Activation of Marmot Butte - June 24, 2016

Marmot Butte is a rather nondescript summit just northeast of Chemult, OR.
It is also about 3km northeast of Walker Mountain. The two can easily be
done in one day. signage is sparse on this trek. Be sure to take map and
GPS to keep on track.

On this warm late June day, the mosquitoes were hungry and numerous. Its never
a good sign when you see dozens of mosquitoes lighting on your rig breaking off
their blood sucking apparatus the moment you stop. 100% DEET was employed.

Marmot Butte is reached by first taking NF9755 approximately 1.2mi north of the

Summit

SOTA Activation: Red Top Mountain, Kittitas County, Washington - June 5, 2016

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 SOT

Summit

SOTA Activation: "Mount Attenuator", AKA "Summit Lake Peak", Pierce County, Washington - May 30, 2016

 

A fantastic Activation together with my SOTA Buddy, Tim, KG7EJT, along with his wife Masako, my wife Sharon & Dexter the SOTA Dog on Memorial Day 2016.  Great weather, fantastic views from the summit and a successful SOTA Activation for both of us, yielded a memorable outing. "Mount Attenuator", mostly known as Summit Lake Peak, is approximately 3 miles north of Mount Rainier National Park.  Thus it affords incredible sweeping outlook of the north aspect of mighty Mount Rainier.  Mount Attenuator is 5,780 feet (1,762 meters) high, and is reached via approximately 6.1 mile RT trail.  Elevation gain is approximately 1,360 feet.

Summit

(No Access) Gold Hill, OR

This summit is right across from the Cement Plant off Hwy I-84 between Baker City, OR and Farewell Bend, OR.  Looked like a nice option for a quick activation when traveling Hwy I-84.  However, the obvious road to the top was chained with a sign stating permission required.  No contact info, so must be locals wanting to keep people off the land.  There is also a radio facility near the top, so the chain and sign keep people away from that area as well.

Summit
Keywords

Fairview Mountain, MT| June, 2016

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.

 

Summit

Lucky Peak, ID | May 2016

This was my second activation of Lucky Peak.  Always a good hike to test your fitness level.  There are a few options to get to the top.  The route we took was 11.2 miles and 3089 feet of climbing.  See my previous report for more information.  Lucky Peak 2015:  http:/www.pnwsota.org/node/556 .  You can also drive to nearly the top if you want a shorter hike.  The road up (from Hwy 21) is best with a SUV or high clearance vehicle.  There is a small parking lot and bathroom at the end of the road.

Summit
Keywords