Good Parking At Trailhead

Having approached this area from both the West and the East, I strongly suggest that you get here from the East, by driving through Carson and driving up the 42 road to where it meets with the 53 road. The route from the West is technically shorter if you're coming from the Portland area, but unless you live in Battle Ground, it's not worth it. The roads from that direction are just too bumpy and grown over. It takes longer and it beats up your vehicle.

Hike: 2 miles RT Bushwhack

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

There are eight Round Tops in Oregon although two of them add another word to the name. This one is a few miles north and a bit east of John Day Oregon as the radio signal flies.

To get there, turn north from US 26 on Keeny Creek Road, AKA FR 18. Get to Four Corners (44.5404, -118.8427) and turn left (west) on good gravel road FR 36. Proceed to FR 544 at 44.52833, -118.88636.

Hike: 2 miles RT

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

Hike RT 0 – 2 miles

Elevation Gain 0 - 129 feet

Summary - Sawtooth Mountain, on the north end of Indian Heaven Wilderness, is a 2.5 mile hike with 1000 feet of gain from the parking lot to the edge of the activation zone. This trip report describes getting to the summit, another hundred feet or so up, with unprotected class three and four traverses/climbing and significant exposure.

Mount Emily is a six point summit north of La Grande Oregon. It is a complete drive up, but requires AWD and moderate ground clearance to get there. The road out of La Grande quickly turns to gravel and gets steep (17% according to the warning sign). It stays good gravel for just short of 10 miles and then gets a bit rough. The directions given by Google Maps are accurate except for one place where it wants you to cut the switchback (see below). The activation zone is very large so it is easy to get away from all the towers and buildings at the summit. I did that and had no RFI issues.

Bring a climbing helmet for this summit! Even under the trees, you're in the kill zone for falling rocks! 

Summary - Bird Mountain, in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, combines good trails and a steep bushwhack (not for beginners).  While makes for a longish day, link it with Lemei Rock for a two summit, twelve point outing.  The trip from Portland to the Cultus Creek Campground (day fee or pass required) is about two hours on mosly paved roads.  ATT digital service is good, as is APRS.

Summary - Lemi Rock, in the Indian Heaven Wilderness, combines good trails, a steep bushwhack (not for beginners), and some optional ridge scrambling.  While makes for a longish day, link it with Bird Mountain for a two summit, twelve point outing.  The trip from Portland to the Cultus Creek Campground (day fee or pass required) is about two hours on mosly paved roads.  ATT digital service is good, as is APRS.

Backpacking into North Cascades National Park (US-0055)

Date: September 6-8, 2024

Overview: