Clarks Mountain is just south of Seaside Oregon. The trail is about 1.8 miles of one-way hiking starting at a clearly marked trailhead on the very south end of town on Sunset Blvd.

Scouting Report

TL;DR version: Parking for one or two rigs outside the gate.  Broken rock road to lookout, 2.75 miles, path to true summit forks off from LO road at ~ last 1/4 mile.  LO area was forested, true summit likely is also.  Good opportunities for hanging wire, limited view.  All in all, a lovely walk in the forest.

(NOTE: This report covers both Shafer Butte W7I/BC-064 and W7I/BC-070. It is posted twice so that it can link to both summit references on pnwSOTA and SOTAWatch.)

(NOTE: This report covers both Shafer Butte W7I/BC-064 and W7I/BC-070. It is posted twice so that it can link to both summit references on pnwSOTA and SOTAWatch.)

For anyone heading up to Mount Hood or headed from Portland into Central Oregon, Clear Lake Butte would be a nice stop on the way. It's a well graded and mostly paved forest road, suitable for biking or bringing along those that aren't big hikers. And no one would mind arriving at a classic fire lookout.

SeaPac, the ARRL Northwest regional hamfest is June 5 to June 7, 2015.  We are having a Friday night SOTA gathering, much like the past few years. We have reserved the banquet room at the the same pizza place we have met before - looking forward to seeing SOTA folks there!

If you are interested in an atypical activation, this rock might be just for you. A low elevation early spring attainable summit. Located in a WA state park North of Coulee City, WA.  Much more expansive than Beacon Rock and depending on the day of the week, fewer visitors.

Great views and clear terrain for miles. Elevation at top is 2285 feet with a quick gain of 650 feet from the TH thru a steep slot in the cliffs which can be loose rock at times.

Steamboat Rock State Park offers campsites and boating opportunities.

I've had my eye on Union Hill (W7W/KG-142) for the entire 9 months I've been activating SOTA summits. Why, you ask? Several reasons. First, it is the closest summit to my QTH. Secondly, the summit is on a piece of undeveloped forest that invites exploration. And if those reasons are not enough, the summit had never been activated.

With a clear weather window during a wet week, my wife and I decided we should go hike/run up Lucky Peak.  The trail head is only a couple miles from our house so we spend quite a bit of time on the first few miles of the trail.  This would be our second time hiking all the way to the top.  It would be the first time hiking/running the peak with the SOTA gear on my back though!

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Our first activation of Bald Mtn in 2015 was very satisfying even on the overcast and misty day we did it. But opt for a sunny day if you can - the views at the top are really worth it. On a clear day, you will be rewarded with a wonderful vista of the Spada Reservoir and the mountains beyond. The pictures here were taken when we went back in 2016.