Total elevation gain from the Damfino Lakes Trail 625 northwest trailhead on FS 31 via the northwest ridge trail of Cowap Pk to the activation location just northwest of Cowap Pk summit: 413 m (1356 feet). Approximate trail distance each way: 3.4 km (2.1 miles). The activation is a reasonable one-day trip, and, except for one spot just northwest of the actual summit, a problem-free climb. The activation zone northeast of the summit is easily accessible, and a great family destination.
Easy Trail
First SOTA Activation: Earl Peak, Kittitas County, Washington - October 19, 2014
Seeing Red...and orange, yellow, blue and green. The reference here is to fall colors and the ongoing hunting season. Beautiful fall day, with mostly sunny weather, fall foliage on display. Several hunting parties in the Teanaway, Beverly and Bean creek valleys necessitated wearing bright colored clothing, and making our presence known.
SOTA Activation: Mount Catherine, Kittitas County, Washington - September 21, 2014
Last full day of summer, 2014 - A short Activation hike to a beautiful mountaintop view from the somewhat smallish summit area of Mount Catherine.
A last minute decision to attempt a SOTA Activation on the last full day of summer 2014, led us to choose Mount Catherine, behind the Summit East (Hyak) ski area, near Snoqualmie Pass.
Surprise Mtn Activation - Sept 2, 2014
Surprise Mountain is right off of Section J of the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 in Washington. We were hiking south from the Steven’s Pass trailhead and camped at Deception Lakes - about 17.5 miles from the trailhead. From that point, it is only 1.3 miles and a 1300’ gain up the Surprise Mountain Trail #1063 to the summit. Following the horse camp signs along a very well maintained trail got me on the right path.
First SOTA Activation: Jester Mountain, Kittitas / Chelan Counties (on dividing line), Washington - September 3, 2014
No Joke on Jester Mountain, but Mr. Murphy (as in Murphy's Law) showed up. Fall is nearly in the air. The flowers are long gone, replaced by late season berries and mushrooms. Air temperature when leaving the car at 9:00 AM was 44 degrees F. Crossing Snoqualmie Pass, the weather was rainly, foggy & windy. It did not look promising, but the anticipated East Slope of Cascades Rain Shadow was in effect, and we had a glorious day in the Wenatchee mountains.
Hamaker Mountain, OR | August 2014
Get yourself to Keno, Oregon and you'll be within a few miles of a couple of good summits. Hamaker Mountain may be the only six point PAVEMENT drive up in Oregon. Keno is about 12 miles SW of Klamath Falls on the Green Springs Highway 66, or about half that distance to the NW from Highway 97 on the Keno-Worden Road from the wide spot that is Worden, Oregon.
Chase Mountain, OR | August 2014
Get yourself to Keno, Oregon and you'll be within a few miles of a couple of good summits. Chase Mountain has a lookout and is a drive up in most any vehicle. Keno is about 12 miles SW of Klamath Falls on the Green Springs Highway 66, or about half that distance to the NW from Highway 97 on the Keno-Worden Road from the wide spot that is Worden, Oregon.
Hogback Mountain, OR | August 2014
Here's a sort of easy hike close in to Klamath Falls, Oregon. You'll keep your car clean as the trailhead access is paved all the way into the parking lot.
Mount Zion, WA | August 2014
This is an easy hike in the Washington Olympics that is not far from Highway 101.