Summited for SOTA (Summits On The Air) with a young friend. We took Obsidian trail #3528 for about 3/4 mile and headed west toward the butte across the log-littered forest. Since Sims Butte has no trails we had to ascend by climbing over scores of old fallen snags and slogging through the underbrush. I wore shorts that day, but I would never try that again! I would recommend heavy canvas pants for leg protection and gaiters to keep the "garbage" out of your shoes. It would also be good to wear sturdy gloves for better grip and hand protection in getting over the snags. It is best to take the smallest pack you can get by with. I was carrying a pack and frame, as I had radio equipment, and it was a little awkward.

Once you are at the top the views are amazing. Also, cell coverage is available from the east side of the summit in the non-forested area. There isn't much of a view to the northwest through southwest, as the trees are pretty thick in that area, but you can see to the north all around to the south with just enough vegetation to frame your photos.

If you want to drop into Spring Lake it is best to descend by heading straight toward the North Sister--compass angle about 135 degrees. That route brings you out on the trail to Spring Lake. If you head down in a more southerly direction you run the risk of going directly to the lake, and navigating to the head of the lake and around to the lava flow would be difficult and probably unsafe. I measured the water temp at 39.7 F. A friend of mine slipped and fell into the lake up to his hips over 40 years ago, and he staggered into camp wide-eyed and nearly in shock His legs had been almost paralyzed, and he had great difficulty even getting out of the water! There are brook trout in the deeper part of the lake, and they are fun to catch, but they won't bite until about 11 a.m. Worms and power bait work OK.