This summit has a generally well-maintained (and well-traveled) trail with a great view of the surrounding mountains. The top is mostly detritus with a few trees and boulders around for convenient lounging/operating. I liked the fact that two peaks can be activated off of the same trail – W7W/OK-159 is quite close, and well worth the additional time and effort.
Blogs
Fawn Peak, WA Activation - 10 June, 2014
When you consider this peak for an early season trek, think "beautiful flowers, peaceful solitude, and great views". Early in June this year the hills are festive with colorful wildflowers. There is no trail, no signage, no parking lot... no hikers! And finally, the view - an unubstructed 360 degree view of green valleys, and snow-capped mountains. If you're comfortable with a little cross-country navigation, I recommend this one.
Fox Butte Fire Lookout - First Activation 1Jun14
Fox Butte is the site of a now defunct fire lookout tower that is listed in the National Historical Lookout registry. The road to the top is gated, leaving you with a hike of roughly 3/4 mile to the summit. That's if you're comfortable backing down an inclined double track about 1/4 mile - there is no, repeat no, turnaround.
Dragontail Peak, WA | May 2014
Dragontail Peak, near Leavenworth, WA, is a committed and remote alpine climb - it can't really be considered a hike. This trip report can only give an impression and some basic facts - you will need to prepare carefully and appropriately by reading guidebooks and climbing websites, and making sure you have the necessary skills, experience and equipment. You will need to be able to handle wilderness route finding, high angle snow ascent and descent, rock climbing, and challenging terrain.
SOTA Activation: Mount Baden-Powell, Los Angeles County, California - May 26, 2014
Mount Baden-Powell is 2,865 meters, 9,399 Feet High. Blue Sky & Rarified Air.
SOTA Activation: San Gabriel Peak, Los Angeles County, California - May 23, 2014
On a brief vacation in Southern California to visit family, I managed to activate three (3) SOTA peaks. This is report 1 of 3 for this trip.
San Gabriel is 1,878 Meters, 6,161 feet elevation. It is a 6 point SOTA Summit.
Chuckanut Mtn 20 May, 2014
Identified by SOTA as Chuckanut Mtn, this peak is better known as Blanchard Mountain and is part of the Chuckanut Range. it is located on State Trust Land managed by the DNR. More information about the area may be found at:
www.blanchardmountain.org
A DNR Blanchard Forest Block map can be downloaded at:
Peak 4620, OR | May 2014
When the snow is gone, this is a easy two point summit not far off of Highway 26 east of Mount Hood.
SOTA Activation: Rattlesnake Mountain, King County, Washington - May 15, 2014
On a training hike for our Switzerland Hiking / Climbing tour next July / August. Accompanied by my wife Sharon and our Labrador Retriever Dexter. Rattlesnake Mountain is a relatively easy 9.2 miles round trip (including preliminary walk to trail head from parking lot), gaining 2,500 feet +/- to a summit elevation of 3,517. TH is is easily accessible from my home QTH in Bellevue, WA. I-90 east to exit 32 in North Bend, then good but windy paved road to Rattlesnake Lake area. The hike is through mostly wooded terrain, with some sections