Blogs

Eagle Cap is a gem of the Eagle Cap Wilderness of the Wallowa Mountains of Northeast Oregon. We approached from Lostine, Oregon for a total hike of about 20 miles (32km) round trip and 4,000 feet of gain (1220m). The trail is rocky in places and often steep. We enjoyed an overnight stay in the Lakes Basin with a side trip to Eagle Cap. Only some of the 19 ten-point summits in the Wallowas have an established trail - this peak is very approachable, despite the long hike required.

Park Butte was one of my favorite hikes this year, and is a 6 point summit located near Mount Baker in Whatcom County, WA.  Thank you to Todd W7TAO for his YouTube SOTA videos, which sparked my interest activating.  Definitely enjoyed hiking near Mt Baker, the views, and activating near the lookout.  Since it is a heavily trafficked trail, this was mid-week activation.

Long Mountain has finally been activated! A 12 mile round trip for 1 point that costs $75 just to step foot past the logging road gate. A quiet hike with not a soul to disturb you while you take a long walk on the mostly exsposed logging roads. You will see wildlife, mostly birds, along with a stunning view of Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams if the weather is clear.

This is an update to K7ATN's blog entry.  The road was easily passable all the way to the "summit"/rock outcropping.  I drove a Kia Sportage with no issues, no gates, no tight spots.  It appears as if someone in the last year has come through and cut some of the trees close to the road.  Don't get me wrong, but the dirt road is NOT wide open, but easily passable without touching the trees on either side.

Hawk Mountain was an easy 1 hour hike to a summit with great views of Mt Jefferson and further south. The trail is well maintaned and there were Huckleberries galore that may delay your QRX. 

Take forest road 46 (paved) to forest road 6350 and 6355 west to the trail head at 44.84062, -121.94718. Forest road 6350 is a well graded gravel road that is rated "Prius-able". The Hike is 2 miles each way with an elevation gain of 789'.

Wolf Peak turned out to be an awesome summit! It was pretty easy to bushwhack to. Basically, you park at 45.153898, -121.868155 and follow the ridge line up to the top. The ridge is pretty steep to the east so it is easy to follow.

Here is Eric's (VA7NX) activation story about Mount Maguire. It was a difficult session but ended with a pleasant surprise.

https://www.scenicart.ca/content/mount-maguire?fbclid=IwAR3KapHJl56CUctiFqk0L__vKHiFaLCBeQTQNeVCDyqejNDPh5NArswm7Es

3780 Top Loaded Mountain is an easy 4 point summit in Washington. I was able to activate this summit while out camping with my family at nearby Chehalis RV and Camping Resort. Looking for summits nearby to activate using my SOTA Spotter app 3780 Top Loaded Mountain and Rooster Rock showed up and both had been activated already. Usually that's a good sign that there is a good way to the summit.

Spanish Peak is a rough road to a gorgeous 360 view of the Ochoco National Forest and John Day valley. The last half mile to the summit is especially white knuckle as you drive up a road barely wide enough for you car with a steep drop off to the left. But once you're there, the view is amazing! You'll drive past and above the radio tower to the remnants of an old fire lookout. There's plenty of space to park and turn around on the top. Very few trees up there and some steep drop offs, especially to the North.

Rooster Rock is an easy 4 point summit in Washington.  I was able to activate Rooster Rock while out camping with my family at nearby Chehalis RV and Camping Resort.  Looking for summits nearby to activate using my SOTA Spotter app Rooster Rock and 3780 Top Loaded Mountain showed up and both had been activated already.  Usually that's a good sign that there is a good way to the summit.