On a recent trip back from Arizona, we stopped overnight in Battle Mountain, NV. A 10pt summit (W7N/EL-017) was a mere 50 mins away so I made time to head up there. Previous reports indicated that it was an easy, if somewhat long, drive up to the summit and I found that the dirt road was still in excellent shape, though there are several tight switchbacks to be nagivated.
I went to this little summit on my way back from failing to be able to get close enough to Little Grayback Peak. Still were several foot deep drifts miles away from the trailhead. Its about a 1.3 mi hike from a BLM gate at the west side ridge. You can navigate up through the forest finding some clearing from very old logging roads. I think they may be getting ready to cut some of this area again soon. There are 2 peaks to the mountain that are both in the AZ. I chose to set up at the west peak.
I went to do Mud Springs as a new activation after doing Chase. I typically do Chase and Hamaker but I was at 994 points and didn't want to do a late activation as my MG activation so went to this 2 point mountain instead. It is a bit of a drive for 2 points alone so I have ignored it in the past. It was a nice short little hike. Some views through the trees including a glimpse of Shasta. We parked at the south side of the mountain and hiked up, only about 1/4 mi up is my estimation. Plenty of area to set up, can pick shade or sun.
I've done Chase a few times as it is basically a drive up summit with other easy summits like Hamaker nearby to do the same day if desired. Already enough info on here to find your way up, self explanatory. I just wanted to add that the rf can be very bad on Chase. It seems like each time I go it is getting worse. You can still get your contacts but be prepared for a bit of noise!
de AG7GP
On a recent trip over to eastern Oregon, I had the opportunity to stop in Madras and a nearby summit Round Butte (W7O/CN-074) beckoned. The directions from Google Maps led me up the approach from the north which turns onto a dirt road. It is drivable in good, dry conditions but if you are at all worried there is another approach by continuing on west and around which finally climbs from the south. That road is paved all the way to the top. The paving is crumbling in places but still drivable.
I received some pointers from Anne, K7AHR, they were crucial to getting there as the map and mapping software suggested turning up the west bank of the Salmonberry River. That road is replete with no trespassing signs.
I had planned to activate a few summits before helping with the Tillamook Burn 100 Miler race but it was cancelled and I had already made the overnight reservations so I decided to activate my way back from Cape Lookout to Portland via Blaine Rd / Nestucca Rd.
Cedar Mtn is located 25 miles South of Pocatello ID. From Pocatello take I-15 to the Arimo ext.40. Then proceed West on Arimo Rd until you come to South Robin road. Take a left on S.Robin Rd until you come to W.Sublett Rd. Take a right, the summit will be in front of you and go west until you see a "Sportsman's Access Road, No Motorized Vehicles Beyond This Point". Hike on this double track until you reach the BLM boundary. The double track will take you to the top of a saddle. Here you will need to bushwhack about a half mile north to the activation zone.
On the 3rd day of our Bend trip, I got dropped off at the Lava Butte Visitor Center while my wife and kids sped off to the Bend High Desert Museum. The hike to the top was on a very nice, paved road for 1.75 miles. I made it up in an hour and looked around the lower level of the firewatch tower on the summit and the surrounding views.
Following my activation of Wampus Butte (W7O/CM-095), I proceeded to the next stop on Pringle Butte. It's only a couple miles drive to there and the summit is almost a drive up. Google Maps gave excellent directions to the summit and I probably could have driven all the way but on the last turn up to the top there is a little bit of a washout and I decided to just hike the last 0.4 miles. The summit has a large flat area with a turnaround. It would likely be a nice overnight camping area though there don't appear to be any established campsites.