N7UN's blog

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1095 on Private Property

Summit: 
W7O/WV-137

The summit is in the middle of a Christmas tree farm owned by Fox Farms.  There is a graveled road (about ½ mi) to the top.  There is several commercial comms at the summit and all protected by cameras.  The access road is “generally” wire rope gated.  The property is not posted.

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New Access Information for Mt Mitchell

Summit: 
W7W/LC-083

28Dec2023:  Active logging has begun in this area. 

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Davis Peak WA: NOAA Wx Station

Summit: 
w7w/LC-118

Davis Peak is the site of a regional broadcast NOAA Weather station operating on a freq of 162.525 at 100w to a gain vertical antenna.  See  https://www.weather.gov/nwr/sites?site=WNG604

Consequently, expect front-end overload with your 2m handheld.  I have used my SotaBeams 2m RF bandpass filter with very good results. See https://www.sotabeams.co.uk/bandpass-filter-for-2m/  Cost for a USA purchaser is $48.

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No Access Maryhill Benchmark

Summit: 
W7W/MC-065

Maryhill Benchmark is on the east side of SR97 and in the middle of a giant windm9ll farm.  From what I can find, all access is blocked by gates and no tresspassing signs.  Undoubtedly for security purposes.  

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Larch Mtn OR Road Closed for 2023

Summit: 
w7o/wv-062

The Larch Mtn access road will be closed for paving "most of 2023".  See https://www.multco.us/roads/webform/larch-mountain-road-paving-and-repair for the details.

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Jack Mountain, WA: Access Permit Required

Summit: 
W7W/LC-122

The Weyerhaeuser gated entrance is about 3 miles east of the Dole Valley Rd turn from the NE Sunset Falls Rd.  It appears that Jack Mountain is located on Weyerhaeuser private property and based on the below picture of the signs, access is not allowed without a Weyerhaeuser Recreational Access Permit.  Jack Mountain is in the Yacolt Permit area.  Their website says the permits are "Sold Out".  I also saw a permit price of $300 which is beyond my SOTA budget!

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Davis Mountain, WA

Summit: 
W7W/PL-060

Davis Mtn could be activated with Purcell, W7W/PL-057, via the same access Davis Creek Road.  Davis Creek Road goes north from SR12, a few miles east of Randle. Davis Creek Road becomes NF63 which is easily driveable by street vehicles, i.e. "priusable" for about 8 miles.  Turn right at 46.58361, -121.81340 onto a high-clearance, at least an AWD, heavily rutted road.

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Overnight at Burley Mtn Lookout, WA

Summit: 
W7W/PL-039

The Lookout is a "first come, first served" and, therefore, not reservable at recreation.gov.  Consequently, a mid-week visit with an early arrival will generally net you an opportunity to spend the night.  Most folks spend one night, as a courtesy to others.  

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South Point, WA | Sep 2022

Summit: 
W7W/PL-015

A steady, relentless 3000 ft climb over 3.6 mi to the summit.  The trail is mostly forested until you make the ridge, about 100 ft (elevation) of the summit, then you get spectacular views of Rainier, Adams, St Helens, and the Goat Rocks.  The summit is exposed with a few nearby trees.  It also is a repeater site for the USFS. When I was there, it was HOT and really no where to get out of the sun.

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Potato Hill, WA | Access Update Aug 2022

Summit: 
W7W/MC-088

WTA has a good Trail Report at https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report.2015-03-26.4118740807 with good general directions to PCT parking off the paved FS-5603 road.