Had the day off from work and headed out to activate this summit with Dave, N7LKL. Turned out to be a great day with nice weather.
We started off on 2m FM and each of us had at least 4 contacts in no time. And then proceeded to set up HF, where our good fortunes continued, reaching the East Coast. With the band conditions the way they are I consider that good DX, especially running around 4 watts from my MTR.
Getting to the summit is pretty straightforward. From Portland take HWY 26 East to HWY 35 towards Hood River. Take 35 to Bennett Pass Trailhead/SnoPark and follow Bennett Pass Rd/NF-3550 to 45.27908, -121.59640. When you arrive at the coordinates, the trail will be on your left. This is where you will start your hike on Gunsight Butte Trail. Google Maps shows the start of the trail further North than it really is. X Mark's the spot on uploaded map screenshot. Have the summit coordinates in your GPS so you don't hike past it.
It's an easy 2 mile hike to the summit. There is a spot to park right near the trail entrance.
