Easy 2 Mile RT (or less) leads to this fantastic overlook of the Teanaway River Valley, Mount Stuart Range, Mount Rainier, Mount Adams and hundreds of other Cascade peaks.
All SOTA contacts were on 20M SSB, using my 20M inverted V dipole suspended fron a 22 ft. Carbon Fiber fishing pole. I made 12 contacts in 8 states over approximately 30 minutes.
Wampus Butte is another easily accessible summit near La Pine. Below is a map of the route we wished we had taken as it would have been much more direct (from Hwy 97, west on Burgess Rd to NF-44/E. Deschutes Rd and follow it to NF-600. It is about 1.5 miles on this road to the left turn up to the summit). This was a nice snowshoe in March but would probably be mostly almost a drive-up in summer. It was cloudy when we were up there but I think there would be a nice view on a clear day.
There are cell and radio installations on the top that provided significant QRN on 40m.
Pringle would probably be a drive-up or near drive-up in the summer but I am not sure whether the roads would be suitable for a passenger car or not as they were covered with snow, thus making it a snowshoe for us. According to the map there are at least 3 access points. We took North Ponderosa Way as it was the first we came to and appeared to have the most direct route to the summit (it does looks a bit like a maze on a map). On some maps (including Sota Goat) 4410 appears to go pretty much straight up from North Ponderosa.
Summer is here and the snow will be gone up high, and we can again do alpine activations. Following up on the idea of Rachel-K7NIT for a way to enjoy SOTA as a group – we will activate around Mount Hood and then meet up afterwards for an 'eyeball' QSO. (Read about the April Portland S2S Party here: www.pnwsota.org/content/portland-urban-s2s-party-after-action-report.)
This is an easy drive up summit. Less then 1/2 mile easy walk to the top. Lots of deer in the area! One small buck walked right up to us and then followed us to the summit. Great views of hurricane ridge though we only go spotty views because of the clouds. Great 6 point activation. Campground within one mile of the summit
Setup: PFR3, MP1 SuperAntenna, TeNeKe
Headed up to the hills for an activation with my two oldest daughters. Nice big parking lot at the bottom and a nice easy 2 mile walk to the summit. This is in forest service land so you can camp on the summit. Nice spot with small fire pit. One day I may try this. Trees are encroaching the summit so spotty views. Nice big area to set up on the summit. I used SMS text for spotting with success.
Setup: PFR3, SuperAntenna, TeNeKe.
Actual Directions here: http://www.pnwsota.org/node/435
The summit proper of Mount Dallas on San Juan Island, Washington is privately owned and not accessible.
Lookout Hill, Orcas Island, Washington does not have an accessable Activation Zone. The road is signed as private below the Activation Zone.
Turtleback Mountain is a lovely forest hike with a nice summit spot for activating. Along with Mounts Constitution and Pickett, it is one of three publicly accessible summits on Orcas Island, Washington.
First get yourself to Orcas Island. Most will take the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes, Washington. For your planning purposes, note that ferry schedules change seasonally. The North Trailhead is perhaps the easier access - here directions with more information available in the links below.
Mount Woolard, Orcas Island, Washington does not have an accessable Activation Zone. The road is signed as private and is gated below the Activation Zone.