Activation Reports

The access road to the summit of Tygh Ridge north of The Dalles is posted "Private - No Tresspassing."

Tried to access from Columbia Tie Rd off of NE Cedar Creek Rd.  Left on NE Tie Pond Rd but this is private property owned by the Easter Family.  There might be logging road access from the west side?  

Summit is on private property owned by "the Gilliettes of Amboy" according to a neighbor near the locked gate used for access.  This gate is located at the north end of NE 94th where NE Old Rock Quarry Rd begins, according to maps.google.com.  

"Private Property No Trespassing" signs are also on roads from the north side. 

First SOTA Activation of Lookout Mountain, a smallish, somewhat obscure SOTA peak, above the town of Cle Elum.  Lookout Mountain is 3,465 Feet in elevation (1,056 Meters), which makes it feasible even in winter, when the high country is still buried in snow.  This Lookout Mountain is NOT to be confused with Lookout Mountain (W7W/CW-037).

On midwinter trip to Southern California to visit family, once again we set aside time for several SOTA Activations.  This report details the Activation of Point 4202, off SR2, the Angeles Crest Highway, in the San Gabriel Mountains.  I had previously Activated many nearby SOTA Summits, and had driven right below and by Point 4202 without being aware of it.  Being our last day in So. Cal.

On midwinter trip to Southern California to visit family, once again we set aside time for several SOTA Activations.  This report details the Activation of Occidental Peak, very close to the famous Mount Wilson Observatory.  I has previously Activated the adjacent San Gabriel Peak, and had observed Occidental close by.

Here's an activation on the way to the coast for after hours or weekends only to comply with the timberland owner. There's a short hike of about 1.2 miles RT and 400 feet of gain. A GPS will be Very Handy to get you to the summit. Head out west on Highway 26 from Portland where your turn south at Milepost 38 to go 3.0 miles into the small village Timber, Oregon.

Here's a drive-up activation on the way to the coast. A GPS will be very handy to get you to the summit. Head out west on Highway 26 from Portland where your turn south at Milepost 38 to go 3.0 miles into the small village of Timber, Oregon.

This was once a drive-up activation that has been gated due to valdalism - it is accessable to non-motorized vehicles (see sign below). (Updated August 2023.)

On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, I completed my first winter SOTA at Shafer Butte, Idaho (W7I/BC-064).  Best way to get there is take the Bogus Basin Road 16 miles from Boise to Bogus Basin Ski Area, then continue about another couple miles to Pioneer (upper) Lodge parking lot.  During ski season Pioneer Lodge has open restrooms, lunch room, dining area, and beer bar.  From the Pioneer Lodge one can snowshoe or nordic ski up a ski trail or transverse the mountain from about 6,750' elevation for about a mile to Shafer Butte 7,582'.