Mostly exposed (to sun, wind, etc) trail
Peak 4980 is an easy activation just south of Mount Hood, Oregon (even if the road is horrid). It has great views (in the right weather) and some wilderness character about it. And there is an old trail that makes access fairly easy.
The Chasers for SOTA have consistently been the heroes of my activations, being there for me in a myriad of ways and ensuring my success.
THIS Mount Scott (Scott, Mount in the ARM) is a volcanic cinder cone (extinct) southeast of Portland, Oregon. The summit is 1095 feet ASL. This summit is in a suburban neighborhood with little public space within the activation zone.
A good address for activating the summit is 11500 SE Ridgeway Drive, Happy Valley, OR 97086. Note that access is from the south and east - there are restricted streets on the west side of Mount Scott. SE Idleman Road to SE Taylor Road is a suggested route.
Prune Hill is an extinct volcanic vent, 755 feet ASL, located in Camas, Washington, about 30 minutes from Portland, Oregon. This summit is in a suburban neighborhood with no public space near the summit itself.
Dorothy Fox Park to the northeast is within the activation zone. The closest address to the summit appears to be 2702 NW 18th Avenue, Camas, WA 98607.
UPDATE MARCH 2022 - Permits required weekends April 23 to June 12, plus Memorial Day.
Dog Mountain is a wonderful climb nine months of the year - but in March we went from spotty sun and 38F to snow blowing sideways at 25 mph and perhaps 27F in a partial white out. It's a bit less than eight miles round trip with 2900 feet of gain.
This is a straightforward drive-up activation about an hour south of Bend with great views. Paulina Peak and North Paulina Peak are both in the Newberry National Volcanic Monument - you might consider a double activation of these peaks and an overnight stay in one of the campgrounds.
The road to Glass Butte requires a high clearance vehicle and four-wheel drive is recommended. This road is at the limit of what a rear-wheel drive, open differential vehicle can travel. Although it may not be the most scenic summit, if you are traveling through eastern Oregon this is a worthy six-point peak to check out, especially in conjunction with an activation of nearby Little Glass Butte.
The roads in this area to access Little Glass Butte might be Ok in a very carefully driven passenger car, but high clearance is recommended. If you are traveling through eastern Oregon this is a worthy six-point peak to check out, especially along with an activation of nearby Glass Butte. The cross-country route finding is pretty straightforward and you'll find a challenge only from the juniper trees checking the clearance of any antennas on your backpack.
Lava Butte is an easy and fun four pointer if you are ever in Central Oregon. It is a drive-up summit part of the year. There is a sometimes staffed lookout at the top and enough room for operating and most any antenna. Since it is a popular spot, you could get plenty of questions about ham radio when it is busy.
While in town for the Hells Canyon Relay race, Taylor and I planned to hit two 10-point summits in the Joseph, OR area, our highest elevation and point value yet. What started off as a well-planned day trip unraveled into a messy situation. This is a long report, but worth the read!
