Pass Required at Trailhead

WW7D and I set out on an adventure to see if we could activate Cooper Mountain via snowmobile. We knew that it was theoretically possible since Cooper Mountain lies on a groomed snowmobile trail. The only intel we had was a 7 day old trail grooming report. We knew from past experience that we might arrive to find the snow park gated or the trail impassible due to downed trees, lack of snow, etc. We decided to roll the dice and make the long journey from the Seattle area to Chelan, WA.

A friend from Eugene wanted to hit Mount McLoughlin in the winter and despite the drive distance from Beaverton, it looked like too beautiful a mountain to pass up. After picking up rental snowshoes from REI in Medford I made it to the Summit Sno-Park TH at sunset. Casey arrived shortly after and we made some quick dinner on our backpacking stoves then turned in for the night. 

I skied up Cooper Mountain on Feb 6, 2022 for its first-ever winter activation and my first trip up it. This looks to be a drive-up summit in the summer, but winter is a very different story unless you have a snowmobile (there is a groomed snowmobile trail all the way to the summit, so that would be quite easy). However, I do not have a snowmobile, so I made the trip on my new Altai Hok 125 cm skis.

We were down in Philomath, OR and decided to check out Marys Peak while we were in the area. I know Marys is thought of as a mostly drive up, but I found a popular hike from lower down on the mountain. The East Ridge trailhead "Connor's Camp" has nice parking and a pit toilet. It is a fee site, so you'll need your forest pass or $5 to fill out a permit. 

Yesterday morning I climbed Mt. Hood (W7O/CN-001) for a sunrise SOTA. I think this was my 6th ascent of Hood. Conditions on the mountain change daily & weekly. This was one of the more difficult ascents & descents. 

My friends and I left the climbers lot at Timberline just before 2am. We took our time and made the top of Palmer around 3:40am. After a quick breakfast we continued up the mountain on good solid snow. We were hit with sulfur from Devils Kitchen throughout the hike up. 

McClellan Butte had been on my list the last year or so as challenging hike, due to the last section required to get within the activation zone.  I've watched the video below multiple times, and it provides helpful trail and summit information...along with an alternate parking/hiking to shorten length.  The video also captures the summit scramble and views from the summit.   

UPDATE Jan 2023 - Beacon Rock Trail is closed. You might find status here:

https://www.parks.wa.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=3530&fbclid=IwAR16QwFmuw_Y...

On a overcast Friday morning, I headed out to Beacon Rock State Park to activate this summit.  I was accompanied by KJ7UIP and we parked at the trailhead parking lot.  There are 2 parking lots off highway 14, the eastern one having the restrooms.

Winchester Mountain Lookout was a dramatic hike with views of Twin Lakes and the surrounding mountains. The hike is 3.4 miles and 1,300 feet of gain, and I tracked a approximately 4.1 miles total due to last remnants of snow right before the trailhead in July. A NW Forest Pass is required.

Summary - This is an easy climb up a series of switchbacks cemented to the side of the basalt plug that is Beacon Rock. Given the proximity to Vancouver and Portland, the short hike, and the fabulous view, this is a very popular destination. For uninterrupted operating time you'll want to combine arriving early, bad weather, and mid-week day. HF operation is possible, 2M contacts are easy, APRS and phone service are good. Parking requires a Washington Discover Pass or a ten buck day pass.