Easy Trail

This was first dip into the SOTA adventure, and it was big fun! Although this is a super easy almost urban summit it was a good way to start and see how things worked. I used my new KX2 and Alexloop and everything worked great considering propogation. In about 2 hours I worked 24 Q's;14 states and ZL! Not bad for 5W to the loop.I did miss one station calling me on SSB-a cross mode contact if I could've figured out how to undo the 'LSB' mode; somehow the KX2 was set that way on 20 when obviously it should've been set at USB. I did figure it out at home later..sorry to whoever was calling.

On Saturday 25 June we were once again heading back from Eastern Washington. It had been almost 2 years to the day since I had been on Red Top lookout. The days are long so we had plenty of time to head up. It was an amazing hike and amazing views.

The directions at WTA are perfect for getting to the Trailhead: http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/red-top-lookout. The WTA site says round trip 1.5 miles. My GPS said it was right at 1 mile and 345 ft of elevation hike.

Timber Butte is a practically unknown destination not far from the busy trailhead for Triangulation Peak. A short hike on a rough logging road gain you the summit and fantastic views of Mount Jefferson and many Cascade Range peaks.

Triangulation Peak is a popular summer hike destination with a weekend procession of sandal-wearing hikers, small children and dogs. It's about two miles and 800 feet of gain and has fantastic views of Mount Jefferson and many Cascade Range peaks. More info here: www.nwhiker.com/Triangulation.html.

Repeat Activation of Red Top Mountain Lookout.  Red Top (W7W/CW-061) is 5,361 feet elevation (1,634 meters), and is located approximately 15 miles NNE of Cle Elum, Washington.  There have been many activations of Red Top Mountain before, so there is ample planning material available.  Great weather, great views and the good company of my XYL and Dexter the SOTA Dog, made for a fine activation!

This is a nice hike of 1100 feet on a well-graded trail of about 4.8 miles round trip. It can be busier than most as it's next to Lost Lake Resort and has spectacular views of Mount Hood. Follow the directions to Lost Lake Resort here (or other places): www.nwhiker.com/MHNFHike12.html.  

Indian Mountain, north of Mount Hood, is a remote summit with great views of Mount Hood. It's quite a drive from Portland, but not too long of a hike - about 2 miles round trip and 500 feet of gain.

This is a very nice hike (3.3 Miles, 2,900 ft.)

Drive west from Augusta towards Nilan Reservoir and Benchmark.  Continue for 14-miles, turning right (Northerly) on the Willow Creek road towards Gibson Reservoir.  Continue another 1.2 miles and turn left immediately after passing Scoutana – an old Girl Scout Camp.  The turn is also signed as “USFS Administrative Site”.  Follow this road and park where it is blocked by a gate.

This is a very nice hike (1.0 Miles, 690 ft.)