Summary - Butler Butte is part of a three summit group on Weyerhauser land that is about two hourse from SE Portland. Getting to the summit requires a short hike from a logging road. The summit is small, densely forested and without views. Don't count on two meters to make your four QSOs, cell phone service is marginal at best, and APRS pings get picked up. It can be done as part of a three or four summit day if you plan carefully.
Blogs
butler butte, wa | october 2022
3387 (mt astronaut), wa | october 2022
Summary - 3387 is a drive up on Weyerhauser land west of Mount Saint Helens and a two hour drive from SE Portland. The summit is treeless and has a great view of Goat Mountain and Mount Saint Helen. Don't count on two meters to make your four QSOs, cell phone service is marginal at best, APRS two way works. Overall, a nice place for a longer activation and can be part of a three or four summit day with careful planning.
Johnstone Peak, Idaho | September 2022
I accessed Johnstone Peak via trail 7121 just southeast of Ketchum. The trailhead begins at 6,528 feet and climbs for approximately 3-miles to a saddle at 8,628-feet (2,236-foot ascent – includes some undulating trail terrain). The trail is well maintained and a comfortable climb to the saddle where you leave the trail to begin the .80 mile / 1,337-foot ascent to the summit. This bushwhack climb is not for the faint of heart.
Oxford Peak, Idaho, 09-26-2022
Located approximately 50 miles South of Pocatello Idaho. Take the Downey Idaho exit from I-15 . Head south on Highway 91 which takes you through Downey. Turn right onto the old highway 191 (old Malad Hwy). Watch for Cherry Creek road which will be on your left and takes you to the Cherry Creek Campground/Trailhead.
Clatskanie Mountain | Sept 2022
Clatskanie Mountain is one of the peaks within the Weyerhaeuser "Columbia - Washington Counties" recreational permit region. It's a relatively easy hike through a small forest section and exposed forest roads. Doing this peak as a biketivation is an option. This would be a good peak to combine with an activation of Benson Hill, NC-042.
Fields Peak, OR | Sep 2022
This is a short but steep hike between Dayville and Mt. Vernon Oregon. Mileage is 4.5 round trip and elevation gain is 1850 ft. Starting point is the McClellan Mountain Trailhead, located at 44.3219, -119.2659.
Directions to the trailhead are on the FS website here:
Rattlesnake Ridge, OR | Sep 2022
This activation begins by getting to the Joaquin Miller Trail Head off of US-395 south of John Day Oregon. Interestingly Google Maps shows this trailhead and the roads to it, but does not provide driving directions to it. My Garmin road GPS did get us there and the driving directions are on the FS website here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/malheur/recreation/hunting/recarea/?recid=39958&actid=54 .
Zero Butte, OR | Sep 2022
Apparently the op that hesitates is lost. After years of driving by it I finally stopped.
Zero Butte is now posted. See picture and attached link to peak bagger.
Monte Carlo, WA | Sep 2022
Monte Carlo is a nice trail to an open summit near Underwood, WA. This appears to be the shortest and easiest way to Monte Carlo - a hike of less than a mile and about 800 feet gain.