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.
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.
This summit has a lot of value to it aside from the 4 points. Its just a nice place to be. Ample good parking at the visitor center. Fascinating views of lava fields for the walk up the road to the top, and great views from the top. A NW Forest Pass or day use fee is required. The gate for the road to the top was open when I was there so you could drive to the top, however there is a 30 minute time limit for parking. Its a small parking area and busy so they keep cars rotating out. Leaves insufficient time for SOTA-ing.
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.
This is another fun summit. Trailhead is at Kelly Park on highway 34 Soda Springs Idaho. Park across from the baseball fields and head south east on the Cross Country Ski trail. You can see the summit's towers East of Soda Springs throughout hike. You will head for a tan municipal water tank. When you reach the water tank you can either bushwhack to the double track that goes straight up or go about 200 yards north of the water tank and head east at a cutoff then head towards the summit. The access to the summit is partly owned by the city of Soda Springs and BLM land.
Summary - With a three mile, three thousand foot climb, open views of the gorge, and lots of wildflowers, Dog Mountain is a worthy SOTA summit. The first two-thirds of the climb is in the trees, the rest on the windy, exposed mountain crown. The summit itself is thick with brush, so the best operating positions are found on its edge. A Northwest Discover Pass is required for parking, as is a hiking permit during the wildflower season.
This is a nice 4 pointer located in Soda Springs Idaho. Access the Trailhead at the North end of Main Street of downtown Soda Springs. There is a "S" on the Mtn side above the trailhead. After parking, take the green belt trail N.E. about 200 yards where you will come across a canal clean out crane. Here you will see a trail going around a concrete barrier that will take you to the "S" on the hillside. Going to the "S" is moderately steep. Go to the summit of the "S" hill and looking NW you you will see Chester Hill.