A dual Activation weekend trip with my friend Tim Nair, KG7EJT, and Dexter the SOTA Dog. This report covers mountain number 2, Three Brothers West, activated on Sunday May 31, 2015. The weather was very nice, company great and success on both peaks made for a memorable, if strenuous outing. The Greater Teanaway River Basin and surrounding mountains offer more than 15 SOTA Summits, and are a favorite of area of Tim and me.
As two of the newer folks to join the roles of North America SOTA activators, we are announcing a challenge to all you Chasers out there. We have titled this challenge the "2015 Idaho Kool-Aid Kids Chaser Challenge" after K6DGW's description of us in the May 2015 SOTA News -- "...We had a number of first activations in April, commensurate with a number of people introducing themselves on the NA SOTA Yahoo group. Mark, KT5WX; James, K7MK; and Scott, K7ZO successfully drank the SOTA Kool-Aid."
A dual Activation weekend trip with my friend Tim Nair, KG7EJT, and Dexter the SOTA Dog. This report covers mountain number 1, Navaho Peak, activated on Saturday May 30, 2015. The weather was very nice, company great and success on both peaks made for a memorable, if strenuous outing. The Greater Teanaway River Basin and surrounding mountains offer more than 15 SOTA Summits, and are a favorite of area of Tim and me.
Clarks Mountain is just south of Seaside Oregon. The trail is about 1.8 miles of one-way hiking starting at a clearly marked trailhead on the very south end of town on Sunset Blvd.
Scouting Report
TL;DR version: Parking for one or two rigs outside the gate. Broken rock road to lookout, 2.75 miles, path to true summit forks off from LO road at ~ last 1/4 mile. LO area was forested, true summit likely is also. Good opportunities for hanging wire, limited view. All in all, a lovely walk in the forest.
(NOTE: This report covers both Shafer Butte W7I/BC-064 and W7I/BC-070. It is posted twice so that it can link to both summit references on pnwSOTA and SOTAWatch.)
(NOTE: This report covers both Shafer Butte W7I/BC-064 and W7I/BC-070. It is posted twice so that it can link to both summit references on pnwSOTA and SOTAWatch.)
For anyone heading up to Mount Hood or headed from Portland into Central Oregon, Clear Lake Butte would be a nice stop on the way. It's a well graded and mostly paved forest road, suitable for biking or bringing along those that aren't big hikers. And no one would mind arriving at a classic fire lookout.
SeaPac, the ARRL Northwest regional hamfest is June 5 to June 7, 2015. We are having a Friday night SOTA gathering, much like the past few years. We have reserved the banquet room at the the same pizza place we have met before - looking forward to seeing SOTA folks there!
If you are interested in an atypical activation, this rock might be just for you. A low elevation early spring attainable summit. Located in a WA state park North of Coulee City, WA. Much more expansive than Beacon Rock and depending on the day of the week, fewer visitors.
Great views and clear terrain for miles. Elevation at top is 2285 feet with a quick gain of 650 feet from the TH thru a steep slot in the cliffs which can be loose rock at times.
Steamboat Rock State Park offers campsites and boating opportunities.