Trail Characteristics
APRS Coverage
Good digi echos
Voice Cellular Coverage
Don't know
Data Cellular Coverage
Spotty, may not work at all
Cellular Provider
AT&T

Odell Butte is a 7032 foot high volcanic cone in central Oregon. It is easy to get to and provides great views.  The summit has an active fire lookout, an outhouse and a picnic table, along with RF installations.  It is an easy 6 pointer in the summer.

 

The maps show a road coming off of Highway 58 and going up the south side of the mountain, but the directions that I found and followed used a road that comes off of the Crescent Cutoff road and heads up the north side.  These two roads meet each other part of the way up.  For the northern route, take 58 east to County Road 61, the Crescent Cutoff Road.  Take the cutoff and go 4 miles to the Odell Butte Road on the right.  From Highway 97, take the cutoff road 7 miles to the Odell Butte Road on the left.  Either way, take that turn and continue up 6 miles to the gate.

 

Park at the gate and hike uphill less than a mile (about 500 feet net elevation gain) to the summit.  The picnic table makes a good operating position.  There are great views walking up the road, from the rock outcrops on the summit or from the lookout steps.  The RF is a minor issue, but the butte otherwise makes a wonderful activation experience.