The pnwSOTA website was created to facilitate communication between SOTA operators in the Pacific Northwest region, as well as show off some of the activities of the top-notch folks we have in the area. On this site you will find information about getting started in SOTA as well as details about summits and activations contributed by people that are operating here.
South Tiger Mountain, WA | Jan 2025
For my first activation in the Pacific Northwest, I chose South Tiger Mountain. It was a "suggested first summit," a short drive from home, and a relatively easy hike. It was also a 2-pointer, another first for me.
Pinochle Peak, OR | Jan 2025
UPDATE: the instructions given by Bill WJ7WJ in A Good Hand of Pinochle are still accurate. However, when I was up there last week, there were several trees that had blown over the road and only some of them had been cleared. I had forgotten to bring the chainsaw and they were too thick to cut with my bow saw.
The Nook: Private Property
Unfortunately this summit is located on the Phillipi Ranch which is private property. Phillipi Canyon Rd (County Rd) takes you to the well-signed No Trespassing large sign. I talked to the Ranch caretaker who lives at the end of the county road. He said "there's no chance for obtaining permission to enter."
Vedder Mountain, WA | December 2024 | Rain, Mud, and Big Smiles
With a slight gap in my family duties, the time finally came for one last 2024 SOTA adventure on
Pocket Knoll, OR | May 2020
Here’s a near drive-up 2-point summit that might be part of your plan to visit the Redwoods in SW Oregon.
Mount Gauldy, OR | Dec 2024
Mount Gauldy is an easy summit near Hebo Oregon
It is either a drive up or a road walk of at most 3.5mi RT and 600ft elevation gain.
Bobs Mountain, WA | Nov 2024
Just an update: the road to the trailhead has been re-gravelled since we activated in 2023. Discovery Pass still required.
And it is possible to get closer to the summit by parking next to the electrical tower at (45.658181, -122.183540).