Flint Mountain may be easily climbed up its southeast sloping ramp from the Scapegoat Plateau. The approach is 17 to 21 miles – depending upon which route one chooses to access the plateau. The cliff band that guards the eastern side of the mountain slopes downwards to the left (south) and can easily be topped towards the left. After topping the cliff band, walk along the bench northwards until you reach a trail (visible in photo) that ascends the steep side-slope towards the summit ramp. Follow the grassy ramp to the summit.
Exposed Summit
Tumala (Squaw) Mountain, OR | July 2016
Tumala (or Squaw) Mountain in the Clackamas River drainage is a nice walk through the woods of about 2.5 miles RT and about 800 feet of net gain.
My first summit/activation Mt Sylvania, OR
This was first dip into the SOTA adventure, and it was big fun! Although this is a super easy almost urban summit it was a good way to start and see how things worked. I used my new KX2 and Alexloop and everything worked great considering propogation. In about 2 hours I worked 24 Q's;14 states and ZL! Not bad for 5W to the loop.I did miss one station calling me on SSB-a cross mode contact if I could've figured out how to undo the 'LSB' mode; somehow the KX2 was set that way on 20 when obviously it should've been set at USB. I did figure it out at home later..sorry to whoever was calling.
Red Top Mountain VHF Activation
On Saturday 25 June we were once again heading back from Eastern Washington. It had been almost 2 years to the day since I had been on Red Top lookout. The days are long so we had plenty of time to head up. It was an amazing hike and amazing views.
The directions at WTA are perfect for getting to the Trailhead: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/red-top-lookout. The WTA site says round trip 1.5 miles. My GPS said it was right at 1 mile and 345 ft of elevation hike.
Outerson Mountain, OR | June 2016
Outerson Mountain is a practically unknown destination very near the very busy trailhead for Triangulation Peak.
Triangulation Peak, OR | June 2016
Triangulation Peak is a popular summer hike destination with a weekend procession of sandal-wearing hikers, small children and dogs. It's about two miles and 800 feet of gain and has fantastic views of Mount Jefferson and many Cascade Range peaks.
Activation of Marmot Butte - June 24, 2016
Marmot Butte is a rather nondescript summit just northeast of Chemult, OR. It is also about 3km northeast of Walker Mountain. The two can easily be done in one day. signage is sparse on this trek. Be sure to take map and GPS to keep on track.
On this warm late June day, the mosquitoes were hungry and numerous. Its never a good sign when you see dozens of mosquitoes lighting on your rig breaking off their blood sucking apparatus the moment you stop. 100% DEET was employed.
SOTA Activation: Red Top Mountain, Kittitas County, Washington - June 5, 2016
Repeat Activation of Red Top Mountain Lookout. Red Top (W7W/CW-061) is 5,361 feet elevation (1,634 meters), and is located approximately 15 miles NNE of Cle Elum, Washington. There have been many activations of Red Top Mountain before, so there is ample planning material available. Great weather, great views and the good company of my XYL and Dexter the SOT
SOTA Activation: "Mount Attenuator", AKA "Summit Lake Peak", Pierce County, Washington - May 30, 2016
A fantastic Activation together with my SOTA Buddy, Tim, KG7EJT, along with his wife Masako, my wife Sharon & Dexter the SOTA Dog on Memorial Day 2016. Great weather, fantastic views from the summit and a successful SOTA Activation for both of us, yielded a memorable outing. "Mount Attenuator", mostly known as Summit Lake Peak, is approximately 3 miles north of Mount Rainier National Park. Thus it affords incredible sweeping outlook of the north aspect of mighty Mount Rainier. Mount Attenuator is 5,780 feet (1,762 meters) high, and is reached via approximately 6.1 mile RT trail. Elevation gain is approximately 1,360 feet.