Trailhead has ample, free, accessible parking
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. This road is at the limit of what a rear-wheel drive, open differential vehicle can travel. Although it may not be the most scenic summit, if you are traveling through eastern Oregon this is a worthy six-point peak to check out, especially in conjunction with an activation of nearby Little Glass Butte.
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.
The trail is called the "Starway Trail" but it could be better named the "Stairway Trail" as it is one of the steepest trails I have ever hiked - but the views from the top are worth it. And then, the peak should also have the SOTA vanity name, "Starway." The elevation gain is in the order of 2400 feet in just over two miles and pretty much relentlessly climbs for the first half of the hike. Note that this peak can also be approached from Silver Star (from the south) with less elevation gain, although the trail is a bit faint in places.
I guess the winds must be blowing smoke from the fires in Wenatchee over the mountains. It was a pretty hazy day, especially at lower elevations. This one is a short hike (1.5 mi), but a steep one. The drive took me longer than expected, as did the hike, so I wound up about an hour late with the activation. The views were stupendous, though, inspite of the haziness, and the lookout tower at the top made a perfect support for my pole.
Overview: Table Rock is just south of Mollala OR. Although it is in the Table Rock Wilderness Area, active logging occurs in the area. Watch out for log trucks! This is a popular hiking destination so expect to see a lot of hikers on the weekend. On a clear day, Mt Rainer to Mt Mount McLoughlin can be seen. The east side of Table Rock has the 1000 ft cliff face seen in most pictures.
"Llao is the god of the underworld in the mythology of the Klamath Native American tribe. Llao fought a great battle with the sky god, Skell, which caused the eruption of Mount Mazama, creating Crater Lake." (from Wikipedia ). I'm not sure of the correct pronuciation of "Llao".
Aug 21, 2012
Overview:
Spectacular views of Mt Hood to the west and eastern Oregon from this north-south ridge. On clear days, Rainier, Adams, St Helens and the Oregon Cascade peaks are also visible.
Getting There
