The second Elkton, OR area summit on our exploration list was Saddle Butte, W7O/CC-058. The road to this summit starts near W7O/CC-80; but it looks considerably longer and more involved (I think it is called Little Tom Foley Rd). We headed out, and the road went through clearcuts and forests, but the dirt and gravel road quality was good. We felt more and more optimistic as we traveled further up into the hills.
I studied topo maps and picked out four unactivated summits in the Elkton, OR area to explore. This would hopefully yield some one-point activations to hold me over until the snow melts to the north. On May 21, 2017, Christina and I headed south.
The first summit looked to be the easiest, Hancock Hills, W7O/CC-080. It is a short distance off of Highway 38, with a road that appears to get there quickly. We found that road on the USGS topo map, and optimistically turned up to climb to the summit.
Green Mountain, W7O/CM-109, is a two-point summit above the Calapooia River drainage in Oregon. It is 4505' asl and has a lookout tower on top. At least one hiking internet site said that it should be open to access by the public. I downloaded the Google Maps directions to it and headed off Thursday morning, May 18, 2017.
W7O/CC-107 is a one point, unnamed 1780’ asl summit southwest of Crow, OR. It is in rugged logging territory. I tried to access it today (May 17, 2017), but I ran into obstacles. There is a locked gate where BLM road 20-7-4.1 branches west off of Oxbow Road. An accompanying sign forbids unauthorized vehicle travel.
Huckleberry Mountain and its lookout is well known and for very good reasons. The catwalk around the elevated lookout offers wonderful, 360 degree views. All of the major snow capped peaks from Mt Hood to Thielsen and McLoughlin are visible. In addition, detailed views down into the nearby foothills are there for our enjoyment. The lookout makes a great place to do radio.
NF-2611 road leads to two summits north of Highway 126 near Leeburg, OR. Coming from Springfield, go about 27 miles east of the Main St/126 intersection. Turn north on NF-2611 (near MP 34) and follow the main road 4.5 miles to a large intersection and clearing. Each summit is worth two points.
As you enter the intersection, a steep uphill road is on your right. A locked gate and no trespassing signs make this summit off limits. It is Mt Hagan, W7O/CM-120.
This 3407' two-point summit is inviting in photos. It rises up above the McKenzie River near Leeburg, OR. Unfortunately, it is currently off limits. As soon as you turn north off of Highway 126 you are met with a locked gate (at least on Wednesday, May 10, 2017) with signs warning against trespassing, etc. Perhaps a phone call to the posted Weyerhaeuser number, 541-741-5403, would allow arraigning access. Keep in mind that given access to hike from the gate would involve a 2700+ foot rise over 8.9 miles (one way)!
If the journey and the scenery are equally important as the activation, this is the summit for you. At about 4 miles, one-way and a modest 2650' of gain to a summit elevation of 3835', this summit offers a 360 degree view of the Columbia River and Chelan area.
This summit is located in the Chelan, WA. Best access is by trail for best and varied views. There is also an access road to maintain the cell towers located on this site, which is a single lane unpaved, narrow, rocky road with drop offs used by maintenance personnel, hang glider folks and tourists.
Silver Star Mtn in southwest WA has incredible views of Portland and Vancouver, including the 5 major peaks. On a clear day, you can easily see Saddle Mountain in the coast range.
See my trip report on the Wash Trails Assoc website, including my .gpx track. I came in from the west from Rock Creek Camp. Great 2wd road, good parking and a 2.0 mile hike to the summit. Much, much better than the Sunset Falls north access road.
Had fun today Sunday 5/7 up at Skyline Ridge in West Linn. I got a last minute notice that Etienne K7ATN and Glenn KG7TDC were going up to this park not far from me, so why not? I loaded up the KX2 and my new toy the W4OP loop.after working a few guys on 146.52 (KG7VAK and NS0TA) we set up the loop on a camera tripod. we tuned it up on 20 and Glenn worked a few using my paddle as a straight key, and then I took over for a quick 11 Qs-into the Midwest, southeast and CA All the sigs were strong - goes to show the band may be open even if you don't hear anything!