Recent SOTA Activations
Sunday, August 21, 2022
Richard's Peak (W7M/LO-108) SOTA 7.2.2022
Ousel Peak (W7M/FN-157) SOTA 8.6.2022
Sunday, July 10, 2022
Ashley Mountain (W7M/FN-193) SOTA
Ashley Mountain SOTA (W7M/FN-193)
I am not sure exactly what I was thinking at this time but knowing that I can drive to the summit of Ashley Mountain I decided it would be a good idea to take the mountain bike. SOTA is primarily a recreation activity to get some exercise for me. I do love the drive up summits, especially in the winter, but I like to hike up or bike up as a better option. (A hike up to Blacktail mountain is in the future, Blacktail is a drive up at the top of a ski area). I parked near 48.25329, -114.73812 and followed the pine grass trail to the summit. I would say that this was about 50/50 riding and pushing the bike. I was motivated for the "easy" trip down and kept pushing the bike.
Lake Sylvia
Thursday, June 23, 2022
Wild Horse Mountain (W7M/FS-180) SOTA
Wild Horse Mountain SOTA (W7M/FS-180)
Colten and I woke up around 6 and headed out to Wild Horse Mountain which was un-activated. We came in through the Kila area up towards Wild Bill and Emmons Creek Rd and then out through Kalispell on Patrick Creek.
We parked at the gate at 48.04903, -114.36307. The walk was about 2.5 miles each way. The walk in on the roads are great but there is no real trail to the summit. There are plenty of game trails but you really just have to make your way up and find your way. I recommend staying to the ridge on the South east side as you can follow the edge of the thick trees and follow the ridge which is slightly less steep (not much).
You can see that the area up to the summit is private. See below for information regarding this.
The highlighted track that goes to the North is the way that we hiked to the summit. I would not suggest this route as the trees on the north side of the summit are very thick and hard to get through after you enter private land. https://huntsmarter.app.link/Pu8YrjoZ6qb
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Sunday, June 12, 2022
Mount Conner (W7M/LI-091) SOTA
Friday, May 15, 2020
Cinnamon Mountain (W7M/HB-030) SOTA
Elevation - 9,231 ft.
Prominence - 1,431 ft.
Cell Signal (Verizon): There was no signal on the hike up. As soon as I got to the summit I had signal but this is not something that I would count on. I would have LTE, then 3G, then nothing all in a few seconds. I was able to use SOTA Goat to get my spots out but I don't know if I would rely on this being a sure possibility.
Trail Conditions: Great!
Monday, October 21, 2019
Standard Peak (W7M/LM-153) SOTA
Not a lot of pictures today. Standard is the peak that is in the back left of the photo. My daughter and I had a great hike up to the summit of this previously unactivated peak. The weather was calling for rain but we decided to make a go at it. We did not get any rain until the way back down off of the summit and then we got dumped on. We did hear a little bit of thunder but saw no strikes. A great hike.
Date: 8 September 2019
Summit Name: Standard Peak
Summit Coordinates: 48.5419 N 114.2471 W
SOTA summit designator: W7M/FN-153. Grid Square: DN28vn.
Elevation: 7,196 ft. Prominence: 1,476 ft.
Distance: 6.2 miles round trip
Cell Signal: Had signal for most of the trip and was able to send spots at summit using SOTA Goat (Verizon).
APRS Signal: I was hitting digipeaters after making the ridge. Definitely would be able to use APRS to SOTA for spots and send messages from the summit.
Trail Conditions: Well maintained. 2 other parties encountered during the trip. There were plenty of Huckleberries along the trail. Bring a Container.
Equipment Used: Kenwood TM-D72 for APRS and FM contacts. Elecraft KX2 for HF. Homebrew dipole antenna (20m).
Radio Log:
Thanks everyone for the contacts. Special thanks to Martha and Gary for the Summit to Summit contacts. Also to the locals who keep tabs on the kids and I and make sure that we make it out safe. |