It appeared to me that access to Grayback Mountain was possible to summit from the South staying off of Yakima Nation Lands. I also found a trail map with access and photos of the summit from 2019 here: http://www.willhiteweb.com/washington_fire_lookouts/grayback_mountain_lookout/map_300.htm
Ward Butte is private property. We secured permission from the landowners to activate Ward Butte via a personal connection.
The poison ivy on the summit is spectacular - otherwise there's nothing to recommend this activation.
NOTE: Conditions on Mt. Hood can change weekly, even daily. Consult up-to-date weather, avalanche, and beta reports.
On March 31st, 2021 I took advantage of a weather window and reasonable avalanche forecast to activate Mt. Hood (W7O/CN-001) via the standard South Side route.
I made an attempt for Evergreen mountain today and the road is still pretty snowed in at least 15 miles from the TH. It gets pretty rough for all but very high clerance vehicles about 20 miles from the TH as well. I wasn't willing to hike 30+ miles today so I turned around.
From Marble Mountain SnoPark, head up, then left to the current true summit. Ski down.
H Henry's 6min video starts 7min in.
YouTu.be/Vga0kwoZVUo
On the summit of Laurel Mountain, Oregon is the Falls City FAA Radar Site - a Federal Aviation Administration facility in Polk County, Oregon. The site is used to identify and track aircraft and provide air to ground radio communications. It is restricted access.
7.0 miles, +2,600 ft; -1,800 From Elk Mountain TH
I activated the way out from the Wylies Peak area on the final day of a 15-day backpacking trip; but the route description is the more direct route across Goat Creek.
16.2 miles, +4,300 ft; -4,200 From Elk Mountain TH
1.2 miles, +300, - 200 ft ft from Trail 562 Junction
I activated this on the 14th day of a 15-day backpacking from the Elk Mountain Trailhead, via Mink Ridge & Marten Creek with a side-trip up Marten Creek to Marten Hot springs; but the route description is the more direct route across Goat Creek and along the Square Rock & Moose Ridge.
18.5-miles, +4,700 ft; -5,300 From Elk Mountain TH
3.5 miles, +800, - 1,500 ft ft from Trail 562 Junction
I activated this on the 13th day of a 15-day backpacking from the Elk Mountain Trailhead, via Mink Ridge & Marten Creek with a side-trip up Marten Creek to Marten Hot springs; but the route description is the more direct route across Goat Creek and along the Square Rock & Moose Ridge.