KI7EMX's blog

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Deadline Ridge, Idaho | July 2022

Summit: 
W7I/CI-089

For more detailed information, check out AA6XA's blog at https://longgreentunnel.blogspot.com/2019/10/w7ici-089-deadline-ridge.html.

Here are some confirmations/corrections: 1) You can indeed drive close to the summit and can access the actual summit with a high clearance 4x4, 2) The actual summit is not at the fence line but the SOTAMAPS location appears to be the accurate high point, and 3) The summit provides no place to attach an antenna mast and if using a mast guy lines are required.

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Peak 8762, Idaho | March 2022

Summit: 
W7I/CI-060

This was a winter activation and I had hoped for a one-way ride on the Pomerelle Triple Chair lift.  After an e-mail and phone inquiry I received no response. I then planned a hike from the Pomerelle parking lot along established roads to the top of the lift and then a very short hike to the summit.

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Peak 6787, Idaho | March 2022

Summit: 
W7I/CI-118

From Hwy 93, turn east at 42.06156, -114.67514. This is near mile marker 5 (5 miles north of the Nevada border/Jackpot). Take an immediate right and then left. Continue east up a well-graded road. The road begins to deteriorate after about a mile into deep ruts. A high clearance vehicle is recommended.

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North Deadline Ridge, Idaho | February 2022

Summit: 
W7I/CI-094

This was my second Winter activation attempt of this summit.  The first one ended in an epic fail getting my Jeep stuck in the snow (see picture below).  I had to do a self-recovery with my shovel and winch.  Do not attempt to drive on the groomed "road." Though along the non-winter access road, this is a groomed "trail" for snowmobiles!

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Arizona 100 Point Whirlwind SOTA Vacation | May 2020

Summit: 
13 Peaks in 5 Days

I had planned a vacation with my son in Gilbert, Arizona the first week of November 2020 and asked if he could find a few  SOTA summits we could activate together. I also flew my daughter in from out-of-state to join us.  This is how it actually turned out:

Tuesday, November 3rd - Pinal Peak (W7A/AW-009) gravel road drive-up:  8 Contacts

Wednesday, November 4th - Christopher Mountain (W7A/AW-024) very rough access road & .5 mile hike: 13 Contacts

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Peak 4816 Update

Summit: 
W7O/CN-089

This is an update to K7ATN's blog entry.  The road was easily passable all the way to the "summit"/rock outcropping.  I drove a Kia Sportage with no issues, no gates, no tight spots.  It appears as if someone in the last year has come through and cut some of the trees close to the road.  Don't get me wrong, but the dirt road is NOT wide open, but easily passable without touching the trees on either side.

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Mount Hebo, Oregon

Summit: 
W7O/NC-006

This blog entry is for those wanting to hike to the Mount Hebo summit in lieu of driving.  Drive up Mount Hebo Road from Hwy 22 approximately 4.5 miles to the Hebo Lake Campground.  There is a day use parking area at the campground with a $5 day use fee.  The Pioneer Indian Trail begins from the parking area and heads south into the forest.  The trail is well defined and meanders for 4 1/2 miles through the forest with occassional meadows to just below the Mount Hebo summit.  Don't be fooled by the

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Bishop Mountain Idaho

Summit: 
W7I/ER-079

Bishop Mountain is an extinct volcanic vent on the rim of the Island Park Caldera. At the summit there is a fire lookout that is one of the few remaining towers in the Targhee National Forest. The 72-ft tower was constructed in 1937. Now on standby status, the tower saw extensive service during the Yellowstone Fires of 1988. The summit also has a couple of picnic tables, a cabin that is available for rent through the Forest Service and a fire pit.

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Pike Mountain Idaho

Summit: 
W7I/CI-086

The summit is a developed overlook with a large parking lot for turning around. Great views in all directions, from Pomerelle to Sun Valley, and beyond.

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Peak 3220, OR | Long Road Hike?

Summit: 
W7O/NC-068

The road to Peak 3220 is closed by a Simpson gate about 1/10 mile from Hwy 26.  Though foot taffic is typically allowed on Stimson property, you would have to hike over 8 miles along the gravel road to summit the peak.