Good Views from the Summit

KG7WED's picture

1860, OR - May 2024

Summit: 
W7O/NC-111

Access

This peak is on Stimson Lumber land. Fortunately they allow non-motorized public access, dawn til dusk, with no permit required. There are a few caveats to be aware of (no fires, no e-bikes, no drones, and more). For details, and to make sure this tract is still open when you plan your visit, look for the "Stimson’s Public Access Policy" PDF on their site, linked from this page:

https://www.stimsonlumber.com/public-recreation-in-oregon/

K7RNJ's picture

Monument Peak, OR - May 2023

Summit: 
W7O/WV-140

Parking for Monument Peak summit (aka Peak 4740) is on Monument Peak Road (MPR) about 7.5 miles up from the Monument Peak Trailhead at the south end of Gates School Road.  Gates School Road is at milepost 33 on OR-22 east of Salem.  I recommend parking here: (44.6966, -122.3343), the junction of MPR and what is now a washed out logging road - 2WD vehicles need not apply. 

WA7JNJ's picture

Badger Mountain, WA | September 2019

Summit: 
W7W/WE-061

While in the Tri-Cities area for a family event, was able to activate Badger mountain later in the afternoon.  The trail is very open, and would be very hot during the middle of summer days.  In the evening, there were many people using the trail.  Since the trail is so open, I enjoyed the views for miles around and seeing the Tri-Cities from a different perspective.  

WA7JNJ's picture

Guemes Island, WA | May 2019

Summit: 
W7W/SK-177

For Mother's Day 2019, was able to blend a family hike and very quick SOTA activation.  Activating Guemes Island includes a short ferry ride from Anacortes, and shorter hike (2.2m round-trip) with minor elevation gain (~587 ft).  The summit area has great views, and has both a great open space along with areas of trees for antenna's and/or holding a mast.  No pass is required at the trailhead, but there is limited parking for ~4 cars.

WA7JNJ's picture

Park Butte, WA | July 2019

Summit: 
W7W/WH-162

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.

WA7JNJ's picture

2018 Discovery View Hill, WA | July 2019

Summit: 
W7W/NO-192

2018 Discovery View Hill is a drive-up 2 point summit SW of Sequim.  While visiting family in the area, I was looking for a quick activation option in 2018.  Since 2018, more of the summit has been logged and the views were amazing from the south side.  You are able to see buildings from downtown Seattle, and have great radio line-of-sight to the Puget Sound and Canada.  

WA7JNJ's picture

Highwire, WA | June 2019

Summit: 
W7W/SN-177

There have been quite a few activations for this 1 point summit in Snohomish County near Sultan, WA... With it staying light much later, decided to try an after work activation.  

N7UN's picture

Iron Mountain, OR

Summit: 
W7O/CM-078

Iron Mountain is located east of Sweet Home, Oregon and is a very popular hike so expect a number of other hikers, especially on a weekend.