Fellow OTVARC members and friends,
Field Day is this weekend! OTVARC will be at L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park starting Friday to setup, and on the air from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon. Whether you can help for an hour or stay the whole weekend, we’d love to have you — operators, loggers, setup crew, and visitors are all welcome.
WHAT
ARRL Summer Field Day is ham radio’s annual open house — a 24-hour operating exercise using portable, off-grid power. We’ll work HF and VHF/UHF, test our field gear, and show the public what amateur radio can do when other systems aren’t available.
2026 theme: “Amateur Radio: A National Resource”
WHEN
Setup: Friday, June 26 — 11:00 AM Pacific (still need hands if you’re free tomorrow)
On the air: Saturday, June 27, 11:00 AM Pacific through Sunday, June 28, 1:59 PM Pacific
(ARRL official window: 1800 UTC Saturday to 2059 UTC Sunday)
Stop by anytime during operating hours — even a short visit helps.
WHERE
L.L. “Stub” Stewart State Park — Hilltop Day-Use Area
Buxton / Vernonia area (west of Portland on Highway 26)
Park information:
https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=75
Directions (map pin):
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=45.739050,-123.199461
OTVARC has used Stub Stewart for Field Day since 2008. Look for our antennas and operating positions in the Hilltop Day-Use area.
PARKING & LOGISTICS
A day-use parking permit is required ($5, available at the park). Annual Oregon State Parks permits are also accepted.
Three EV charging stations are available at the Welcome Center parking area if you drive an electric vehicle.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Friday — antennas, tents, tables, power, and station wiring still need volunteers.
Saturday & Sunday — operate, log, greet visitors, or simply come see what we’re doing.
New hams and guests welcome. No license needed to help with setup or visit the site.
WHAT TO BRING
Gloves, water, layered clothing, hat and sunscreen, snacks/meals, camp chair, and any portable gear you’d like to operate (contact OTVARC coordinator prior). Bring camping gear if you’re staying overnight.
MORE INFORMATION
ARRL Field Day (rules, resources, and locator):
https://www.arrl.org/field-day
OTVARC Field Day page and club calendar:
https://otvarc.org/
https://otvarc.org/events/field-day/
See you on the Hilltop this weekend!
73,
OTVARC Field Day Team