Summit has good "views"
There is a maze of roads in the Tillamook State Forest - a good map, a GPS, and keen sense of direction will help you navigate your way to South Saddle Mountain (not to be confused with the other coast range Saddle Mountain, NC-004). It may not be the most scenic summit, but the clearcuts do provide some great views of the north Willamette Valley.
Here is a link to my blog from Ch-Paa-Qn Peak. This is a great summit with great views and faily easy access. Thanks to all the Chasers and Activators.
http://kf7pxt.blogspot.com/2013/08/ch-paa-qn-peak-sota-activation-4-august.html
Matt
KF7PXT
Finally got the round-tuit for my first activation. First Butte had not yet been actiivated and looked pretty easy so off we went. It isn't much of a hike. There is a high clearance forest road that takes you to the summit. Some internet sites report that the Bromas Creek approach is closed due to a washout on NFR 37. The Forest Service has built a detour, NFR 3700-805 that is not on the FS map but connects to 3700-825.
This was a wonderful day for an activation of Scott Mountain. The trailhead is reached by taking the turnoff for Scott Lake Campground off of OR242 a few miles west of the Dee Wright Observatory. Follow the gravel road past all the campsites to the quarry at the end of the road. There are two trails that start from there. Take the Benson Trail 3402 to go most directly to Scott Mountain.
First Activation of Norse Peak, Pierce / King County Line, Washington.
Beautiful hike on sunny but cool day with my wife, Sharon and Dexter the dog. Enough breeze / wind to keep us cool and the bugs away. This is a trail hike up to summit of Norse Peak, 6,858 feet elevation. Trail is about 10.6 miles round trip, with 2,800 feet +/- elevation gain.
The views are amazing!: Mount Rainier; Mount Adams; Mount Stuart & Enchantments; Central Cascade peaks all around, including Crystal Mountain Ski Resort.
Completed my second SOTA activation on Black Crater on July 23, 2013. Black Creater trailhead is located just east of McKenzie Pass on OR 242. The trailhead is well marked. Parking and the trail are both very good. Trail to the top is about four miles with about 3000ft elevation gain. Trail starts in dense forest and the forrest thins out as you go higher. There were lots of bugs at the parking lot but once on the trail, they were not a problem.
First SOTA Activation of Tamarack Peak, Washoe County, Nevada - Ace Number 3.
The reference to Aces is because of this mountain's proximity to Reno / Lake Tahoe (Nevada side) & proximity to gambling casino's.
This is a trail & scramble hike up to summit of Tamarack Peak, 9,897 feet elevation. Trail is about 9 miles round trip, combined with first SOTA Activation of Mount Houghton on same day, with 2,000 feet +/- elevation gain.
The views are amazing!: Reno, Nevada; Carson Valley; Lake Tahoe region and northern Sierra Nevada mountain range.
Great outing on sunny and warm day (80F at 2:00 PM). With Loren Chotzen, Dexter the Labrador and Max the Husky.
This was a fun activation of Mt. Hood. I decided to splurge on weight and bring the FT-817 and Buddipole (no coils) for 6m and 2m SSB. Once I got the antenna up, I found a number of chasers waiting on 50.125, so I'm glad I brought equipment for 6m. The mast was supported by shoving it into the hard snow on the summit.
It was a beautiful day, all the way around. Kelly Butte is a great hike, a bit steep and exposed on the beginning switchbacks, but with wildflowers this time of year, and open views from the fire lookout.
Rainier filled the view to the south, and Seattle was visible through the foothills. Mt. Stuart, Glacier Peak and the "backside" of the southern Snoqualmie pass summits made a nice panorama.
