We (me and N7HAP) did this after W7O/SC-267, I would recommend doing them both if up there. We went up expecting a nice 75degree day but got that Oregon liquid sunshine instead. This was N7HAP's first successful activation! He also logged the very first SOTA contact for this summit, YAY!
Summit 3334 will likely be named ”Hornet Hill” due to the local road names going up. But don't let the name stop you! It is a nice knoll with a partial view. Grassy area with oak and tall pine, and plenty of wildflowers, and some interesting lighning damage on some timber. Plenty of area to set up.
4.3 mi, +2,100 feet
This is a good earlier season hike that offers spectacular views and some isolation after leaving the main Sun River Trail.
I believe previous activations of W7O/SC-071 reached the summit from the hang glider parking area to the north at the end of Woodrat Mountain Rd. When I looked at Google Maps satellite view, I noticed a distinct trail from an earlier spot on Woodrat Mtn Road, to the east of the summit. Woodrat Mountain Road is reached via Griffin Creek Road and Sterling Creek Road from the east. It begins with asphalt pavement and then turns to gravel/dirt but is in very good shape compared to other forest roads in this area. I was able to easily find where Woodrat Mtn Road was inter
Spring is in the air! As the 2020 hiking/SOTA season approaches, I wanted to share information about what is open and what isn't under Governor Inslee's order. Despite closures of many state, local, and private properties, there are still many SOTA possibilities that are legal under Inslee's order. That doesn't mean activating is a good idea! I leave that to you to decide for yourself. I hope to shed light on what is and isn't accessible, and provide some guidance on permissible activa
Dear Oregon,
During these difficult times, we fully understand the desire to seek solace in the outdoors and the value of physical exertion to shed stress. However, in the interest of public health, we respectfully urge you to resist the desire and to comply with stay-at-home orders, and get exercise/outside in your neighborhood.
Yesterday's SOTA adventure took me to the top of Mount Maria near Horseshoe Bend, Idaho for a first time activation. The hike up was right at 1 mile in length and took about 45 minutes. The last section was very steep, so had to slow down the pace quite a bit.
The view from the top was spectacular. To the south you could see the town of Horseshoe Bend. To the southeast, Shafer Butte. To the north was a nice view up the Payette river.
Great day weather wise, about 70 degrees and sunny. Hardly a breath of wind on the top.
This is a 1-point peak in Stimson Logging land, accessible via a hike from their gate on the edge of the Clatsop State Forest. The majority of this hike is on gravel and grass logging road, but the last section of the approach requires a climb across open clear-cut land. This peak would combine well with NC-085 in the same day, as that peak can be accessed by some of the same forest roads without too much backtracking.
I was driving by Negro Ben every week for a job so decided to give it a try on my way home one morning, being that it was “just a 2 pointer” I thought no problem. It was a little exciting for my first solo activation. The majority of the walk up was easy, just a gated road. Then you have to bushwack your way up from the end of the road (SEE UPDATE). A few yards in I had a rattlesnake slither right across my foot as I took a long stride up the bank. Yikes! I set up in the timber, there is some open areas at the very top but I was looking for shade in July.
