Exposed Summit

Summit is exposed to wind, rain, sun (and good views)
KI7EMX's picture

Thunder Mountain, Idaho | September 2023

Summit: 
W7I/CI-097

AA6XA first activated Thunder Mountain on 14 October 2017. His write-up is a great description of the area and his ascent from the east of the mountain.  You can find the link to his write-up on the SOTAmaps Summit page. Ignoring his mention of “cliffs” I opted to plan a route from the west. The directions below describe the drive to the beginning of the west ascent.

W7MTB's picture

Ball Butte, OR | September 2023

Summit: 
W7O/CM-007

FS-370/380 are both unmaintained roads and high clearance/4WD vehicles are highly recommended. FS-370 from Todd Lake to the intersection with FS-380 is passable in a less capable vehicle but FS-380 is very rough. I have driven both in the past in a front wheel drive Honda Element and we did see several passenger cars in the parking area but you have been fairly warned. There is not an established trail and the approach involves some steep and loose cinder slopes. I would classify this as an intermediate to advanced hike, requiring good fitness and route finding skills.

K7WXW's picture

spud mountain wa | september 2023

Summit: 
W7W/LC-042

Summary - A short but very steep scramble up game trails will get you to the top of this very visible summit in the Toutle Range.

K7WXW's picture

castle peak wa | september 2023

Summit: 
W7W/LC-046

Summary - a soaring rock summit visible from 4562 with awesome views of MSH, Castle Lake, Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. The summit road is 2WD friendly and the hike is steep but short. Bring a mast and don't count on two meters for contacts.

K7WXW's picture

peak 4562 wa | september 2023

Summit: 
W7W/LC-051

Summary - At the end of a long drive along the ridge of the Toutle Mountains, a short hike brings you to the open summit with terrific views of Mount Saint Helens and Mount Adams. Bring HF gear and assume VHF contacts will be rare. ATT service is very good, as is APRS. The roads, up to the summit drive are 2WD friendly; the last bit requires high clearance and AWD or an additional quarter-mile of hiking.

KI7EMX's picture

Peak 8740, Idaho | September 2023

Summit: 
W7I/CI-061

Peak 8740 was first activated a month ago on 08 Aug 2023 by KJ7GRQ and N0DNF. This is a very straightforward “trailhead” from a rough dirt/gravel road.  Definitely not Prius friendly and I wouldn’t take anything but a vehicle with more than standard clearance.  Recent rains have created water channels, mud puddles and exposed rocks in places. 4WD is not required, however.

N0DNF's picture

Peak 7060 IDAHO August 12, 2023

Summit: 
W7I/SI-227

Proceed South from Pocatello  Idaho to Mink Creek Recreation area. Traavel South  on the main Mink Creek Rd. which turns into South Mink Creek.  On your right hand side heading south you will see a ORV turning right (42.70139  -112.43832). This ORV road is Clifton Creek which takes you to Elk Meadows.  You will take this road approx. 6.2 miles.  At 42.74659 -112.47098 you will come to a junction of roads.  Here you will begin your hiking approach to the summit.

KI7EMX's picture

George Peak, Utah | August 2023

Summit: 
W7U/NU-045

K7JTO first activated this summit in June 2020 along with Peak 9335 (W7U/BO-002) and Bull Mountain (W7U/B0-001). His write-up can be found in the Resources section of the SotaMaps peak reference.  He provides a very good description of all the peaks along with some great pictures.  The following is additional information that may help in planning.

KI7EMX's picture

Bull Mountain, Utah | August 2023

Summit: 
W7U/BO-001

K7JTO first activated this summit in June 2020 along with Peak 9335 (W7U/BO-002) and George Peak (W7U/NU-045). His write-up can be found in the Resources section of the SotaMaps peak reference.  He provides a very good description of all the peaks along with some great pictures.  The following is additional information that may help in planning.

KI7EMX's picture

Peak 9335, Utah | August 2023

Summit: 
W7U/BO-002

K7JTO first activated this summit in June 2020 along with George Peak (W7U/NU-045) and Bull Mountain (W7U/B0-001). His write-up can be found in the Resources section of the SotaMaps peak reference.  He provides a very good description of all the peaks along with some great pictures.  The following is additional information that may help in planning.