Good Parking At Trailhead

We had grand plans for the weekend and then saw them all melt away after a couple of received phone calls.  By Sunday afternoon, the sobering reality of a totally adventureless weekend was weighing heavily on us.  As my hope faded, Mrs. K7EEX asked if there were any summits near the southern end of the PDX metro area as she needed to run an errand down there.  “Why yes there is!” I proclaimed.  “Mount Sylvania - but we’ll have to move fast as the rain is coming in.”

Access to Saturday Rock summit is via NF-42 which begins at Sunset Campground at the end of NE Sunset Falls Road.  The road is well graded, though peppered with its fair share of chuck holes. Follow NF-42 for  approximately 9.4 miles to the intersection with NF-53.  Continue on NF-53 for another 2.4 miles to the intersection of NF-53 and NF-38. Plenty of room to park at the intersection off the main roads.

Travel on Highway 6, and turn north onto Cedar Butte Road between milepost 17 and 18. Drive over the bridge and continue straight at the Muesial Creek Road junction (0.1 mile). There are signs at each junction that direct you to the Cedar Butte Trailhead, however, mark your mileage here and watch for posted signs. The trailhead is about 5.5 miles from this point, although the sign says 5.7. At 2.0 miles turn right at the “Y” intersection. At 4.8 miles, the Cedar Butte Road veers left. Continue another 0.7 mile to the trailhead.

All,

Here's a drive-up summit a few miles off Highway 26 when you are on your way to the coast. Not from from the well-trod Saddle Mountain, W7O/NC-004, it's one more point for the ambitious activator. The roads are easily traveled in a passenger car.

On June 7, 2017 my wife and I were in the region east of Canyonville, OR. After enjoying Pickett Butte, we headed to Acker Rock, another rock outcrop with a lookout perched on top. Both of these are 2 point summits.

Huckleberry Mountain and its lookout is well known and for very good reasons. The catwalk around the elevated lookout offers wonderful, 360 degree views. All of the major snow capped peaks from Mt Hood to Thielsen and McLoughlin are visible. In addition, detailed views down into the nearby foothills are there for our enjoyment. The lookout makes a great place to do radio.

NF-2611 road leads to two summits north of Highway 126 near Leeburg, OR. Coming from Springfield, go about 27 miles east of the Main St/126 intersection. Turn north on NF-2611 (near MP 34) and follow the main road 4.5 miles to a large intersection and clearing. Each summit is worth two points.

As you enter the intersection, a steep uphill road is on your right. A locked gate and no trespassing signs make this summit off limits. It is Mt Hagan, W7O/CM-120.

Silver Star Mtn in southwest WA has incredible views of Portland and Vancouver, including the 5 major peaks.  On a clear day, you can easily see Saddle Mountain in the coast range.

See my trip report on the Wash Trails Assoc website, including my .gpx track.  I came in from the west from Rock Creek Camp.  Great 2wd road, good parking and a 2.0 mile hike to the summit.  Much, much better than the Sunset Falls north access road.  

Had fun today Sunday 5/7 up at Skyline Ridge in West Linn. I got a last minute notice that Etienne K7ATN and Glenn KG7TDC were going up to this park not far from me, so why not? I loaded up the KX2 and my new toy the W4OP loop.after working a few guys on 146.52 (KG7VAK and NS0TA) we set up the loop on a camera tripod. we tuned  it up on 20 and Glenn worked a few using my paddle as a straight key, and then I took over for a quick 11 Qs-into the Midwest, southeast and CA All the sigs were strong - goes to show the band may be open even if you don't hear anything!