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Just past Oregon wine country resides Sheridan Peak W7O/NC-009. This peak has an elevation of 3000ft and resides in the heavily timbered coastal range. For beginners to SOTA, this is perfect place to start and gain experience. This peak resides in the Nestucca Recreation Area, specially created to manage the impact of an extensive and wonderful network of OHV trails. There are specific restrictions within this area, so please check with the BLM before you camp or light fires.

Bobs Mountain is fairly close to Portland, and with a short respite from the rain, an activation plan was hatched. I had the company of Grover, KG7O for a joint activation. We had a good time on the short hike to the summit on a four-wheel drive road and had a sucessful first time activation for this peak.

2012-02-12 Tumtum Peak W7W/RS-059 CN96br59

I could not go out for a long time. I had a lot of problems and was afraid of avalanche danger. Previous weekend I went out for an expedition hike towards Ararat peak. Avalanche danger was low, with declining tendency. Despite this I still did not want to go on any steep open terrain. Many would not think that even a small amount of snow can kill you.

After activating W7W/SK-113 the evening before (see trip report for Second Hop Summit), we rose from our camp in the gravel pit.  We made hearty breakfast and broke camp but before leaving we found a few lonely tin cans in the gravel pit to practice our marksmanship. 

There is no trail to this summit.  Take Hwy 20 East from Burlington.  3 miles after the town of Concrete turn left on a logging road marked "Jackman Creek Road".  Follow this road for approx 11 miles to (N48.57127 W121.63747).  This can be accomplished by staying on the main road and not taking any spurs (most are gated) This waypoint is actually about 100 yards up a spur road.  Continue past this waypoint up the spur road where it will terminate in a gravel pit in approx. 1/4 mile. During summer months a 4WD vehicle is not necessary. 

Even more updated here: http://www.pnwsota.org/blog/k7atn/2021-june-07/updated-monte-carlo-wa-june-2021

There appears to be a false summit around 5160 feet near the "end" of the trail to Bandera that is about half mile and 80 feet of elevation gain to the actual summitr.

This was my first SOTA summit activation.  Due to the weather (rain and heavy fog) I chose a summit close to home. Davis Peak is a major radio repeater site about 13 miles east of Woodland at Exit 21 from I-5.

Peak 4980 is an easy activation just south of Mount Hood, Oregon (even if the road is horrid). It has great views (in the right weather) and some wilderness character about it. And there is an old trail that makes access fairly easy.

Devil's Peak is an easy hike, even if it's not an easy drive. After starting your hike from the Turnaround Trailhead you'll be at the summit after only a mile and a half and 700 feet of ga