Blogs

K7NIT's picture

Big Butte | August 2014

Summit: 
W7W/LC-106

Big Butte is a near drive-up (in an SUV - the higher clearance is necessary) in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that you could do in a passenger car with a bit more hiking (less than 2 miles each way on a road). From Portland, take I-84 to Cascade Locks and cross the river on the Bridge of the Gods (toll). Or take Washington 14 out from Vancouver past the Bridge of the Gods, through Stevenson and continue east on 14 to turn north towards Carson about four miles past Stevenson. After 12.3 miles on this Wind River Highway you will turn right onto NF-3080 or Hollis Creek Road (paved).

KX7L's picture

Death Vally Mtn, aka Bear Cave Lookout, PA

Summit: 
W3-PT-007

Another non-NW activation while on my summer work assignment in Cleveland.  I was getting bored with the 2 and 4 pt summits on OH, which are mostly on private land, so decided to make an expedition to something with a little more elevation.  W3/PT-007 had been previously activated, so I knew it could be done and is an 8 pointer, which would be my first.  Finding the summit on the map was a little confusing, however.  There is a summit at the coords, but it's either un-named or called "Bear Cave Lookout".

K7ATN's picture

Crater Benchmark, WA | August 2014

Summit: 
W7W/LC-070

My general guidelines for off trail hiking are a mile or so across open sagebrush steppe, perhaps half a mile through open forests like ponderosa pine, and about a quarter mile for a western Douglas fir forest. This activation is a reminder to stay with these guidelines and not ever wander through a lava flow again.

I started from the Carson Guler Road, parking about 2.5 miles east of the gate for Red Mountain (W7W/LC-036 - a recommended activation). 

K7ATN's picture

Llao Rock, OR | Closed to Public Since 2013

Summit: 
W7O/CS-011

In August 2013 the supervisor of Crater Lake National Park closed the Llao Rock Research Natural Area - including the summit of Llao Rock - except when snow-covered (during winter, when the park roads are closed). When visiting in July 2014 a sign was found describing the closure (see photo).

K7ATN's picture

Stevens Peak, WA | July 2014

Summit: 
W7W/PL-007

Stevens Peak in Mount Rainier National Park, is a committed alpine climb. It's recommended you prepare carefully reading guidebooks and climbing websites, and making sure you have the necessary skills, experience and equipment. You will need to be able to handle wilderness route finding, high angle snow ascent and descent, mixed rock and snow, rock climbing, and challenging terrain.

K7ATN's picture

Unicorn Peak, WA | July 2014

Summit: 
W7W/PL-003

There are two Unicorn Peaks in Washington - this Unicorn Peak is in the Tatoosh Range in Mount Rainier National Park. Unicorn Peak is a committed alpine climb - it can't really be considered a hike.

K7ATN's picture

Middle Butte, WA | June 2014

Summit: 
W7W/LC-107

Here's another four-point summit north of Carson, Washington. You might be able to get within a mile or so in a carefully driven passenger car - perhaps only a little farther in a high-clearance vehicle. 

K7ATN's picture

Peak 4180 "Capacitor Pk", WA | June 2014

Summit: 
W7W/LC-071

There are a nice bunch of summits north of Carson, Washington - this one is a near drive up - as long as you have a high clearance vehicle. 

KF7PXT's picture

Stuart Peak Backpack / SOTA

Summit: 
W7M/LM-056

This was a great trip for the wife and I and we had a great time. We left early on Monday morning and hiked in to a camp about 8 miles in. On Tuesday we got up and hiked the 5 miles to the summit and spent most of the morning afternoon up there on the summit. For rough directions to the summit go down to the local REI and buy a "Rattlesnake Recreation Area" map. There are many ways to get to this summit but none are short. Though it can technically be done in a day from the main rattlesnake trailhead (the way we came out), I would not suggest it. Take your time and enjoy the views.

K7MAS's picture

SOTA Activation: Red Top Mountain, Kittitas County, Washington - July 1, 2014

Summit: 
W7W/CW-061

Easy 2 Mile RT (or less) leads to this fantastic overlook of the Teanaway River Valley, Mount Stuart Range, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and hundreds of other Cascade peaks.

All SOTA contacts were on 20M SSB, using my 20M inverted V dipole suspended fron a 22 ft. Carbon Fiber fishing pole.  I made 12 contacts in 8 states over approximately 30 minutes.