Activation Reports

Second Time Was A Charm!  Almost exactly 2 years since my last ski trip / Activation attempt of Lone Mountain, Montana, I returned and was successful this time ...barely.  Winter Activations at this altitude (11,166 feet, 3,403 Meters), are certainly not trivial matters, even if Ski Tram access is available.  Lone Mountain is the apex of Big Sky Ski Resort, in Big Sky Montana.  See: http://bigskyresort.com/ for general information, and

Peak 4620 (near Blue Box Pass) is a backcountry snowshoe activation that can be done in the winter if you don't mind using a GPS and are comfortable with off-trail navigation. It's about 1.7 miles one way and 700 feet gain.

A first activation of Eureka Peak on snowshoes turned out to be quite a workout. The basic climb description is about 2.5 miles one way and 1200 feet of gain, but the real work is off the trail with the last half mile being particularly steep. Since there is no trail to the top this would be difficult to do without snow cover. And the steep sections might be unsafe later in the spring on firm consolidated snow without crampons and ice axe. 

This pleasant summit requires a nice, moderate hike through a forested area, coming out onto a wildflower filled hillside meadow.  The summit is at the top of the meadow.  There are interpretive signs and a bench that provide a good operating position. The summit is reached after about a mile hike with about 400’ of elevation rise.  There are trees for antenna supports or a mast can be lashed to sign posts, etc.  A view back down the meadow will show the ocean, coast and parts of Florence.

UPDATE NOV 2023: This summit is now posted "No Trespassing" to all public use. See photos. Previous trip report below.

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This summit lies on the south side of Florence.  The trail rises 350 to 400’ over about one mile.  The summit is covered with RF equipment which did not seem to cause much interference to my HF station.

Maury Island was recently added to the SOTA database so I was super excited to do this activation with my wife, even though it was only a one pointer.  The island is accessible from Vashon Island, which is a ferry boat ride from West Seattle or Tacoma.  One could easily get on the ferry boat with their bicycle and bike to this summit.

0.9 miles, +980 ft

From the Town of Elkhorn:

Drive up the main street to the “T” intersection.  Turn left and follow the 4wd road up until it crests out.  There is a private road that “T’s” in from the right.  Park before (to the south) of this private road.  The 4wd road is fairly rough & boney, but not too difficult, but probably not a good idea for low-clearance vehicles.  A stock 1987 4-Runner made it with few difficulties.

1.6 miles, +930 ft

From the Town of Elkhorn:

2.8 miles, +1,200, -830 ft from Edith-Baldy saddle

4.8 miles, +2,600, -830 ft from TH

Edith & Baldy are the two most prominent summits in the Big Belt Mountains west of Townsend.  There are some backcountry lakes north of the summits that are nice camping/fishing destinations.  The two summits can be done as a double, but Baldy is probably easier from Duck Creek Pass to the north.  The ridge between the two includes some boulder fields that, while not too difficult, make the traverse somewhat slow.

Take Hwy-12 West from Townsend for 14.8 miles

(2 miles, +1,400 ft)

Edith & Baldy are the two most prominent summits in the Big Belt Mountains west of Townsend.  There are some backcountry lakes north of the summits that are nice camping/fishing destinations.  The two summits can be done as a double, but Baldy is probably easier from Duck Creek Pass to the north.  The ridge between the two includes some boulder fields that, while not too difficult, make the traverse somewhat slow.

Take Hwy-12 West from Townsend for 14.8 miles

Turn left & follow Cabin Gulch Road for 0.4 miles