Five years ago I was on a run with a group of folks up to the top of Mt. Defiance outside of Hood River. It was a spectacular trip and amazing views from the top. I recall the run being mostly straight forward until you approched the summit and then it became very technical.

Some of the guys at the Fire Department live up in Hood River and know the area pretty well. They have suggested that the top may still be a tad bit snowy, but I am going to hook up with them and go scout the area. I will be doing it most likely in the next three weeks and will probably take the RZR in lieu of the RRC so we can get into as many areas as possible. I will do what I can to get some GPS points laid down.

Question- Does anyone have any experience in this area? Suggested routes to the top? I know you can access it from the Hood River side or slide down into it from Mt. Hood.

Once I have the details and the logisitics of the run established, I will get them posted. Should be a good day run for the folks around the Portland/SW Washington area.

Dustin

 I don't have any real input on the route, but if you need any help I am just out in White Salmon just across the river. I would love to help out with some scouting. I am fairly new to the off roading thing but am slowly gaining more experience. Let me know if I can help out.

the other Craig

Sounds great Craig. I will shoot you a message when we have the scouting date secured.

Dustin

Ben,

Kingsley Reservoir (a known coordinate) is at the base of Mt. Defiance. It can be found at N 45.64012 and W -121.67341. It is in the Hood River County Topo Map section. 

I know there will be snow at the top, but a couple guys at the FD said that trails up in that area are cleaning up pretty quickly so I want to check it out for myself. It may be March or later before we could make it to the top, but who knows.

When you talk about three corners rock, you are not talking in Skamania County are you?

Funny you mention Sun River... spent the first 15 years of my life in that place, my parents helped put that place together. Long story...different thread some day.

Craig,

Any info you have on those trails would be great and if you can see Defiance across the river, you may have the best intel of us all.

Dustin

Ben,

Here is the exact info for Google Earth-

Dustin

Here is a KML file for Google Earth for my next planned run up at Defiance . I am working with Craig on the conditions up there... kind of nice he can see it right out his front window. Once I have the dates nailed I will move this conversation over to activity planning and on the event schedule. This low snow is not helping, but it should not last long.

Dustin

I guess I should submit the correct file...try this one.

Dustin

I can't get either of your files to open in Google Earth, but they should, so I don't know what's wrong.

Got my call sign, so I will attempt to get an antenna this weekend so I can have it for the trip! Dustin, you have a radio, right? So who else will be Ham on this trip?

Also, I'm going to put together a photo lesson of sorts for anyone who is interested.

http://www.artscipub.com/repeaters/states/Washington.asp

http://www.levinecentral.com/repeaters/google_mapping.php

Or search for "Washington State Repeaters" in Google.  :-)

Ben,

Not you, something is wrong with that file. I will post a new file iin the "activity planning" thread for this event. Will be just a bit.

Dustin