Activation Reports

This summit is within Weyerhaeuser's "Clatsop - Jewell" permit region. It also requires a significant hike/bike for the non-motorized permit holder. More details and routes available on request.

This summit is within Weyerhaeuser's "Clatsop - Jewell" permit region. It also requires a significant hike/bike for the non-motorized permit holder. More details and routes available on request.

The Spence Mountain Trail climbs about 1800 ft in 7 miles. Its not ever terribly steep but climbs steadily without much relief. There are plenty of gorgeous views to the South and West. The summit has plenty of space for multiple operators, with trees to throw a wire up into.

Full report here

I had recent occasion to visit Northern Idaho and was able to fit in a few activations.

For this summit, it seemed like there was no good way to access the Stimson property. 

However, going around the back on Baker Lake Rd yielded a locked gate onto Sunrise Hill Lane around (48.209256, -117.265011) posted non-motorized access only about a mile from the summit.

Starting from State Highway 231 northbound towards Chewalah and turn right on Hafer Rd.  The turn left on Cottonwood Creek Rd and then right on Horseshoe Lake Rd.  Finally, there is a left turn on Mud Lake Rd.  This is somewhat rough and I would not do it after a heavy rain.  Alternatively, follow 231 into town and turn right on Flowery Trail Rd to the other end of Mud Lake Rd.  In any case, you can park at the Quartzite Mt Trailhead.  There are several spots available up and down the road.

I had corresponded with Matt W7MDN and he graciously sent me a GPS track for this summit.  His previous account is here.

However, upon arrival at the gate, I was met with a No Trespassing sign which included rather explicit details about the lead that would be sent my way if I chose to ignore the sign.

I was unable to locate another way across the private property from Rail Canyon Rd to the WA Resource Management Area.

This one-point peak is located on a parcel owned by Nuveen Natural Capital, the current owner for what we used to call Lewis & Clark Timerland. Fortunately, the new ownership has continued to offer a generous public access policy with a free permit. Furthermore, Nuveen maintains a hunting season schedule wherin they open a number of gates for motorized access. We took advantage of this season to make for a nearly driveup, albeit in miserable late fall conditions.

Two summit summary here because these can easily be done back to back. Looking for any uniques to try to achieve my 200 unique goal, Robin and I drove north to check Malone and London Peak out. Both were very easy, near drive ups. These both are a possible quick break off I-5 on a commute.

The mountains near Marble Mountain hold snow for longer at a lower elevation than other nearby mountains, so keep that in mind. Even at 2600 feet elevation, which is pretty low, there was still 2 feet of snow on the road all the way up to where I left the road to bushwhack the rest of the way to the summit. 

There is a bridge out but someone has laid the guardrails from the old bridge across the creek and that works for crossing on foot. You could carry a bike across if needed. 

Willamette Pass is a really fun activation if you are a downhill skier/snowboarder. The resort uses a demand pricing model so you can get really smoking deals on tickets if you can buy early or go on off days. We paid $34 per ticket for our April Saturday, not bad considering they also gave us $10 per person credit at the ski shop or restaurant.

NO VHF!

Full report here