Easy Trail

Wizard Island was on my “Must Do” list since I learned it was a SOTA summit and it did not disappoint.

Peak 8740 was first activated a month ago on 08 Aug 2023 by KJ7GRQ and N0DNF. This is a very straightforward “trailhead” from a rough dirt/gravel road.  Definitely not Prius friendly and I wouldn’t take anything but a vehicle with more than standard clearance.  Recent rains have created water channels, mud puddles and exposed rocks in places. 4WD is not required, however.

2023 update:  You can access North Green Mountain if you purchase a Weyerhaeuser permit https://recreation.weyerhaeuser.com. You will need the “Longview – St Helens” one.

You can access Wilkes Hills if you purchase a Weyerhaeuser permit https://recreation.weyerhaeuser.com. You will need the “Longview – St Helens” one. There is no rec permit access gate from the I5/Burma Road side. You have to go around to the East side a bit. It is about 8 miles from the intesection of Tower Road and Hwy 504.

Signal Peak is a 12.7 mile Priusable drive up with some pot holes that are easily navigated.  It does not need a Weyerhaeuser permit for access.  Although you traverse through Weyerhaeuser land, the road you take is designed as a “Public Access Corridor” to the state forest where the Signal Peak summit is located. 

New (and Improved!) Lake Butte 6260 W7O/NE-264

There are three options for getting to this peak.

Priusable road: Hike 4.2 miles RT with 900 ft elevation gain.

High clearance 4x4: Hike from a hunting camp 2.75 miles and 700 ft elevation gain.

High clearance 4x4 and willing copilot: Hike 1.75 miles and 500 ft of gain

I thought I should put a few pointers here based on our recent activation of Triode Mt.

The property is privately owned by Inland Empire Paper Co.  They sell a per-day access permit from their web site.

K7JTO first activated this summit in June 2020 along with Peak 9335 (W7U/BO-002) and George Peak (W7U/NU-045). His write-up can be found in the Resources section of the SotaMaps peak reference.  He provides a very good description of all the peaks along with some great pictures.  The following is additional information that may help in planning.

I did Eagle Rock late in the afternoon after both Ball and Willow Creek. It is basically a drive up. I am not sure on the accuracy of the elevation/topo for this mountain. I climbed through the buckbrush onto the high rocks where a lookout is collapsed into rumble and don't think I got above 6955'. Not a good place to activate on top. I just dropped down a bit into the AZ to activate using my best judgement. It was <1/4 mi hike from where we parked near 41.87825, -122.24398.

It had been 4 years since I went down to do Ball Mt and I'm not sure why I don't get down here more. Ball is a great <2mi RT hike on a gated lookout road. I love the lookout on Ball. There are great views with ample space and choice of location in the AZ, exposed around LO or go down into the trees a little. Each time I have gone I have also done Willow Creek Mt and this trip added Eagle Rock also. All can be done in a day if you plan accordingly.