I parked at an unmarked access point for the Palouse to Cascades Trail east of Smyrna at 46.83954, -119.61509 in the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area Complex to explore some of the DNR and BLM land on the north slope of the Saddle Mountains. There is a flattish area called Smyrna Bench about halfway up to the top of the ridge that looked like an interesting place to poke around a bit. I hiked west on The Palouse to Cascades Trail a short distance until reaching DNR land and made my way up the steep slopes to get to the bench.
After about 700' of climbing I arrived to the expanse which I crossed through open sagebrush until arriving to an old road. This road goes east to west and begins below on private and posted land on Rd 17 SW next where I parked in the state park. I walked the road west through BLM land until spotting a good ridgline to ascend the final 1100' to top of the Saddle Mountains. Lots of game trails as well as old jeep tracks to choose from.
A worthwhile area to explore and one can walk all the way to (or from) Wahatis Peak and beyond to the east on public land once on top.
8.9 miles and 2300' of gain.
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