Activation Reports

I received some pointers from Anne, K7AHR, they were crucial to getting there as the map and mapping software suggested turning up the west bank of the Salmonberry River. That road is replete with no trespassing signs.

To get there get on the Nehalem River road from US 26. Proceed to 45.7361, -123.7292 and turn up the road. This road goes to 45.7088, -123.6160 which is the start of the hike up an over grown jeep road to the top. It is less than a mile round trip and less than 500 feet of elevation gain.

NC-080 is one of the peaks in the Tillamook State Forest surrounding the Trask River valley, along the eastern edge. As such, the most straightforward approach is via Trask River Rd past the Trask River Park Campground.

In my quest to activate all the Portland Metro summits by bike I decided to link together a route that would have me hit Mt Scott (W7O/WV-095) and Mt Sylvania (W7O/WV-096). 

I had planned to activate a few summits before helping with the Tillamook Burn 100 Miler race but it was cancelled and I had already made the overnight reservations so I decided to activate my way back from Cape Lookout to Portland via Blaine Rd / Nestucca Rd.

NOTE: please see this entry for updated details.

This summit is located on Stimson land and according to the Stimson office, which KG7WED called, can be access on foot.

One approach is via Flisram Rd which is gated with a sign.

(Actually there are 2 signs: one is the standard non-motorized entry allowed during non-business hours but just behind that one is the one which says no entry except by permit.  Apparently, the one behind is no longer correct.)

Chris KC7UJO and I took advantage of some sunny weather to bike the Deschutes River Trail to Lava Butte. We met at Meadow Camp (Meadow Day Use Area on Google Maps). Chris was on a hardtrail MTB and I was on my cyclocross bike. The first (and last) mile of this out and back is pretty rocky. MTB reccommended, or catch the river trail at another point. I managed as best I could with my commuter tires and dropbars. 

Cedar Mountain is now gated and locked. You must have permission from land owner to access BLM land.

This is another fun summit.  Trailhead is at Kelly Park on highway 34 Soda Springs Idaho. Park across from the baseball fields and head south east on the Cross Country Ski trail. You can see the summit's towers East of Soda Springs throughout hike.  You will head for a tan municipal water tank. When you reach the water tank you can either bushwhack to the double track that goes straight up or go about 200 yards north of the water tank and head east at a cutoff then head towards the summit. The access to the summit is partly owned by the city of Soda Springs and BLM land.

WARNING: Google Maps insists that there is a drivable road up through the South Fork Prison.  Let me assure you there is not.  It is clearly posted No Trespassing and they mean it.  The route should start from the intersection of Hwy 6 and Ben Smith Rd.

Summary - With a three mile, three thousand foot climb, open views of the gorge, and lots of wildflowers, Dog Mountain is a worthy SOTA summit. The first two-thirds of the climb is in the trees, the rest on the windy, exposed mountain crown. The summit itself is thick with brush, so the best operating positions are found on its edge.  A Northwest Discover Pass is required for parking, as is a hiking permit during the wildflower season. Check recreation.gov for hiking permit info.