Saddle Mountain is a ridge and thermal site located in Mattawa, WA 10 miles east of the I-90 Columbia River Bridge. Saddle faces NE, and works as a ridge soaring site in North, North East conditions. This makes it a great, although cold winter site during high pressure. Saddle is located on public land, but, you cross private property while driving to launch. There is a lease agreement with the land owner. USHGA membership is required to fly this site.

The launch is a rocky but but gentle slope that drops away to reveal the and LZ. It is quite large and makes a great place to learn top landing. The LZ is an enormous 10 square mile sandy river bed directly bellow the launch. Land anywhere but be watchfull of the offroad vehicles which enjoy roaring back and forth. From Seattle head east on I-90 until you cross the Columbia river. Just after crossing the river, take exit 132 heading south until you see the Richland/Yakima exit. Exit here staying on St. Route 243 for about 5 miles. Take a left following the signs for the city of Mattawa. Go through this small town and then take a left at R. street. Follow this until you come to a 'Y' directly after a cattle grate, veer left. This will wind around for about 4 miles. At this point the road will continue left. Follow the other road to the right. While still an obvious road, it is more of a dirt road rather than a rock covered one. Follow this for another mile or so and you're at launch! Directions to the LZ: Cross the Columbia on I-90 heading east. Take the exit for 26 east and stay right onto 243 south. At the 'town' of Beverly, (gas station and RR Bridge across Columbia) turn left toward Crab Creek Wildlife Area and drive for 4 miles to obvious sandy flats below Saddle Mountain. This is the LZ and a good place to leave a car if you have an extra.

Avoid Saddle on strong west and SW days, although thermal flying in the summer is possible on light west days. Out and back 20 mile ridge soaring flights are possible.

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