UPDATE July 2021 - The lookout is sometimes staffed by a person (at that lookout for 42 years) that incorrectly believes that ham radio requires a Special Use Permit at this location. It is recommended to not activate at the summit or discuss radio with this person, but activate out of sight of the lookout tower off the road.
On July 27, 2013, my wife, Christina, and I activated Castle Rock (W7O/CM-116) near Cougar Reservoir in the middle Cascades. This 3808’ summit is easily reached by roads and a moderate hike.
First Activation of Norse Peak, Pierce / King County Line, Washington.
Beautiful hike on sunny but cool day with my wife, Sharon and Dexter the dog. Enough breeze / wind to keep us cool and the bugs away. This is a trail hike up to summit of Norse Peak, 6,858 feet elevation. Trail is about 10.6 miles round trip, with 2,800 feet +/- elevation gain.
The views are amazing!: Mount Rainier; Mount Adams; Mount Stuart & Enchantments; Central Cascade peaks all around, including Crystal Mountain Ski Resort.
I attempted to activate Horsepasture Mountain in the middle Cascades on 27/7/13. At the base of Road 1993 that leads up the mountain, I encountered a sign saying that the road was closed at 3.0 miles. Curiously, I drove up to have a look. At a little over 3 miles up the road there is a large landside with dirt, rocks, boulders and large trees across the road. I may take awhile for that to be cleared. If you are thinking about activating the summit, check with the Forest Service.
Completed my second SOTA activation on Black Crater on July 23, 2013. Black Creater trailhead is located just east of McKenzie Pass on OR 242. The trailhead is well marked. Parking and the trail are both very good. Trail to the top is about four miles with about 3000ft elevation gain. Trail starts in dense forest and the forrest thins out as you go higher. There were lots of bugs at the parking lot but once on the trail, they were not a problem.
First Activation of Crossman Peak, Mohave County, Arizona.
This hike is near Lake Havasu City, Arizona, on the Arizona / California border. Lake Havasu City is located on Lake Havasu, created by the Parker Dam on the mighty Colorado River. The city is famous for being HOT as Hell!, and having the famous London Bridge.
First SOTA Activation of Tamarack Peak, Washoe County, Nevada - Ace Number 3.
The reference to Aces is because of this mountain's proximity to Reno / Lake Tahoe (Nevada side) & proximity to gambling casino's.
This is a trail & scramble hike up to summit of Tamarack Peak, 9,897 feet elevation. Trail is about 9 miles round trip, combined with first SOTA Activation of Mount Houghton on same day, with 2,000 feet +/- elevation gain.
The views are amazing!: Reno, Nevada; Carson Valley; Lake Tahoe region and northern Sierra Nevada mountain range.
First SOTA Activation of Mount Houghton, Washoe County, Nevada - Ace Number 2.
The reference to Aces is because of this mountain's proximity to Reno / Lake Tahoe (Nevada side) & proximity to gambling casino's.
This is a trail & scramble up to summit of Mount Houghton, 10,490 feet elevation. Trail is about 9 miles round trip., with 1,600 feet +/- elevation gain. Together with the same day First SOTA Activation of Tamarack Peak, the elevation gain was about 2,500 feet.
Great outing on sunny and warm day (80F at 2:00 PM). With Loren Chotzen, Dexter the Labrador and Max the Husky.
This was a fun activation of Mt. Hood. I decided to splurge on weight and bring the FT-817 and Buddipole (no coils) for 6m and 2m SSB. Once I got the antenna up, I found a number of chasers waiting on 50.125, so I'm glad I brought equipment for 6m. The mast was supported by shoving it into the hard snow on the summit.