Directions are from the Seattle Mountaineers book- Guide to 100 Hikes at Mt Rainier National Park:
Palisades Pk - 28 September 2014
Cowap Pk Activation 2014 N7RR & W7TAO
Total elevation gain from the Damfino Lakes Trail 625 northwest trailhead on FS 31 via the northwest ridge trail of Cowap Pk to the activation location just northwest of Cowap Pk summit: 413 m (1356 feet). Approximate trail distance each way: 3.4 km (2.1 miles). The activation is a reasonable one-day trip, and, except for one spot just northwest of the actual summit, a problem-free climb. The activation zone northeast of the summit is easily accessible, and a great family destination.
New Association Manager for W7O-Oregon!
Back in early 2009 when I was working with Les Allwood/G3VQO in setting up the various state-based Associations for W7, I indicated that I would "turn over" Associations to "SOTA active and knowledgeable" individuals who are residents in those states. This was in keeping with the SOTA MT preference of resident Association Managers where feasible.
First was Bruce/N7RR for W7W-Washington followed by Scott/W7IMC for W7I-Idaho.
Huckleberry Ridge activation with KR7W, 10/8/2014
During the first week of October, I was delighted to receive an invitation from accomplished SOTA activator KR7W to accompany him to the not-yet-activated Huckleberry Ridge summit. I expected to take my HB1B along, but testing my equipment, the day before our outing, I managed to toast something inside while trying to get a good antenna match. So I petitioned Rich to let me pack along his trusty KX3 as an alternative to the HW7 he was planning to bring for his own use.
First SOTA Activation: Earl Peak, Kittitas County, Washington - October 19, 2014
Seeing Red...and orange, yellow, blue and green. The reference here is to fall colors and the ongoing hunting season. Beautiful fall day, with mostly sunny weather, fall foliage on display. Several hunting parties in the Teanaway, Beverly and Bean creek valleys necessitated wearing bright colored clothing, and making our presence known.
Clear West Pk W7W/RS-042 Non-Activation
Hello all, I headed up to try and activate Clear West Pk this last weekend.
Hear are the the directions that I was going to follow:
- From Enumclaw drive east on SH 410 for approximately 22 miles to FR 74. (this is where I got as FR74 is gated) Turn Right (South) and drive 7 miles to Rd 7430.
- Turn Left (south) and drive 7.4 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road, elevation 4725 ft.
Hungry Mtn Activation - October 3rd 2014
Hungry Mtn is located in the Okanogan National Forest near Carlton, WA. It’s only a short distance from the highway, with a short steep climb from the end of the road. No water, no trailhead, no facilities, no permits. You’ll likely want to use a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle – this road will be soft and slippery when wet. This peak took me about an hour to walk in to, and half that time to get back to the truck.
SOTA Activation: Mount Catherine, Kittitas County, Washington - September 21, 2014
Last full day of summer, 2014 - A short Activation hike to a beautiful mountaintop view from the somewhat smallish summit area of Mount Catherine.
A last minute decision to attempt a SOTA Activation on the last full day of summer 2014, led us to choose Mount Catherine, behind the Summit East (Hyak) ski area, near Snoqualmie Pass.
Nason Ridge West
This peak is 68.5 miles east of Interstate 5 along State Route 2. Go over Stevens Pass and very soon after the highway divides, turn left on Smithbrook Road #6700. Travel in, over and around the potholes for about 3.7 miles to a wide left-hand curve at about 4600' in a saddle of the Nason Ridge. Park along the road or on a nearby spur road and you'll find the trail for access on the east side signed as Nason Ridge Trail #1583. No permits required here.