On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, I completed my first winter SOTA at Shafer Butte, Idaho (W7I/BC-064). Best way to get there is take the Bogus Basin Road 16 miles from Boise to Bogus Basin Ski Area, then continue about another couple miles to Pioneer (upper) Lodge parking lot. During ski season Pioneer Lodge has open restrooms, lunch room, dining area, and beer bar. From the Pioneer Lodge one can snowshoe or nordic ski up a ski trail or transverse the mountain from about 6,750' elevation for about a mile to Shafer Butte 7,582'.
Good Views From Summit
South ScratchGravel Hill, MT | April, 2014
2-Miles, +950 feet
Follow Head Lane north into the Scratchgravel Hills until it reaches a BLM pullout/parking area/trailhead. Continue north past the gate on the old 2-track, turning right (Easterly) when it reaches the low saddle. Continue following the 2-track easterly, and eventually southerly as it climbs to the summit. The summit is very pleasant, with a nice level clearing amongst the scattered pines, and fine views of the city to the south.
South Helena Ridge (1.7 miles, 800 ft)
This unobtrusive summit offers a quiet, easily accessible QTH that may be conveniently accessed via the popular "Helena Ridge Trail". The Helena ridge trail is a scenic 7 mile ridge trail that connects from the trailhead at Park City to Mount Helena City Park (and on into downtown Helena). The trail is excellent for hiking or biking, and there is ample parking at the Park City trailhead. Follow the trail from the parking lot as it cuts up and around the north slope and eastern shoulder of the hill that overlooks the parking lot.
SOTA Activation: Amabilis Mountain, Kittitas County, Washington - January 3, 2016
A cold, windy & snowy winter activation of Amabilis Mountain, 4,580 feet, located east of Snoqualmie Pass, Washington, was undertaken by me and my SOTA Buddy - Tim, KG7EJT. The forecast was for a substantial change from the sunny but cold weather this area had been enjoying the previous week. The TH is easy to reach, most of the time, being right at Exit 63, Highway I-90. The route we took followed the XC Ski groomed logging road leading from the Lodge Creek / Swamp Creek Basin to the summit area of Amabilis. The route was 11.18 miles RT, gaining approximately 2,050 feet elevation.
Rampart Mtn., Bob Marshall Wilderness, Montana
Straight Cr. Approach (3,000 ft, 2.5 mi, 23 mi approach) |
This is the SOTA summit that is furthest from any road within Montana. |
Bend Benchmark - Short and fun early season hike near Helena
W7M/CL-194 Bend Benchmark (0.8 Miles, + 893 Ft)
Jumbo Mtn., Trail hike to remote fire lookout in Bob Marshall Wilderness
Jumbo Mountain (3.4 mi., 3,400 ft, 16-mile approach)
The approach and climb to Jumbo Mountain offers a scenic journey through the remote and spectacular Bob Marshall Wilderness. We included this activation as part of a 9-day loop trip through the Bob Marshall Wilderness that included three SOTA activations.
Green Mountain, OR | Dec 2015
UPDATE January 2021 - Green Mtn has been posted PERMIT REQUIRED FOR ALL ACCESS by Weyerhauser.
Pistol Butte, Oregon | Dec 2015
Here's a 1.1 mile one-way hike with 800 feet of gain just a ways south of Bend, Oregon. It's got some great views and a nice summit with a bit of lookout history.