Trailhead has ample, free, accessible parking
Githens Mountain in the Clackamas River drainage is a short, one mile hike and only about 500 feet of gain. It can be activated along with nearby Tumala (Squaw) Mountain from the same trailhead. Finding the summit may require a GPS, as it's not on the trail and isn't particularly distinct.
The trailhead for this summit is off of paved Forest Road 4614 near 45.2460, -122.0508. These directions will get you to the trailhead:
Tumala (or Squaw) Mountain in the Clackamas River drainage is a nice walk through the woods of about 2.5 miles RT and about 800 feet of net gain. It can be done in conjunction with Githens Mountain from the same trailhead - Old Baldy Trail #502.
Once you find Sharps Creek Road, you can follow it to the trail head with ease. You should not try the road to the trail head unless you have a 4x4 as rocks and ground clearance will give you trouble. During the summer, the look out is manned only from around noon to 4:00 pm. This is when the gate will be unlocked at the trail head. Otherwise, it is a very nice trail (1.1 mile dirt road ) to the summit. At the top I had ZERO cell coverage! (AT&T) No way to spot myself! So I called CQ on the usual 20m SOTA freqs with no respnse.
On Saturday 25 June we were once again heading back from Eastern Washington. It had been almost 2 years to the day since I had been on Red Top lookout. The days are long so we had plenty of time to head up. It was an amazing hike and amazing views.
The directions at WTA are perfect for getting to the Trailhead: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/red-top-lookout. The WTA site says round trip 1.5 miles. My GPS said it was right at 1 mile and 345 ft of elevation hike.
Timber Butte is a practically unknown destination not far from the busy trailhead for Triangulation Peak. A short hike on a rough logging road gain you the summit and fantastic views of Mount Jefferson and many Cascade Range peaks.
Outerson Mountain is a practically unknown destination very near the very busy trailhead for Triangulation Peak. A short hike on an old abandoned trail will gain you the summit and fantastic views of Mount Jefferson and many Cascade Range peaks.
Triangulation Peak is a popular summer hike destination with a weekend procession of sandal-wearing hikers, small children and dogs. It's about two miles and 800 feet of gain and has fantastic views of Mount Jefferson and many Cascade Range peaks. More info here: www.nwhiker.com/Triangulation.html.
Repeat Activation of Red Top Mountain Lookout. Red Top (W7W/CW-061) is 5,361 feet elevation (1,634 meters), and is located approximately 15 miles NNE of Cle Elum, Washington. There have been many activations of Red Top Mountain before, so there is ample planning material available. Great weather, great views and the good company of my XYL and Dexter the SOTA Dog, made for a fine activation!
This is a nice hike of 1100 feet on a well-graded trail of about 4.8 miles round trip. It can be busier than most as it's next to Lost Lake Resort and has spectacular views of Mount Hood. Follow the directions to Lost Lake Resort here (or other places): www.nwhiker.com/MHNFHike12.html.
