K7MAS's picture

SOTA Activation: South Tiger Mountain, King County, Washington - June 22, 2014

Summit: 
W7W/KG-121

Nice Hike on warm, sunny, first day of Summer, 2014.

Easy hike, mainly in shady forest, leading to a last ascent on road and trail through a clear cut, but re-planted, summit area of South Tiger Mountain.  Unlike many other hikes in the "Issaquah Alps", this trail get relatively light use, and consequently light maintenance.  It was a little overgrown in places, with Nettles in some areas.

My wife accompanied me, as well as our Yellow Labrador Retriever "Dexter", who proceeded to find any availble mud hole to immerse himself in...

KF7PXT's picture

Red Top MTN First Activation

Summit: 
W7W/CW-061

On 21 June the family and I headed out to Ritzville, WA to pick up my oldest daughter, Lily. Of course you know that I cannot drive 2/3 of the way across the state of WA and not find a SOTA to do.

KX7L's picture

Not exactly PNW...

Summit: 
W8O/NE-007

Ohio isn't exactly PNW, but I though I'd put it here anyway - It'll give you a flavor of what it's like in other parts of the country

N7KRN's picture

New Battery

My old (well used) SLA batteries are due to be replaced, and I've ordered a new 4.5 AH lithium ferrophosphate battery (LiFePO4) and wonder if anyone else here has tried or is using one of these and what their experience has been.

N7KRN's picture

Mono Lever Mtn, WA Activation - June 18, 2014

Summit: 
W7W/OK-159

This summit is accessed from the Driveway Butte (W7W/OK-138) Trail which begins close to the Klipchuck Campground - Hwy 20 near Mazama, WA. The peak is quite large and generally open with some trees scattered around. Pick a sunny day for the most outstanding views, and combine this activation with Driveway Butte to avoid climbing the steep part of that trail twice.

N7KRN's picture

Driveway Butte, WA Activation - 18 June, 2014

Summit: 
W7W/OK-138

This summit has a generally well-maintained (and well-traveled) trail with a great view of the surrounding mountains. The top is mostly detritus with a few trees and boulders around for convenient lounging/operating. I liked the fact that two peaks can be activated off of the same trail – W7W/OK-159 is quite close, and well worth the additional time and effort.

N7KRN's picture

Fawn Peak, WA Activation - 10 June, 2014

Summit: 
W7W/OK-123

When you consider this peak for an early season trek, think "beautiful flowers, peaceful solitude, and great views". Early in June this year the hills are festive with colorful wildflowers. There is no trail, no signage, no parking lot... no hikers! And finally, the view - an unubstructed 360 degree view of green valleys, and snow-capped mountains. If you're comfortable with a little cross-country navigation, I recommend this one.

KG7AV's picture

Fox Butte Fire Lookout - First Activation 1Jun14

Summit: 
W7O/CE-091

Fox Butte is the site of a now defunct fire lookout tower that is listed in the National Historical Lookout registry. The road to the top is gated, leaving you with a hike of roughly 3/4 mile to the summit. That's if you're comfortable backing down an inclined double track about 1/4 mile - there is no, repeat no, turnaround.

K7ATN's picture

Dragontail Peak, WA | May 2014

Summit: 
W7W/CH-007

Dragontail Peak, near Leavenworth, WA, is a committed and remote alpine climb - it can't really be considered a hike. This trip report can only give an impression and some basic facts - you will need to prepare carefully and appropriately by reading guidebooks and climbing websites, and making sure you have the necessary skills, experience and equipment. You will need to be able to handle wilderness route finding, high angle snow ascent and descent, rock climbing, and challenging terrain.