This is an easy summit near Bellingham, WA. A good gravel road leads to a large parking area about 100 yards or so below the summit. I prefer to operate from a flat rock outcropping up the hill and west of the parking lot. There is just enough of a clearing to string up a 20 meter dipole and operate from the rock.
Despite a propensity of warm sunny weather lately, Saturday brought dark overcast skies and the threat of rain in the northern Puget Sound for our Summit to Summit party. That didn't discourage our activators.
Total elevation gain from the Damfino Lakes Trail 625 northwest trailhead on FS 31 via the northwest ridge trail of Cowap Pk to the activation location just northwest of Cowap Pk summit: 413 m (1356 feet). Approximate trail distance each way: 3.4 km (2.1 miles). The activation is a reasonable one-day trip, and, except for one spot just northwest of the actual summit, a problem-free climb. The activation zone northeast of the summit is easily accessible, and a great family destination.
This is a steep but easily accessed 8 point peak near the town of Mazama, WA. If you're in the Twisp, Winthrop or Mazama area, it's a must do. It contains a fire lookout tower and great views of the Methow valley and North Cascade peaks. It's only 2.5 miles long, has a fire lookout tower at the top but some sections are very steep. Call ahead to the ranger's office and see if Lighting Bill will be in the fire lookout. If so, be sure to bring him a cold beer!
This easy 1 point summit is just off I-5 and can be quickly accomplished if you're passing through the scenic Skagit Valley.
The road is paved all the way to the top but there is also a network of trails. The road is gated at the bottom but is open from 10am to dusk. This is a city of Mt. Vernon park. It's common to find cars parallel parked along the road near the gate for those that want to walk to the top.
If you're visiting the scenic mariner town of Anacortes, or passing through on your way to the San Juan Island ferry, Mt. Erie is a quick easy 1 pointer with great views.
This summit can be reached via a paved road all the way to the top, or park at the bottom and utilitze the extensive network of trails to reach the summit. Once there, I set up on the south side of the hill, a rocky area looking at Whidbey Island and Lake Campbell. Tall fir trees lie just behind the rocks, perfect for wire antenna deployment.
Directions:
The goats and I made a last minute decision on Friday night to get a SOTA fix. Saturday morning we hiked Little Baldy, near Alger, WA. If you're heading north on I-5 towards Canada or Bellingham, this is right off the freeway. Take Exit 242, turn Right (East) and the trailhead/parking lot will be clearly visible on your left in about 1/2 mile.
Devil's Mountain is just off I-5 as you pass through Skagit Valley, south of Mount Vernon. It's an easy 2 pointer via a gated logging road.
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.