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Thatcher Hill, Idaho | September 2022

Submitted by KI7EMX on
Summit

Thatcher Hill is located in the Portneuf Mountain Range just south of Lava Hot Springs.  Access is off Hwy 34 south of Thatcher, Idaho. The road to access the summit is extremely difficult.  There were deep mud puddles, exposed watermelon sized rocks to negotiate and rock gardens suitable for only 4wd high clearance vehicles. I was mentally exhausted from driving on the road and decided to park the Jeep (42.39139, -111.84305) and hike along the road. Just 50 yards further and the terrain leveled out into a beautiful meadow that lasted for approximately 1 mile.

Kings Mtn, WA | 19 Sep 22

Submitted by W7MDN on
Summit

While the road up is rough, Kings Mountain is a great summit to setup and hang out for the afternoon near Usk, Washington. Take the road up from the Skookum Lake C.G. area, about 2 1/2 miles. The road could be a MTB ride as well; 4WD recommended due to erosion and rocks. There's room to park one or two vehicles at the top, plus a small area to turn around. Plenty of large trees for a arborist's throw line to rig your antenna.

East Crater, WA (From East Side) | Sept 2022

Submitted by K7AGL on
Summit

East Crater Summit can be accessed from the Northwest via PCT (See http://www.pnwsota.org/blog/k7ahr/2020-october-10/east-crater-wa-september-2020 )  or from the east side via East Crater Trail #48 (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=31748).  This report is for the east side access.  It is 4.7 miles round trip with 1350 feet of vertical gain.

Peak 5927, Idaho | September 2022

Submitted by KI7EMX on
Summit

The effort to access this summit was hard to justify 2-points!  Looking at the summit from the road below made me think about abandoning the "planned" 1.50-mile hike and just biting the bullet and going straight up the mountain (.30 miles/739-foot gain).  I made the better choice by opting for the longer hike. Looking at the contours, traversing the side-slope and making gradual elevation gain seemed like a good option. I am glad I wore my hiking “boots” instead of my “shoes.”

Peak 6460, Idaho | September 2022

Submitted by KI7EMX on
Summit

This was a fun drive and activation.  There had been rain recently and Coal Bank Road was peppered with water hazards and rocky runoff portions.  Though easily passable in a high clearance 4wd, it was NOT Prius friendly. The summit was large and flat with a few trees scattered around for attaching antenna masts. I set up my QTH near the actual summit, but it turned out to be an awful location for spotting.  I had to get up and walk north about 100 yards each time I changed frequencies.

Herschberger Mountain, OR Sept 2022

Submitted by AG7GP on
Summit

Herschberger is a lovely little lookout that you can drive nearly to the top, all but the final stairs and a little trail. The LO is basically right in the AZ so I operated sitting in the doorway (no chairs) for shade. There is zero data at the lookout but if you step out you might get lucky. Great view of CL Rim, Thielson, Rabbit Ears and many other ridges. The lookout was open and not manned. Not sure if this is common.