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.
Diamond Craters is administered by the Bureau of Land Management as an Outstanding Natural Area. This is a great example of Oregon High Desert and although it’s not on the way to anything, it is very much worth visiting. It is about 55 miles southeast of Burns, Oregon.
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.
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.
Bobs Mountain is fairly close to Portland, and with a short respite from the rain, an activation plan was hatched. I had the company of Grover, KG7O for a joint activation. We had a good time on the short hike to the summit on a four-wheel drive road and had a sucessful first time activation for this peak.
I could not go out for a long time. I had a lot of problems and was afraid of avalanche danger. Previous weekend I went out for an expedition hike towards Ararat peak. Avalanche danger was low, with declining tendency. Despite this I still did not want to go on any steep open terrain. Many would not think that even a small amount of snow can kill you.
There is no trail to this summit. Take Hwy 20 East from Burlington. 3 miles after the town of Concrete turn left on a logging road marked "Jackman Creek Road". Follow this road for approx 11 miles to (N48.57127 W121.63747). This can be accomplished by staying on the main road and not taking any spurs (most are gated) This waypoint is actually about 100 yards up a spur road. Continue past this waypoint up the spur road where it will terminate in a gravel pit in approx. 1/4 mile. During summer months a 4WD vehicle is not necessary.
There appears to be a false summit around 5160 feet near the "end" of the trail to Bandera that is about half mile and 80 feet of elevation gain to the actual summitr.
This was my first SOTA summit activation. Due to the weather (rain and heavy fog) I chose a summit close to home. Davis Peak is a major radio repeater site about 13 miles east of Woodland at Exit 21 from I-5.
Devil's Peak is an easy hike, even if it's not an easy drive. After starting your hike from the Turnaround Trailhead you'll be at the summit after only a mile and a half and 700 feet of ga