The description by NR7Y is still accurate in 2024 for the approach from the south. I had some difficulty finding the correct road to the gate. Here is a gps track to the gate:
http://www.pnwsota.org/content/w7onc-007-drive-route
Getting there: The route is quite straighforward. As of October 2024, it is possible to drive the 1/2 mile up the brushed-in logging road from the 5800 road to where the old road grade peels off. There is parking for two vehicles at the start of the bushwhack.
A drive-up on quite good gravel roads (see below), with great views in all directions (fully logged following forest fire a few years ago).
I came in from the West, leaving the paved road at 44.97599, -122.50586. These subsequent gravel roads were good enough for any passenger car. Just watch for big rocks on the road. There's not much to say about this road. There were very few gates, and I didn't notice any signage near them (unlike below).
From Lake Wenatchee, travel north on Forest Service Road 6200. The Carne Mountain trailhead is at the end of a 13-mile dirt road. The first 11 miles are rough, but the last 2 have recently been regraded and are quite decent. A high clearance vehicle is recommended, although we made it in our low clearance campervan. No pass is required and we slept at the trailhead to get an early start the next morning. The parking lot is small, and people park on the side of the road when the lot is full. It can be difficult to turn around if people park on both sides.
This turned out to be an easy activation. The road has some rutted sections where having a high clearance vehicle is nice but not necessary. Since we were hosting a S2S Party, 2M was no problem, but we also worked many locals on 2M. There are plenty of old Juniper snags to tie off a mast to for HF. Have fun!
See my full report here
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.
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.
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.
