Sims Butte can be accessed via the Obsidian trail #3528. This is within a high-use area and requires a $6.00 permit through www.recreation.gov. Hike in about 3/4 mile and turn right off the trail to hike across a log-strewn area to the base of the butte. The butte itself is heavily littered with downed trees and underbrush. It is a tough climb, but fortunately the summit lies only about 500 vertical feet higher. We used an old naked tree to string up the inverted vee antenna. If you want to fish in Spring Lake hike down the scree slope on the south side of the butte. This leads into more log litter and brings you out onto the trail leading to Spring Lake (to the right). If you don't mind a tough climb and descent this a really nice place to go. The views are amazing. VHF coverage is really good; I was able to access the Mt. Hebo (147.22) repeater with no trouble with my UV5R-V2+ and a Kul-Duckie antenna. Note: Since I could not scare up any SOTA contacts (it was on a Thursday) this summit has not officially been activated.
