Welcome to the updated pnwsota.org!
Firstly, you will need to reset your password, we did not migrate those to the new site for you. And because our old site was running without HTTPS for so long, it is strongly encouraged that you do not recycle your previous password. Please pick something fresh and new! Head on over to the Password Reset page to get started (or click Log In and then Reset your password )
The pnwSOTA website was created to facilitate communication between SOTA operators in the Pacific Northwest region, as well as show off some of the activities of the top-notch folks we have in the area. On this site you will find information about getting started in SOTA as well as details about summits and activations contributed by people that are operating here.
I attempted this summit in Nov 2025 and encountered what appears to be a private land owner blocking what appears to be a public road. Since the No Trespassing sign had an AR-15 on it, I opted to turn around. Pics below of where I encountered the rope blocking road. My GPS and maps showed the road as "West Rock Creek Road."
Black Hills High Point is minutes from downtown Olympia and adjacent to a popular city park with numerous walking paths, bike trails, and logging roads. Despite its proximity to population centers it had been activated only 4 times before my visit, most recently in 2019.
This unnamed summit in the Rattlesnake Recreation Area is a good option for a newer activator, especially in an area where many summits require full bushwhacks. I chose it early on because there is a trail that gets you most of the way, and although I expected to be off-trail for the final stretch, there is actually a clear social trail along the ridge. It's close to town, physically reasonable, and has reliable cell service, which makes it a low-stress activation.