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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.
Bill (K7WXW) and I were looking for a 3 summit day not too far from Portland and decided on Linney Butte, Signal Buttes South, and 4816. Signal Buttes South and 4816 weren't too bad.
Linney Butte is a memorable bushwhack. Because of the mild 2026 winter, the undergrowth in May was very thick and full. I tired the brute force method on the way up. While Bill admired my "elk like tenacity" for getting through the brush, he went for finesse on the way down. This route meanders more, but took less time. This route is attached.
I was looking for a First Activation during the W7O campout and decided on Charlton Butte. It was a relatively easy hike with great views. I think the reason it wasn't previously activated is the plethora of other peaks in the area and the recent fire eliminated the bushwhack. My wife (KE7HUP) and I were joined by Alison (KO6KZO) and here father (KM6AM).
Diving to the trail head is smoother from the west than the east. The hike is an easy 1.5 miles with 800' elevation. The trail is half on the PCT and half off-trail. A gps is useful.
Pinnacle Peak is an 1800 foot, 2 point peak south of Enumclaw, WA. It is serviced by a large parking lot (with bathrooms) located at (47.16878, -121.98741). Parking address is 26436 SE Mud Mountain Rd, Enumclaw, WA
There are a multitude of trails to the summit area, which has a cool replica fire lookout tower. I posted my route in SOTA Maps and SOTL.AS but your favorite mapping site will have many more options. Mine was 1.6 miles and 1000 feet of ascent.
Local 2m contacts were plentiful and there are trees for a wire if you desire HF.