Pass Required at Trailhead

There are two Unicorn Peaks in Washington - this Unicorn Peak is in the Tatoosh Range in Mount Rainier National Park. Unicorn Peak is a committed alpine climb - it can't really be considered a hike.

Easy 2 Mile RT (or less) leads to this fantastic overlook of the Teanaway River Valley, Mount Stuart Range, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and hundreds of other Cascade peaks.

All SOTA contacts were on 20M SSB, using my 20M inverted V dipole suspended fron a 22 ft. Carbon Fiber fishing pole.  I made 12 contacts in 8 states over approximately 30 minutes. 

This is an easy drive up summit. Less then 1/2 mile easy walk to the top. Lots of deer in the area! One small buck walked right up to us and then followed us to the summit. Great views of hurricane ridge though we only go spotty views because of the clouds. Great 6 point activation. Campground within one mile of the summit

Setup: PFR3, MP1 SuperAntenna, TeNeKe

Headed up to the hills for an activation with my two oldest daughters. Nice big parking lot at the bottom and a nice easy 2 mile walk to the summit. This is in forest service land so you can camp on the summit. Nice spot with small fire pit. One day I may try this. Trees are encroaching the summit so spotty views. Nice big area to set up on the summit. I used SMS text for spotting with success.

Setup: PFR3, SuperAntenna, TeNeKe.

Actual Directions here: http://www.pnwsota.org/node/435

On 21 June the family and I headed out to Ritzville, WA to pick up my oldest daughter, Lily. Of course you know that I cannot drive 2/3 of the way across the state of WA and not find a SOTA to do.

This summit is accessed from the Driveway Butte (W7W/OK-138) Trail which begins close to the Klipchuck Campground - Hwy 20 near Mazama, WA. The peak is quite large and generally open with some trees scattered around. Pick a sunny day for the most outstanding views, and combine this activation with Driveway Butte to avoid climbing the steep part of that trail twice.

This summit has a generally well-maintained (and well-traveled) trail with a great view of the surrounding mountains. The top is mostly detritus with a few trees and boulders around for convenient lounging/operating. I liked the fact that two peaks can be activated off of the same trail – W7W/OK-159 is quite close, and well worth the additional time and effort.

Dragontail Peak, near Leavenworth, WA, is a committed and remote alpine climb - it can't really be considered a hike. This trip report can only give an impression and some basic facts - you will need to prepare carefully and appropriately by reading guidebooks and climbing websites, and making sure you have the necessary skills, experience and equipment. You will need to be able to handle wilderness route finding, high angle snow ascent and descent, rock climbing, and challenging terrain.

Mount Baden-Powell is 2,865 meters, 9,399 Feet High.  Blue Sky & Rarified Air.

Throop Peak is 2,785 meters, 9,138 feet elevation.  Blue Sky & Rarified Air.