Activated W7I/CI-139 Kimama Butte on 7 Jan 2013 on the way to SLC for work. Kimama Butte is the remnant of an old volcanic hill located 21 miles SE of Craters of the Moon NP and 16 miles north of Burley, Idaho. For those who study tectonic plate movement, Yellowstone was here 8 million years ago. Acces via N1150W off I-84 and cross thru obvious cattle guard. Drove about 200 yards in 4WD up the hill then decided to walk the rest.
Easy Trail
Discovery Basin Montana
Activated W7M/GA-069 Rumsey Mtn with XYL Debbie on 4 Jan 2013. Rumsey Mtn is located 16 miles NE of Anaconda Montana (home of one of the largest freestanding chimneys' in the world, 585 ft, I guess it would qualify for a summit?)and is part of Discovery Basin ski area. Triple chair takes you close to the top, but |
Bald Peak Activation
UPDATE Jan 2022 - The hours for Bald Peak State Scenic Park have changed. The park will close at 4pm in the winter and somewhat later in other seasons. The park website does not show open hours. There is a sign (below) with the current hours. https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=77
Activating Devil's Mtn
Devil's Mountain is just off I-5 as you pass through Skagit Valley, south of Mount Vernon. It's an easy 2 pointer via a gated logging road.
My last activiation for 2012
With a couple days of non-rain, I just had to get out of the house and activate a summit. "Mt. Electric" is the first summit I've activated that wasn't a "first activation". That said, it was about right for me at this time of year. The drive is an easy one. I won't go into details - but all except the last mile is on paved roads. I've trooped around a bit in the Marckworth State Forest before, but not in this part.
Tumalo Mountain, OR
Taylor and I returned to Tumalo Mountain this weekend to score a rare 6 pointer in winter, with a justified bonus. Tumalo Mountain is a strenuous, yet technically easy ascent. The trail up to the summit leaves from the Dutchman Flats Sno-Park, just north of the entrance to the Mt Bachelor ski area on Cascade Lakes Highway. Because this is a popular winter recreation area, the parking area is packed with people looking to snow-machine, ski, and snowshoe to the top.
Bells Mountain, WA | Dec-2012
It was a winter wonderland on Bells Mountain above 2000 feet on Christmas Eve, pleasant to look at, not too bad to hike in. Remember, it's always best to park on the right side of the gate and hike the road - it's an easy 1.6 miles to the summit.
The directions below are from Interstate 5 - some of the mileages seemed a bit off but otherwise it should get you to the gate.
Steens Mountain, OR | Sep-2012
This is the only 'drive-up' ten pointer in Oregon - but perhaps because it's eight hours from the Willamette Valley it remains a pretty quiet place. It's actually a near drive-up - the walk beyond the gate to the summit and AZ is less than a half-mile. The scenery and silence of this high desert place have made it my favorite spot in the world for more than twenty years with many trips bringing family and friends to see this place.
Roxy Ann Peak, OR | Dec-2012
UPDATE Nov 2022 - http://www.pnwsota.org/blog/ag7gp/2021-january-27/roxy-ann-peak-or-january-2021.
Roxy Ann Peak is a short 1.5 mile 700 foot gain hike just east of Medford surrounded by Prescott Park.
Sheridan Peak W7O/NC-009 an Easy Target for Beginners
Just past Oregon wine country resides Sheridan Peak W7O/NC-009. This peak has an elevation of 3000ft and resides in the heavily timbered coastal range. For beginners to SOTA, this is perfect place to start and gain experience. This peak resides in the Nestucca Recreation Area, specially created to manage the impact of an extensive and wonderful network of OHV trails. There are specific restrictions within this area, so please check with the BLM before you camp or light fires.