Big Butte is a near drive-up (in an SUV - the higher clearance is necessary) in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that you could do in a passenger car with a bit more hiking (less than 2 miles each way on a road). From Portland, take I-84 to Cascade Locks and cross the river on the Bridge of the Gods (toll). Or take Washington 14 out from Vancouver past the Bridge of the Gods, through Stevenson and continue east on 14 to turn north towards Carson about four miles past Stevenson. After 12.3 miles on this Wind River Highway you will turn right onto NF-3080 or Hollis Creek Road (paved).
Death Vally Mtn, aka Bear Cave Lookout, PA
Another non-NW activation while on my summer work assignment in Cleveland. I was getting bored with the 2 and 4 pt summits on OH, which are mostly on private land, so decided to make an expedition to something with a little more elevation. W3/PT-007 had been previously activated, so I knew it could be done and is an 8 pointer, which would be my first. Finding the summit on the map was a little confusing, however. There is a summit at the coords, but it's either un-named or called "Bear Cave Lookout".
Crater Benchmark, WA | August 2014
My general guidelines for off trail hiking are a mile or so across open sagebrush steppe, perhaps half a mile through open forests like ponderosa pine, and about a quarter mile for a western Douglas fir forest. This activation is a reminder to stay with these guidelines and not ever wander through a lava flow again.
I started from the Carson Guler Road, parking about 2.5 miles east of the gate for Red Mountain (W7W/LC-036 - a recommended activation).
Llao Rock, OR | Closed to Public Since 2013
In August 2013 the supervisor of Crater Lake National Park closed the Llao Rock Research Natural Area - including the summit of Llao Rock - except when snow-covered (during winter, when the park roads are closed). When visiting in July 2014 a sign was found describing the closure (see photo).
W7 S2S Party 2-3 August 2014
Next weekend (Aug 2-3) is going to be busy with SOTA activity - The Colorado 14ers event and the ARRL UHF Contest - - PLUS the W7 Summit to Summit (S2S) Party.
Stevens Peak, WA | July 2014
Stevens Peak in Mount Rainier National Park, is a committed alpine climb. It's recommended you prepare carefully 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, mixed rock and snow, rock climbing, and challenging terrain.
Unicorn Peak, WA | July 2014
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.
Last Announcement: W7 S2S Activity Weekend
1) W7 S2S Activity Weekend and the Rocky Mountain SOTA Rendezvous: This year on 2-3rd of August. Last year we had the first W7 S2S Activity Weekend which was very popular. According to W4ZV/Bill, over 500 Activator points were available during that weekend last year!
Middle Butte, WA | June 2014
Here's another four-point summit north of Carson, Washington. You might be able to get within a mile or so in a carefully driven passenger car - perhaps only a little farther in a high-clearance vehicle.
Peak 4180 "Capacitor Pk", WA | June 2014
There are a nice bunch of summits north of Carson, Washington - this one is a near drive up - as long as you have a high clearance vehicle.