This summit sits on CSKT tribal land and requires a permit for non-tribal members ($100 for one year at the time of writing), which makes access the main consideration rather than the hike itself. I chose this one specifically as my first activation report - the logistics felt important to document clearly. The route is a straightforward, trail-less ascent up an open grassy hillside, with trees at the summit and excellent views of the Mission Mountains. If you can get the permit sorted out, this is an easy and enjoyable activation.
Access & Permit
This summit is located on CSKT tribal land and requires a recreation permit for non-tribal members. If this is your first time purchasing one, you must buy it in person to be entered into their system - online purchase will not work until after that initial registration. I bought mine at a sporting goods store in Missoula; Bob Ward’s, Bass Pro Shops, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and the Fish, Wildlife & Parks office are all listed as vendors. Even the employee suggested I try online, but that will fail if you're not already registered. Once you've purchased the permit in person, you can renew online in the future.
Getting There
Access is via Big Gulch Road, which turns off Secondary Highway 382. Coming from Missoula, I took U.S. Highway 93 north to Ravalli, then Montana Highway 200 west to 382. Big Gulch Road is a right turn approximately 10.4 miles up 382.
This stretch of 382 is worth paying attention to - there is a good chance of seeing bighorn sheep along the way.
Once on Big Gulch Road, the first 1.8 miles are in good condition. After the "Minimal Maintenance Road" sign, the road becomes rougher but remains very passable. There are some larger potholes, but nothing that would stop a normal passenger car - I would not hesitate to take a Prius in.
After about 4.6 miles, there is a makeshift parking area bordered by rocks. I initially stopped at a small pullout before reaching it, then realized there was a more obvious parking area farther in.
Route
From the parking area, you simply start walking uphill through a grazing pasture. There is no trail, so it's a true choose-your-own-adventure situation across open grassy terrain. The slope is steady but not difficult, and navigation is straightforward in clear conditions. A rough double-track leads to a communications site at the summit, I personally would not drive my vehicle up it, but it might be suitable for a bike or ATV.
Livestock
This is active grazing land, and I encountered cattle on the way up. On the descent, a bull on a ridge above me began matching my pace, then came down and met me at my car. I don't have enough experience with cattle behavior to interpret its intent, so I treated it cautiously and left quickly. It's worth keeping in mind that you are moving through livestock, not empty terrain, and giving animals plenty of space is a good idea.
Activation Zone
The approach is entirely grassy, but the summit itself has trees, which makes antenna setup easy. There is plenty of space to work with and multiple options for attaching lines or setting up gear. Cell service was nonexistent on the drive in, somewhat patchy at the trailhead, and solid at the summit. I attempted APRS at the trailhead but couldn't confirm whether it was working and chose not to carry the radio up, so I can't report on APRS coverage from the top.
Conditions & Scenery
It was a beautiful late March day with excellent views of the Mission Mountains. The drive in was full of mountain bluebirds, with nest boxes mounted along the fence lines and birds actively flying between them. On the hillside, yellow fritillaries were already in bloom, and there were extensive bitterroot rosettes throughout the grass. When those bloom later in the season, this area is going to be spectacular.