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Applegate Peak, OR | July 2014

Submitted by K7ATN on
Summit

Applegate Peak is another summit in Crater Lake National Park, but has more challenging route-finding and hiking than others. It is about 1.7 miles one-way cross-country - there is no trail or significant landmarks. A GPS with waypoints and a feeling for following the 'easy way' up draws and drainages will be useful for finding Applegate Peak, and more importantly, you way back.

Along the park's southern portion of Rim Drive, park in the small pullout near 42.87885 -122.10983. There are no other nearby places.

Big Butte | August 2014

Submitted by K7NIT on
Summit

Big Butte is a near drive-up (in an SUV - the higher clearance is necessary) in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that you could do in a passenger car with a bit more hiking (less than 2 miles each way on a road). From Portland, take I-84 to Cascade Locks and cross the river on the Bridge of the Gods (toll). Or take Washington 14 out from Vancouver past the Bridge of the Gods, through Stevenson and continue east on 14 to turn north towards Carson about four miles past Stevenson. After 12.3 miles on this Wind River Highway you will turn right onto NF-3080 or Hollis Creek Road (paved).

Death Vally Mtn, aka Bear Cave Lookout, PA

Submitted by KX7L on
Summit

Another non-NW activation while on my summer work assignment in Cleveland.  I was getting bored with the 2 and 4 pt summits on OH, which are mostly on private land, so decided to make an expedition to something with a little more elevation.  W3/PT-007 had been previously activated, so I knew it could be done and is an 8 pointer, which would be my first.  Finding the summit on the map was a little confusing, however.  There is a summit at the coords, but it's either un-named or called "Bear Cave Lookout".

Crater Benchmark, WA | August 2014

Submitted by K7ATN on
Summit

My general guidelines for off trail hiking are a mile or so across open sagebrush steppe, perhaps half a mile through open forests like ponderosa pine, and about a quarter mile for a western Douglas fir forest. This activation is a reminder to stay with these guidelines and not ever wander through a lava flow again.

I started from the Carson Guler Road, parking about 2.5 miles east of the gate for Red Mountain (W7W/LC-036 - a recommended activation). 

Llao Rock, OR | Closed to Public Since 2013

Submitted by K7ATN on
Summit

In August 2013 the supervisor of Crater Lake National Park closed the Llao Rock Research Natural Area - including the summit of Llao Rock - except when snow-covered (during winter, when the park roads are closed). When visiting in July 2014 a sign was found describing the closure (see photo). In 2022 the Superintendent's Compendium is still in force. 

W7 S2S Party 2-3 August 2014

Submitted by K7ATN on

Next weekend (Aug 2-3) is going to be busy with SOTA activity - The Colorado 14ers event and the ARRL UHF Contest - - PLUS the W7 Summit to Summit (S2S) Party.  Let's focus some attention on W7-land activations with the “W7 S2S Party.”  We hope to see many W7 activations and want to facilitate S2S contacts.

This QRV/QRG approach worked well last year (thanks Phil-NS7P) -

   Top of the hour (1500z, 1600z, 1700z, etc.) activators can look for S2S opportunities on 40m (7.033 MHz and 7.195 MHz).

Stevens Peak, WA | July 2014

Submitted by K7ATN on
Summit

Stevens Peak in Mount Rainier National Park, is a committed alpine climb. It's recommended you prepare carefully reading guidebooks and climbing websites, and making sure you have the necessary skills, experience and equipment. You will need to be able to handle wilderness route finding, high angle snow ascent and descent, mixed rock and snow, rock climbing, and challenging terrain. Adequate physical conditioning is critical to ensure success and safety. Each of your party members needs to prepare in kind.