Iron Mountain in the Sun

Since Iron Mountain was added to the Summits-on-the-Air list, Ralph and I have made it a goal to activate it each year. This would be our fourth visit to the mountain and the first SOTA activation of the year for both of us. With us spending so much time visiting parks we have neglected our summits. Well, this Saturday we finally got out and hiked the service road to the top of a mountain.

While it is true that this is only a small summit and not difficult to walk up, it has appealed to both of us for its ease of access yet outdoorsy feel. The service road provides an easy walk up the 180m gain so it doesn’t take too much effort yet the road winds around the slope and provides a pleasant feel of isolation and in being in the backcountry. The route crosses a variety of terrains which add to the interest  making it a fun little walk. The summit area is shared with a cell tower but otherwise is fairly broad and actually pleasant to be on despite there being no views.

Ralph and I set out a bit before 11 and arrived at the start of the walk about 50 minutes later after taking a few minutes to pick-up a quick coffee. We then parked donned our packs and started up the road. 25 minutes later we were at the summit. Just the right length of hiking. Ralph returned to the location he has previously used and I to my spot near the service building. I soon had my antenna set up, supported by a small mound of rocks. I got 4 quick responses to my calls including one from fellow club member Jim. Things then slowed down and I had no takers for around 20 minutes. It allowed me to eat my lunch in peace.

Done with lunch, I wandered around a bit taking a few photos. The one drawback of this summit is the lack of any views from the road and summit. There are a couple of viewpoints around the side of the hill but we have not hiked to them. After I had my photos, I started calling again and soon had a steady stream of responses. I even worked a chap activating a summit on Vancouver Island. Once done chatting with him I let him use the frequency for a while. When he had completed enough and was ready to pack up, I resumed calling and made a few more contacts. I finished with 20 contacts in the log. Ralph meanwhile managed 10 on CW. We were both satisfied with our numbers and decided to head down.

Once the gear was stowed we scouted the summit area a bit more thoroughly. I did find a narrow view spot on a large bolder just off the gravel area but the valley haze blocked any meaningful view. I keep thinking I will walk the trail to an actual viewpoint on the south slope but so far we haven’t felt like taking the time. The walk back down the road went quickly as we chatted about our efforts. The ride home took us to Dewdney Trunk Road and the Starbucks at 240th that we have been visiting often. Drink in hand, the rest of the drive home went without incident. It was another pleasant day outside in the warm sunshine getting some clean fresh air.