NS7P's blog

On August 19 I activated Tidbits Mountain, W7O/CM-089 - or so I thought. First let me tell you about the hike, because it’s a nice trek.

Take Hwy 126 east from Springfield.  Turn right 0.4 miles east of the 45 mile marker toward Cougar Reservoir (Cougar Dam Road), NF-19.  In 0.4 miles, turn slightly right, staying on NF-19.  In another 2.8 miles, go right by the dam, staying on NF-19.  After 6.25 miles, turn right onto S Fork Rd/NF-19.  In 1.9 miles, take a right turn and cross the river, heading uphill on NF-1980.  In 0.9 miles, turn left, staying on NF-1980.  Stay on NF-1980 until you reach

Take exit 233 off of I-5 and head east on US 20.  In 5.4 miles, turn left onto Hwy 226.  In another 9.2 miles, go right onto 226 toward Lyons.  In another 8.8 miles, stay right on the Lyons-Albany Highway.  Go 5.6 miles and stay left on 226.  Cross the river and turn right onto US 22 at 1.2 miles (toward Mill City).

I activated Eagle’s Rest (W7O/WV-078) on July 23, 2013.  There are several routes to get to the summit.  There is a long trip (over 13 miles round-trip) from a trail head on Highway 58.  There is shorter (perhaps 5 miles round-trip) hike from a trail head part way up on the long trail.  N7UN, NH6Z and I took that last year.  Finally, there is a short, 0.8 mile, hike up an alt change of about 430 feet.  That is the option I chose this year.

UPDATE July 2021 - The lookout is sometimes staffed by a person (at that lookout for 42 years) that incorrectly believes that ham radio requires a Special Use Permit at this location. It is recommended to not activate at the summit or discuss radio with this person, but activate out of sight of the lookout tower off the road. 

On July 27, 2013, my wife, Christina, and I activated Castle Rock (W7O/CM-116) near Cougar Reservoir in the middle Cascades.  This 3808’ summit is easily reached by roads and a moderate hike.

I attempted to activate Horsepasture Mountain in the middle Cascades on 27/7/13.   At the base of Road 1993 that leads up the mountain, I encountered a sign saying that the road was closed at 3.0 miles.  Curiously, I drove up to have a look.  At a little over 3 miles up the road there is a large landside with dirt, rocks, boulders and large trees across the road.  I may take awhile for that to be cleared.  If you are thinking about activating the summit, check with the Forest Service.

On August 29, 2012, Guy, N7UN, Jeremy, NH6Z and Phil, NS7P, activated Eagles Rest in the Willamette Valley foothills of Lane Co, OR.  This small summit sits at 3024' ASL (1725' above the trailhead). It is exposed rock surrounded by forest.

Hillman Peak is the highest summit on the rim of Crater Lake at over 8150' ASL. This pointed peak is not an easy climb, not because of the distance (1/2 to 3/4 mi) or elevation increase (less than 600'), but because it is so steep with a loose scree surface. Poles are essential to getting the traction to get up the slope.

My wife, Christina, and I hiked/climbed Llao rock for the views and the activation. For those new to this summit, this should be on your to do list.  The 1 mile or so hike with about 700' of elevation rise is a moderate climb up a mostly meadowed hill. When you get to the top, the views are breathtaking. Note closure in 2013: http://www.pnwsota.org/blog/k7atn/2014-july-27/llao-rock-or-closed-public