I finally managed to finish the 2024 W7O Campout recap video. Check it out here: https://youtu.be/usMvuoFma2c

Thank you everyone who made the journey and chased!

73 de Tim N7KOM

Mount Emily is a six point summit north of La Grande Oregon. It is a complete drive up, but requires AWD and moderate ground clearance to get there. The road out of La Grande quickly turns to gravel and gets steep (17% according to the warning sign). It stays good gravel for just short of 10 miles and then gets a bit rough. The directions given by Google Maps are accurate except for one place where it wants you to cut the switchback (see below).

Bring a climbing helmet for this summit! Even under the trees, you're in the kill zone for falling rocks! 

Summary - Bird Mountain, in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, combines good trails and a steep bushwhack (not for beginners).  While makes for a longish day, link it with Lemei Rock for a two summit, twelve point outing.  The trip from Portland to the Cultus Creek Campground (day fee or pass required) is about two hours on mosly paved roads.  ATT digital service is good, as is APRS.

Summary - Lemi Rock, in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, combines good trails, a steep bushwhack (not for beginners), and some optional ridge scrambling.  While makes for a longish day, link it with Bird Mountain for a two summit, twelve point outing.  The trip from Portland to the Cultus Creek Campground (day fee or pass required) is about two hours on mosly paved roads.  ATT digital service is good, as is APRS.

Backpacking into North Cascades National Park (US-0055)

Backpacking into North Cascades National Park (US-0055)

Start the ascent at 45.99028, -121.80308 on the Thomas Lake trail.  Initially the trail threads between two lakes then starts up an old logging road (my guess) before Indian Heaven became a wilderness in 1984.

Note that it can be very windy on the easterly exposed summit, especially if there is any kind of east wind in the Gorge.

Summary - Gifford Peak is approached via good trails and a steepish cross country bushwhack.  From the Thomas Lake trailhead, hike both East Crater and Gifford Peak as a ten mile outing with 2500 feet of gain.  From Carson, WA take Wind River Highway up and all but the last bit of the two hour drive (from Portland) is on paved road. A NW Discover Pass is required and this is a popular area, so the parking will be tight on weekends.

Summary - East Crater is approached via good trails and a steepish bushwhack through burn terrainFrom the Thomas Lake trailhead, hike both East Crater and Gifford Peak as a ten mile outing with 2500 feet of gain.  From Carson, WA take Wind River Highway up and all but the last bit of the two hour drive (from Portland) is on paved road. A NW Discover Pass is required and this is a popular area, so the parking will be tight on weekends.