Blogs

KJ7OKW's picture

Henry Peak, MT July 2022

Summit: 
W7M/LO-090

This is a two pointer just outside of Plains Montana. It's a 13 mile drive on forest service roads and then a difficullt scramble over steep, heavily wooded terrain. Add to that the Forest Service cut down hundreds of juvenile trees two years ago in an attempt to eliminate potential fuel for fire prevention. You have to step over many many logs to get to the summit. The scramble is just about two thirds a mile so it's very doable. The view from the top is worth it. Cell coverage is excellent. Carry bear spray as we spotted one on the drive up.

AE7AP's picture

Granite Peak, MT | July, 2022

Summit: 
W7M/BR-026

4.0 Miles, +2,500 ft, - 90 ft

These instructions are from the 4wd trailhead.  Approximately 3 miles of distance and 1,000 feet of gain can be eliminated if you have an OHV that is less than 50-inches wide.

K7AHR's picture

Fuji Mountain, OR | July 2022

Summit: 
W7O/CM-015

Fuji Mountain, gem of the central Cascades, and well-loved hike, is a fantastic choice if you're in the area. Only half an hour from the highway, and with a very pleasant and well-worn trail to the top, this is the easiest hiking of any of the SOTA peaks in the area that aren't drive-ups.

K7AHR's picture

Groundhog Mountain, OR | July 2022

Summit: 
W7O/CM-045

I headed out to do this one as a combo with W7O/CM-050; I did not due to heat and a boulder, but I recommend attempting it if you're in the area.

KI7EMX's picture

Celaya Benchmark, Idaho | July 2022

Summit: 
W7I/CI-082

This was the first activation of Celaya Benchmark.  The summit is very non-descript, extremely exposed but close to a drive-up activation. The last 2 miles is a lightly used overgrown road, but certainly comfortable in a small 4-wheel drive (Subaru Outback/Crosstrek).  I would NOT recommend a Prius attempt this last section of road.

N0DNF's picture

BIG SOUTHERN BUTTE, IDAHO, JULY 2022- UPDATE

Summit: 
W7I/CI-092

I thought I would update this summit. It has been 10 years since KG7E put up a blog.

if you are planning on doing this summit make sure you do it from Atomic City off of highway 26. If you use Goolgle maps it will suggest you take highway 20 if you are heading from Arco Idaho or Idaho Falls/ Pocatello. if You take Highway 20 you will be going through the Idaho National Energy Laboratory which is closed to the public.

K7ATN's picture

Quilcene Ridge, WA | July 2022

Summit: 
W7W/NO-158

Depending on how much you like the paint on your vehicle, Quilcene Ridge might be a drive-up. Even so, where the slide alder starts significantly encroaching on the road it's only a quarter mile to the summit. So walking is an option.

W7MDN's picture

Calispell Peak, WA | 25 Jul 22

Summit: 
W7W/ST-002

Second attempt to get Calispell Peak. The approach and drive up make this a difficult hike to access with most vehicles. Even with a 4WD truck, you can do damage to your vehicle attempting to drive to the top. The smart move is to park on Calispel Peak Rd and hike from the 3.5 mi point to the summit, unless you'd like to do an alignment on your car.

ND7Y's picture

Mt. Digital, WA - July 2022

Summit: 
W7W/LC-109

Located just SSE of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Digital is an easily handled 4-pointer that could be added to multi-summit day along with Marble Mtn, Coaxial Mtn, Break-In Peak (I did this the same day as a drive-up), or Aurora Mtn. All accessible from NF83 and it's branches.

WJ7WJ's picture

Needle Point OR | July 2022

Summit: 
W7O/NE-019

Needle Point is the lowest 10 point summit in Oregon. It is not the easiest. It is located in the Eagle Cap Wilderness in north eastern Oregon. Access to the trail head is via Union, Oregon.

It is a nineteen mile round trip hike with 5000 feet of total elevation gain.