I was in Medford for work and had an afternoon free – nothing better than a close-in activation of Roxy Ann Peak, probably one of the best-named peaks that I’ve activated. It’s just east of Medford and is surrounded by Prescott Park.
After activating W7W/SK-113 the evening before (see trip report for Second Hop Summit), we rose from our camp in the gravel pit. We made hearty breakfast and broke camp but before leaving we found a few lonely tin cans in the gravel pit to practice our marksmanship.
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.
Lots of folks have written about climbing Bandera Mountain – but very few go past the false summit at 5157 feet. The final half mile and 100 feet of elevation gain to the summit took me almost an hour – difficulties with route finding and boulder hopping might put Bandera into the “Not Recommended” list for some Activators. You might consider nearby Mount Defiance as it should be an easier six points.
Peak 4980, to be known throughout SOTAdom as "Chasers Rock," is an easy activation just south of Mount Hood, Oregon. It has great views (in the right weather) and some wilderness character about it. And there is an old trail that makes access fairly easy.
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
Here is my video trip report from August 11, 2012 of Sauk Mountain in Skagit County, WA. This is a relativaly easy hike (less than 2 miles, about 1,200 ft. of gain) and is right off of Highway 20 near Concrete, WA. If you're traveling over the Cascade Pass, it's a must do. Be aware that it's a very popular hike.
When I heard that the long-standing dry and sunny weather we'd been having for weeks was about to end on Friday, I cleared a day off work on Thursday and determined to take another stab at Mt McCausland. The drive to the trailhead is pretty straightforward.
Fred Beckey's book, 'Cascade Alpine Guide' tells readers that Pinnacle Peak is not the highest in the Tatoosh peaks, but Pinnacle's central position and attractive form have made it the most popular ascent in Mt Rainier National Park. He's right about that...
Dog Mountain is a wonderful climb nine months of the year - but in March we went from spotty sun and 38F to snow blowing sideways at 25 mph and perhaps 27F in a partial white out. It's a bit less than eight miles round trip with 2900 feet of gain.