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Balm Mountain, OR | June 2023

K7AMM's picture
Summit: 
W7O/CS-072
Voice Cellular Coverage: 
Good, very usable
Data Cellular Coverage: 
Good, very usable
Cellular Provider: 
AT&T
APRS Coverage: 
Don't know
  • FS 2154-236 will get you 0.25 miles from the main north ridgeline that leads to the summit. Parking is available on the corner of the road. Nearby is an austere helipad, which should be avoided.
  • An easy short bushwhack along the north ridge leads to an old trail to the summit, with 262 feet of elevation gain.
  • Summit consists of a narrow rocky spine with steep dropoffs on two sides. The remains of an old lookout tower can be found on a small flat area that makes for a good—albeit treeless—place to set up. 
  • This summit pairs well with Staley Ridge (W7O/CS-064), 3 miles away. Both can be done in one day.
  • Mosquitos are intense—head net strongly advised. 
  • I saw three black bears during my three days of activity in this area, so bear spray would be a good idea.
  • During my stay, I camped at Indigo Creek Campground and highly recommend it. It has three tent-only sites, no reservations, and is lightly used. It sits at 3000 ft. and can be accessed via paved road (FS 21). The spring comes straight out of Bear mountain in the form of a gushing creek. There are several other campgrounds in the area, and numerous open spaces for dispersed camping.
Pictures: 
Balm Mountain Summit
 Balm Mountain Marker