Activation Reports

3 X 3 X 3 X 3 X 3 = Three Activations in three days with three, 3X3 (weak signal) contacts, amongst about 50 contacts overall.  During an early Spring vacation in the Bend, Oregon area, we enjoyed all that Central Oregon is famous for!  Good spring skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, SOTA Activations, and a sampling of several of the more than 80 breweries that exist in the greater Bend area.  This report, number 1 of 3, deals with the Activation of Mount Bachelor, 9,065 feet, 2,763 meters.

Peak 5180 (one of four with the same name in Idaho) appeared to be a relatively accessible summit off Blacks Creek Rd, SE of Boise Idaho.  After some discussions with a co-worker (AKA Erik the Mountain Goat) I learned that there was a developing trail around the base of Peak 5180.  It's a 16 mile adventurous Mtn bike trail.  Erik had also hiked this peak during the winter using a drirect route up the ridge (see links below).  After a study of Google earth, I decided to take this trail for a mile or so and then turn up onto one of the ridges leading to the summit.

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.