in mind that the road is not maintained and the conditions can vary based on the weather. It’s a good idea to check BLM alerts before heading out.
It’s shaped like a fold, with steep slopes on the north and south sides. However, it’s recommended to stay on the western side as the eastern end has a lot of private land mixed in, making it more difficult to navigate.
Can You Camp at Saddle Mountain?
Saddle Mountain is a great location for camping and is open year-round, though the best times to visit are in the spring or late fall. However, it’s important to be prepared for hot weather, high winds with dust, bugs and snakes.
Tools Needed For Digging
- Pry bars
- Picks
- Hammers
- Chisels
- Shovels
To fully explore Saddle Mountain and find the best petrified wood, it’s important to bring the right tools, including pry bars, picks, hammers, chisels, and shovels. While it’s possible to drive a normal car to the top of the mountain, the road has started to deteriorate and a higher clearance vehicle is now recommended.
In terms of equipment, you’ll need a sturdy pair of shoes to navigate the rough terrain. If you’re just looking for a few good pieces of petrified wood for your tumbler, a small rock pick and a bag will suffice. For more serious rockhounding, bring a shovel and chisel, a hammer, and a bucket to carry your finds. Some areas have hard rock, but you’ll also find plenty of digs already done by others.
Best Time To Visit Saddle Mountain
- Spring
- Late fall
The best time to visit Saddle Mountain in Washington is in the spring or late fall when the weather is most favorable. It can get very hot in the summer with little to no shade, so be prepared if you choose to visit during this time.
Tips for Finding Petrified Wood at Saddle Mountain
When searching for the best petrified wood at Saddle Mountain, it’s important to be prepared for any weather conditions, bring adequate sun protection and water, and be aware of your surroundings for scorpions and snakes. It’s also a good idea to stay on designated roads and trails to avoid damaging the environment. And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the unique beauty of Saddle Mountain.
In addition to the stunning views and rich geological history, Saddle Mountain is home to a variety of materials for rockhounds to discover, including petrified wood (both agatized and opalized). GPS coordinates can be helpful in navigating to the various digging sites at Saddle Mountain, but it’s important to be aware that Google and other mapping services can sometimes make mistakes in the backcountry.
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