Summit has good "views"
First SOTA Activation of Lookout Mountain, a smallish, somewhat obscure SOTA peak, above the town of Cle Elum. Lookout Mountain is 3,465 Feet in elevation (1,056 Meters), which makes it feasible even in winter, when the high country is still buried in snow. This Lookout Mountain is NOT to be confused with Lookout Mountain (W7W/CW-037).
On midwinter trip to Southern California to visit family, once again we set aside time for several SOTA Activations. This report details the Activation of Point 4202, off SR2, the Angeles Crest Highway, in the San Gabriel Mountains. I had previously Activated many nearby SOTA Summits, and had driven right below and by Point 4202 without being aware of it. Being our last day in So. Cal.
On midwinter trip to Southern California to visit family, once again we set aside time for several SOTA Activations. This report details the Activation of Occidental Peak, very close to the famous Mount Wilson Observatory. I has previously Activated the adjacent San Gabriel Peak, and had observed Occidental close by.
On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, I completed my first winter SOTA at Shafer Butte, Idaho (W7I/BC-064). Best way to get there is take the Bogus Basin Road 16 miles from Boise to Bogus Basin Ski Area, then continue about another couple miles to Pioneer (upper) Lodge parking lot. During ski season Pioneer Lodge has open restrooms, lunch room, dining area, and beer bar. From the Pioneer Lodge one can snowshoe or nordic ski up a ski trail or transverse the mountain from about 6,750' elevation for about a mile to Shafer Butte 7,582'.
2-Miles, +950 feet
Follow Head Lane north into the Scratchgravel Hills until it reaches a BLM pullout/parking area/trailhead. Continue north past the gate on the old 2-track, turning right (Easterly) when it reaches the low saddle. Continue following the 2-track easterly, and eventually southerly as it climbs to the summit. The summit is very pleasant, with a nice level clearing amongst the scattered pines, and fine views of the city to the south.
This unobtrusive summit offers a quiet, easily accessible QTH that may be conveniently accessed via the popular "Helena Ridge Trail". The Helena ridge trail is a scenic 7 mile ridge trail that connects from the trailhead at Park City to Mount Helena City Park (and on into downtown Helena). The trail is excellent for hiking or biking, and there is ample parking at the Park City trailhead. Follow the trail from the parking lot as it cuts up and around the north slope and eastern shoulder of the hill that overlooks the parking lot.
A cold, windy & snowy winter activation of Amabilis Mountain, 4,580 feet, located east of Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, was undertaken by me and my SOTA Buddy - Tim, KG7EJT. The forecast was for a substantial change from the sunny but cold weather this area had been enjoying the previous week. The TH is easy to reach, most of the time, being right at Exit 63, Highway I-90. The route we took followed the XC Ski groomed logging road leading from the Lodge Creek / Swamp Creek Basin to the summit area of Amabilis. The route was 11.18 m
Jumbo Mountain (3.4 mi., 3,400 ft, 16-mile approach)
The approach and climb to Jumbo Mountain offers a scenic journey through the remote and spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness. We included this activation as part of a 9-day loop trip through the Bob Marshall Wilderness that included three SOTA activations.
