Exposed Trail

Spanish Peak is a rough road to a gorgeous 360 view of the Ochoco National Forest and John Day valley. The last half mile to the summit is especially white knuckle as you drive up a road barely wide enough for you car with a steep drop off to the left. But once you're there, the view is amazing! You'll drive past and above the radio tower to the remnants of an old fire lookout. There's plenty of space to park and turn around on the top. Very few trees up there and some steep drop offs, especially to the North.

Snowking is quite the challenge to get to. The road to the trailhead, not so much.  Travis, my climbing partner, and I accessed the trail head via Highway 20, and then via Cascade River Road in Marblemount. Forest Service Road 1570 takes off on the right just after mile marker 14, to get you to the trailhead. There is a couple of Creek crossings, but  We went on a thursday night and suffered for the first five miles of super steep climber's trail.

On Sunday, July 21, 2019, my SOTA Buddy, Tim, KG7EJT, and I Activated for the first time Tucquala Peak.  This 8 Point SOTA Summit is on the East side of the Cle Elum River Valley, almost across the valley from Mount Daniel and Chimney Rock.  On USGS and Forest Service Maps, the peak is shown as Point 6821 for its elevation.  Almost 3,500 feet below the summit, lies Tucquala Lake, one of several lakes and swampy areas that lie along the Cle Elum River. 

Pt 5635 (W7O/CE-276) is in the Ochoco NF approximately 1.5 miles east of Ochoco Divide Campground on Hwy 26.  The summit’s proximity to the highway offers a nice SOTA option when traveling through the area with FS campground accommodations nearby.  Another summit, Ochoco Mountains HP (W7O/CE-080), is also just a short drive from the campground. 

This area has been affected by recent fires, yet there are good sections of live trees along the hike and on the summit that offer shade.  The campground was saved and is in good condition.  

Peak 4260 is 1.8 miles RT hike and about 600 feet gain.

Pine Ridge is a steep hike of a little less than one mile (OW) and 800' vertical, close to Gray Butte-W7O/CE-180 and Grizzly Mountain-W7O/CE-135 so you might consider doing other peaks in the area. Do not confuse this "Pine Ridge" with the W7O/CE-157 "Pine Ridge" about 50 miles to the south.

Lookout Mountain is a lovely hike of about 1.75 miles (OW), close to Round Mountain-W7O/CE-045 so you might consider doing both of those peaks. Note that there are MANY Lookout Mountains - this one is east of Prineville.

Round Mountain is a road hike of about 2 miles one-way and 1000 feet of gain. It's close to Lookout Mountain-W7O/CE-039 so you might consider doing both of those peaks.Note that there are FIVE Round Mountains in Oregon, with one in CE near Lakeview. This is the Round Mountain east of Prineville.

After the North Cascades Highway opened, enjoyed taking a mid-week day to activate this summit near Winthrop, WA.  Spring is a great time as temperatures were in mid-60's, there was no snow, and some flowers were blooming.  Both WTA and AllTrails have great trail information, and links are provided below.  Trailhead is located about 15 minutes (7.8 miles) from main 4-way stop in Winthrop.  Boatlaunch & Trailhead parking is at the Northeast corner of Patterson Lake, and a Discover pass is required for parking at the boat launch.

First time activation of 2011 Good Copy Hill on April 7th.  There is no trail to the summit, but a you can drive within .25 miles, with a 4x4 you don't mind getting scratched up.  It's a narrow dirt road thru sagebrush.  Follow the game trails up to the summit.  Was able to make contacts on 20m & 40m. (SSB)