Pass Required at Trailhead

The hike to Bob’s has almost doubled. From just over 3 mi RT to just over 6 mi RT. Elevation gain increased 400ft from 1100 to 1500. The Washington DNR has placed a new gate at 45.64596, -122.20734. There was no signage and I am not sure if the gate will always be closed. But seems prudent to plan on the longer hike. There is plenty of parking near the gate. Hopefully this will cut down on the amount of trash on the hill, which was always the down side of doing this peak.

Just an update: the road to the trailhead has been re-gravelled since we activated in 2023.  Discovery Pass still required.

And it is possible to get closer to the summit by parking next to the electrical tower at (45.658181, -122.183540).

There is a motorcycle path that runs 1/2 mile up the hill to the summit instead of the previous directions that winds around the hill.

It is quite a bit steeper but we didn't have any trouble getting there.  There was no snow at the time.

Bring a climbing helmet for this summit! Even under the trees, you're in the kill zone for falling rocks! 

Summary - Bird Mountain, in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, combines good trails and a steep bushwhack (not for beginners).  While makes for a longish day, link it with Lemei Rock for a two summit, twelve point outing.  The trip from Portland to the Cultus Creek Campground (day fee or pass required) is about two hours on mosly paved roads.  ATT digital service is good, as is APRS.

Summary - Lemi Rock, in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, combines good trails, a steep bushwhack (not for beginners), and some optional ridge scrambling.  While makes for a longish day, link it with Bird Mountain for a two summit, twelve point outing.  The trip from Portland to the Cultus Creek Campground (day fee or pass required) is about two hours on mosly paved roads.  ATT digital service is good, as is APRS.

Backpacking into North Cascades National Park (US-0055)

Date: September 6-8, 2024

Overview:

Backpacking into North Cascades National Park (US-0055)

Date: September 6-8, 2024

Overview:

Overview:

On a clear, calm day with smoke creeping in from eastern fires, I set out to activate Winchester Mountain (W7W/WH-122) and 30.06 Peak, also known as Bear Mountain (W7W/WH-123). This report details the equipment used, trail conditions, band conditions, and memorable moments from both activations.

Weather and Views:

Ascent:

Our adventure began at 8 a.m. from the Hannegan Trailhead. The trail offered a mostly shaded ascent to Boundary Camp, which was a welcome relief in the early hours. However, it's worth noting that this section is south-facing and can become quite hot by midday. The initial elevation gain was relatively gradual, with about 500 feet per mile over the first four miles.

Heading into the 2024 W7O Campout weekend, I was 36 points shy of Mountain Goat. K6ARK and I hit some strategic drive ups on the way down for 10 points, and then knocked out 24 points on the Siskiyou Crest. That left me at 998 points going into Saturday. I didn't want to activate just any summit for my MG, I wanted something that called back to the mountaineering I was doing when I first got licensed and learned of SOTA.