This summit had only been activated one time, 10 years ago, so I was not sure about how well this activation would go. Short version: one of the best SOTA activation experiences out there. Worth the drive east of the Crater Lake area. Put it on your list!
The intel from the original write up is still accurate. Here is a July 2025 update. There has been recent trail and access road maintenance. Overgrown manzanita encroaching on the road has been cleared back, you will still get some scratches but you can get to TH easily. TH Parking is at: 42.948183, -121.401700
The trail is fantastic. In 6.7 miles I did not need to step over a single log. Hundreds of deadfall logs have been cut and the trail is in very good condition. It is a steady grade with some waterbar “humps” the trail altitude profile looks like an Egyptian pyramid! See below. The trail surface is firm but has a layer of sand to make it seem like you have an extra pair of insoles in your hiking boot. As crazy as it may sound for a summit in excess of 8000 feet, this is a great biketavation possibility.I think you could do the whole thing without any “hike-a-bike” sections. Stats: 6.7 miles round trip, 1600 ft vertical.
There may have been a burn years ago, but there is no dramatic burn scar, there is sparse forest along the whole trail, some sections exposed and hot. Shade available at the top, within the AZ. So no issues with places to set up wire antennas. Fabulous 360 views (summit pics posted to SOTA Atlas) To top off my late July activation experience, there were thousands of butterflies flying around!
On the drive out, instead of driving back to Hwy 97 directly the way I came in, I diverted onto Kirk Road and activated Wocus Butte and Little Wocus Butte then continued on Kirk Road to Hwy 97.
