SOTA-based Vanity Name the Numbered Peak Promotion Ends

The W7O Vanity Name the Numbered Peak Promotion ended 01 March 2023. All vanity names have been retired. The text below is the original proposal for vanity names as a reference to the original intentions and guidance for Vanity Names. 

This is a straightforward drive-up activation about an hour south of Bend with great views. Paulina Peak and North Paulina Peak are both in the Newberry National&nbs

This would be a great activation on a mountain bike - the single track looks like a good time. On busy weekends hikers might be outnumbered by bikes - however, for this early fall, late evening activation I saw no one on the trail. The trail is about 4.1 miles one way with about 0.3 miles of that cross country and 1300 feet of elevation gain.

There's nothing particularly interesting about Pete's Mountain - it's essentially a suburban pavement activation for one point. There's no public space so one ends up standing on the public right of way a few feet from the road, pretty much in someone's front yard. I was across the street from the actual 'summit' that's in the front yard of a large house. 

The road to Glass Butte requires a high clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive is recommended.

The roads in this area to access Little Glass Butte might be Ok in a very carefully driven passenger car, but high clearance is recommended. If you are traveling through eastern Oregon this is a worthy six-point peak to check out, especially along with an activation of nearby G

Sixteen miles of roundtrip hiking, even on a nice bit of the PCT, is a long way to go for two points, but it might the easiest way to get to Buck Peak and it's a lovely hike just the same.

Lava Butte is an easy and fun four pointer if you are ever in Central Oregon. It is a drive-up summit part of the year. There is a sometimes staffed lookout at the top and enough room for operating and most any antenna. Since it is a popular spot, you could get plenty of questions about ham radio when it is busy.

For those that hunt regularly this is not news, but for other SOTA Activators please be aware of hunting season in the areas you might activate, especially when hiking off trail. Check the hunting calendar for your state, wear clothing to be seen, and be thoughtful when crashing through the brush.

While in town for the Hells Canyon Relay race, Taylor and I planned to hit two 10-point summits in the Joseph, OR area, our highest elevation and point value yet. What started off as a well-planned day trip unraveled into a messy situation. This is a long report, but worth the read!