Today's attempted activation of Wilderness Peak W7W/KG-132 was my second attempt at my first SOTA activation. My cousin and I have been hiking all summer on various trails between Lake Washington and Snoqualmie Pass. In the last few weeks I've decided that I'd give SOTA a try. We made it up to the top of Wilderness Peak today where I was stymied by steady rain and radio problems. I called it a bust and will try again in a few weeks.
Tower Mountain really does have a tower on it. The 92'-tall Aermotor steel lookout tower was built in 1935. It is still standing and accessible today. Your level of enjoyment with the activation will likely increase if you are able to use the tower in your activation. This peak is the highest and most prominent point in Umatilla County, Oregon, but the summit is tree lined so getting up the tower gets you above the trees.
If you want to practice being a mountain goat, this is the summit for you. This peak is technically in NE Oregon, but you drive there from Eastern Washington. The access road near the summit is better suited for high clearance vehicles and has space for 1 car to park. From there you will need to traverse to the summit without a trail up some very steep terrain. You can navigate around the treed sections easily, so although it is very steep with delicate footing, you won’t have to bushwhack.
Eagle Cap is a gem of the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. We approached from Lostine, Oregon for a total hike of about 20 miles (32km) round trip and 4,000 feet of gain (1220m). The trail is rocky in places and often steep. We enjoyed an overnight stay in the Lakes Basin with a side trip to Eagle Cap. Only some of the 19 ten-point summits in the Wallowas have an established trail - this peak is very approachable, despite the long hike required.
Park Butte was one of my favorite hikes this year, and is a 6 point summit located near Mount Baker in Whatcom County, WA. Thank you to Todd W7TAO for his YouTube SOTA videos, which sparked my interest activating. Definitely enjoyed hiking near Mt Baker, the views, and activating near the lookout. Since it is a heavily trafficked trail, this was mid-week activation.
Long Mountain has finally been activated! A 12 mile round trip for 1 point that costs $75 just to step foot past the logging road gate. A quiet hike with not a soul to disturb you while you take a long walk on the mostly exsposed logging roads. You will see wildlife, mostly birds, along with a stunning view of Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams if the weather is clear.
This is an update to K7ATN's blog entry. The road was easily passable all the way to the "summit"/rock outcropping. I drove a Kia Sportage with no issues, no gates, no tight spots. It appears as if someone in the last year has come through and cut some of the trees close to the road. Don't get me wrong, but the dirt road is NOT wide open, but easily passable without touching the trees on either side.
Hawk Mountain was an easy 1 hour hike to a summit with great views of Mt Jefferson and further south. The trail is well maintaned and there were Huckleberries galore that may delay your QRV.
Take forest road 46 (paved) to forest road 6350 and 6355 west to the trail head at 44.84062, -121.94718. Forest road 6350 is a well graded gravel road that is rated "Prius-able". The Hike is 2 miles each way with an elevation gain of 789'.
Wolf Peak turned out to be an awesome summit! It was pretty easy to bushwhack to. Basically, you park at 45.153898, -121.868155 and follow the ridge line up to the top. The ridge is pretty steep to the east so it is easy to follow.
Here is Eric's (VA7NX) activation story about Mount Maguire. It was a difficult session but ended with a pleasant surprise.