W7O/CM-024 Irish Mountain
I activated Irish Mountain in July 2018 while backpacking with family in the Three Sisters Wilderness. We used the Crossings Way trailhead (via Forest Road 1958) and hiked to McFarland Lake where we set up camp. This is along Trail #3307, Crossing Way Trail. It was from here I hiked up to Irish Mtn as a side trip to activate the summit.
Today’s trip up W7W/WH-193, Van Zandt Dike, started from the north side outside of Acme and turned into one of those classic foothill hikes that feels much bigger than the summit itself. The route covered 11.34 miles round trip with 2,541 feet of ascent over 4 hours and 29 minutes of moving time. Despite the modest summit prominence, the day delivered big views and just enough radio success to make the climb worthwhile.
Van Zandt Dike, Big Views, Light QRP Setup, and a Japan Contact
W7W/WH-193
I activated this summit a few years ago, so doing this write up based on the best of memory.
Back then you did not need a permit for day hiking or staying overnight in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Today you will need to apply for an overnight permit if you are camping, as well as a day hike permit for certain trail heads. See the following link https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675311 for info on how to obtain a Central Cascades Wilderness permit, as well as this map
I activated this summit a few years ago, so doing this write up based on the best of memory.
Back then you did not need a permit for day hiking or staying overnight in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Today you will need to apply for an overnight permit if you are camping, as well as a day hike permit for certain trail heads. See the following link https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675311 for info on how to obtain a Central Cascades Wilderness permit, as well as this map
I activated this summit a few years ago, so doing this write up based on the best of memory.
Back then you did not need a permit for day hiking or staying overnight in the Three Sisters Wilderness. Today you will need to apply for an overnight permit if you are camping, as well as a day hike permit for certain trail heads. See the following link https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4675311 for info on how to obtain a Central Cascades Wilderness permit, as well as this map
This is a correct trip report for SO-103. The first activation report posted for SO-103 in 2015 is really for SO-104 which is located in the Capital Forest and is also named “1380”, it appears the activator accidentally switched the summit references.
Access to SO-103 is via Green Diamond land. Non-motorized access is permitted (see photo). The gate is located right off NF-23 which is paved all the way to the parking location at 47.34052, -123.31383. Google maps routed me with no issues.
This summit sits on CSKT tribal land and requires a permit for non-tribal members ($100 for one year at the time of writing), which makes access the main consideration rather than the hike itself. I chose this one specifically as my first activation report - the logistics felt important to document clearly. The route is a straightforward, trail-less ascent up an open grassy hillside, with trees at the summit and excellent views of the Mission Mountains. If you can get the permit sorted out, this is an easy and enjoyable activation.
Access & Permit
