The pnwSOTA website was created to facilitate communication between SOTA operators in the Pacific Northwest region, as well as show off some of the activities of the top-notch folks we have in the area. On this site you will find information about getting started in SOTA as well as details about summits and activations contributed by people that are operating here.
First Activation of W7W/KG-139 Black Diamond Hill | Feb 2025
First-ever activation? Wait, isn't that private property? The answer to both of those questions is YES. But let me tell you a quick story...
Bobs Mountain, OR | Feb 25
The hike to Bob’s has almost doubled. From just over 3 mi RT to just over 6 mi RT. Elevation gain increased 400ft from 1100 to 1500. The Washington DNR has placed a new gate at 45.64596, -122.20734. There was no signage and I am not sure if the gate will always be closed. But seems prudent to plan on the longer hike. There is plenty of parking near the gate. Hopefully this will cut down on the amount of trash on the hill, which was always the down side of doing this peak.
South Tiger Mountain, WA | Jan 2025
For my first activation in the Pacific Northwest, I chose South Tiger Mountain. It was a "suggested first summit," a short drive from home, and a relatively easy hike. It was also a 2-pointer, another first for me.
Pinochle Peak, OR | Jan 2025
UPDATE: the instructions given by Bill WJ7WJ in A Good Hand of Pinochle are still accurate. However, when I was up there last week, there were several trees that had blown over the road and only some of them had been cleared. I had forgotten to bring the chainsaw and they were too thick to cut with my bow saw.
The Nook: Private Property
Unfortunately this summit is located on the Phillipi Ranch which is private property. Phillipi Canyon Rd (County Rd) takes you to the well-signed No Trespassing large sign. I talked to the Ranch caretaker who lives at the end of the county road. He said "there's no chance for obtaining permission to enter."
Vedder Mountain, WA | December 2024 | Rain, Mud, and Big Smiles
With a slight gap in my family duties, the time finally came for one last 2024 SOTA adventure on
Pocket Knoll, OR | May 2020
Here’s a near drive-up 2-point summit that might be part of your plan to visit the Redwoods in SW Oregon.