Adrian, Patrick and I headed up for some backpacking/activating on Friday. We drove to South Breitenbush Trailhead with the intent of camping 2 miles in then attempting a first activation of Dinah-Mo Peak and heading back down the next day. Well, with what I thought was an hour of slack time, we encountered first some downed trees on NF46 (Clackamas River Hwy - Breitenbush River Road) and then were stopped by downed trees a mile and a half from the trailhead. No big deal, we have a little time, right?
Blogs
Dinah-Mo Peak, OR | May 2020
Chuckanut Mountain, WA | May 2020
For some reason, Chuckanut Mountain was not on the top of my list for a 2 point summit. Two reasons were probably the long hike for two points, and uncertainty about going off trail to the summit. After not hiking for 6 weeks due to Covid-19 lock-downs, this was a great hike to enjoy being back on a trail. While a bit longer hike, the elevation gain is gradual and the final off-trail summit push is also gradual and easy to traverse.
Directions:
Magnetic Hill near Bellingham WA
This is an easy hike half on a good road and half by trail. The area is also used by mountain bikes. There is limited parking at the gate at location 48.688594 N, 122.403296 W, although few use this trail system. Follow the well maintained road .6 miles until the place on the right side of the road where the trail begins. See Picture.:
Strawberry Mountain, OR | July 2017
Here's one of Oregon's most approachable ten-point summits.
Fuller Mountain, WA | May 2020
Another nice little peak in the Snoqualmie Forest, located in the Campbell Global logging property. The "trail" to the summit has been re-done recently, making it far easier to find than my last trip there 2 years ago - Thanks to whoever did this! This trip is best done as "bike-n-hike". Easy 2 mile bike ride along loggin roads to the "trailhead".
Sardine Mountain, OR | Oct 2019
Sardine Mountain is a short and steep trail of only about a third of a mile, but gaining about 500 feet. This is essentially a social trail that heads straight up the ridge that will disappear into the shrub in places. There are skittery rocks near the top requiring some focus to find a suitable path upwards. From the Willamette Valley, take Highway 22 east until just before the Breitenbush River bridge takes you into Detroit. You'll turn left here onto French Creek Road and go about 4.1 miles until the pavement ends and keep left onto Road 2223.
Cinnamon Butte, OR | July 2017
This is a fun activation with an manned fire lookout (active during summer only of course) a few miles north of Crater Lake National Park. If the lookout is occupied and the gate is open, it would be a drive-up. If the gate is locked, it's a mere 1.7 miles of road walking OW and 900 feet gain. Along Highway 138 and about 11 miles north of Highway 209 that enters Crater Lake National Park, find Cinnamon Butte LO Road (FS 4793).
Hat Point, OR | June 2017
In the extreme NE corner of Oregon, there's this lovely near drive-up summit with a great view down to the Snake River and Hells Canyon. There's a fire lookout tower that you can climb partway up, but it's perhaps not the best place to activate. Instead, head down the short trail to the benches and picnic tables that have a view east down into the canyon - it's fantastic.
Peak 5571, OR | June 2017
In the NE corner of Oregon there's this easy summit with great views of the surrounding Wallowa Mountains. The cross-country "hike" is only 0.6 miles from the nearest road approach and about 300 feet of gain, and in season the wildflowers are amazing.
Warner Peak, OR | Sep 2013
On the Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge in southern Oregon, Warner Peak is a nice 3.4 mile one-way road walk. Although the trailhead is not that easy to reach and the Refuge is one of the most remote places in the state. You'll want a high clearance vehicle for these roads. From Refuge Headquarters, head south on Blue Sky Road for 14 miles - it starts out heading south and then turns towards the west. Near 42.4298° -119.723° turn left and continue about 0.7 miles to a ford.