Washington Rover Locations

Potential VHF rover sites in WA's grid CN88. Be careful.
CN88 dimensions are 91.6 by 69.2 miles.
Hover mouse over a map marker for more about the grid and site.

Lyman Hill, CN88wo20

Near city of Sedro Wooley, Skagit County, WA, Altitude 3800

See Google map, Bing map, OpenStreetMap, Beam heading

Last update: 2020-06-07

Comments by: Mike W7NP

Lyman Hill is a high point in the Northern State Recreation Area that is not too far north of Seattle. Some scouting is needed to figure out if it's open to public and identify a good operating spot.

The peak was logged off in the 1970s and trees are likely to be a wee bit taller since then.

Middle Chuckanut, CN88sp46

Near city of Bellingham, Whatcom County, WA, Altitude 1990

See Google map, Bing map, OpenStreetMap, Beam heading

Last update: 2015-05-30

There is a nice parking area on a shelf with open propagation in all directions except north.

Middle Chuckanut is in Larrabee State Park, between Frangrance Lake and Lost Lake.

Mt Erie, CN88qk49

Near city of Anacortes, Skagit County, WA, Altitude 1200

See Google map, Bing map, OpenStreetMap, Beam heading

Last update: 2012-11-03

Comments by: Eric KB7DQH

Mount Erie is the highest point on Fidalgo Island, at 1,273 feet. (See wikipedia.) Mount Baker is 43 miles to the northeast and can easily be seen from Mount Erie. On a clear day, Mount Rainier can be seen in the southeast, approximately 117 miles distant. Mount Erie is an Anacortes City Park and the summit is accessible via a single-lane, paved road from the base.

The hilltop hosts three large towers with a number of commercial and Coast Guard VHF+ transmitters, and the parking lot is surrounded by trees. It might not be good for really weak signal or microwave work, but Barry had no interference on 144 MHz unless he pointed directly north at the towers.

Driving directions: From I-5 take Exit 230 for WA-20 toward Anacortes
- Drive about 12 miles
- Turn left at a light onto WA-20 south
- Drive 1.8 miles
- Turn right onto Cambell Lake Rd
- Look for a quaint "Lake Erie Grocery" and keep right at the fork
- Drive 1.4 miles
- Slight right onto Ray Auld Dr with signpost "Mt Erie Viewpoint"
- Follow one-lane paved road 1.6 miles to top

Restrictions: One-lane road has lots of large overhanging tree branches
- Good clearance for sedans and SUVs but will snag tall antennas
- Road is not maintained for winter travel
- No restroom facilities on top
- Various signs announce "open 7am to 10pm" and "open 6am to 10pm" and "open 5am to 10pm". Barry was there at 7am on Sunday and thinks they never close the gate, but who knows.

Mt Anderson, CN88up90

Near city of Sedro Wooley, Skagit County, WA, Altitude 3000

See Google map, Bing map, OpenStreetMap, Beam heading

Last update: 2012-11-04

Source: Lynn N7CFO PNW Rover Locations CN88

Comments by: Lynn N7CFO

Mountaintop location north of Sedro Wooley. Between Hwy 9 and I-5 Northwest of Lyman Hill.

You can't drive all the way to the top but there are a couple good turnouts in the last half mile to park and operate. I like this wide area on a sweeping curve at CN88up90 at 3,007' altitude for its southern exposure, shown in last two images above.

Driving directions: Access is via Old Hwy 99 1-1/2 miles south of Alger.
- From I-5 northbound take Exit 236 "Bow Hill Road", drive east 0.7 mi
- Turn left onto old Hwy 99, drive north 2.6 mi
- Turn right onto Parson Creek Rd, drive east 1 mi
- Turn left onto Skaarup Road, drive north 0.2 mi
- Continue straight where the road name changes to Alger Mt Rd Pvt
- Road changes to dirt "open" access road
- Drive 8 miles up mountain to the end; road ends within 300-400 ft from the top

Restrictions:
- Discover Pass required.
- The road is maintained in good condition.
- The final section of road has been blocked with bunkers.
- In winter conditions be prepared. On Nov 4, the road was soft from rain, and trees can fall anytime.

Little Mtn, CN88uj25

Near city of Mt Vernon, Skagit County, WA, Altitude 907

See Google map, Bing map, OpenStreetMap, Beam heading

Last update: 2012-07-11

Source: Lynn N7CFO PNW Rover Locations CN88

Comments by: Lynn N7CFO

This site is a public park at a scenic overlook on top of a small mountain. It is about ten minutes off I-5 on paved roads.

The best exposure is to the south and southwest. It is an excellent location up through 432, but doesn't seem to do well on UHF. There is a sloping parking lot, and unfortunately there are some local power lines nearby. There are restrooms and an observation deck.

N4SL and WB7FJG set up a portable station up through 432 in front of the observation deck during the June 2001 contest and reported excellent results.

Driving directions: Northbound on I-5 take exit 225, south of Mt Vernon and just past a heavy crane display.
- Turn right (east) from the exit ramp onto Cedardale Road and immediately turn left (north).
- Go about 0.5 miles to Blackburn and turn right.
- Go east on Blackburn 1.1 miles and turn right onto Little Mt Road.
- Go up hill 0.3 miles and watch for "Little Mountain Park" sign on right. Turn at the sign.
- Proceed 1.3 miles on narrow paved road to the parking lot at the peak.
- Note: Some GPS devices do not know about this park road up to the peak.

Restrictions: Park hours are 10 a.m. to dusk. This is a popular local attraction, so expect lots of traffic.

I-5 Smokey Point, CN88ve70

Near city of Marysville, Snohomish County, WA, Altitude 100

See Google map, Bing map, OpenStreetMap, Beam heading

Last update: 2012-07-11

Source: Lynn N7CFO PNW Rover Locations CN88

Comments by: Lynn N7CFO

This is a rest stop on I-5 northbound north of Everett. It is on slightly high ground, and offers OK paths in all directions. Lynn N7CFO has used it for quick VHF and UHF operation with good success.

A famous and historic Western Red Cedar stump is on display, as evidence of the giant trees which once forested the area. Over 20 feet in diameter and 200 feet tall, the tree is believed to have been more than 1,000 years old. It's large enough to drive a car through.

Keep an eye on the sky. This is close to the Arlington Airport and you may see unusual experimental aircraft overhead.

Driving directions: On northbound I-5 milepost 207, a mile past where the speed limit changes to 70, take exit into rest stop.
You have three choices as you enter the fork into Smokey Point:
- Left for RVs (recommended) will give you extra space from passersby and the trees
- Middle for commercial trucks
- Right for passenger cars

Lake Stevens HS, CN88xa05

Near city of Lake Stevens, Snohomish County, WA, Altitude 400

See Google map, Bing map, OpenStreetMap, Beam heading

Last update: 2011-08-21

Comments by: Barry K7BWH

Lake Stevens High School is built on the top of a hill just north of a nice recreational lake. The large school parking area provides open view in all directions, especially south. Includes a porta-potty.

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