Lion's Rock/Table Mountain

CN97

Last update September 03, 2001

General.  This is a popular astronomy site, and even has a webpage!  There is a paved road up most of the mountain.  It is single lane with frequent pull-offs and is frequently navigated by RVs and motor homes.  There are three good operating locations in this area.

1)  Table Mountain.  To get to this location, drive to the "T" at the top of the road.  Go left about 1/4 mile and look for a grove of evergreens to the south. There is a road going to this location and lots of room.  This location gives you an excellent exposure to the south and east and an OK exposure to the west.  Unfortunately Lion Rock is to the west and blocks the path.  N47º15.050 W120º 34.653, CN97rg, 6200'.

2)  Lion Rock.  To get to Lion Rock, go past the Table Mountain Location and follow the Lion Rock signs.  The road has recently been improved, but is still rough with a lot of sharp rocks.  The operating location has an excellent exposure in all directions.  It is a popular camping site, so you may have company.  Lion Rock is at N47º15.145 W120º 35.139, CN97qg. 6300"

3)  Table Mt. Road.  I spotted this location during the September VHF contest.  It is about two miles south of the "T" on the road up the hill and at 5950' is only about 250' below the table mountain location.  It has an excellent exposure to the west.  It is located at N47º 14.134 W120º 33.959 CN97rf

Driving Instructions:  See the link above.  The road gets a bit steep in places, but should be no problem.  Coming down can be another story, especially if you are in a heavy rig.  The road has a lot of switchbacks, so you have to use your brakes or engine braking to control your speed.  Frequent stops are necessary to allow your brakes to cool.