I was surprised to find a boot track all the way to Mt. Ararat.
I had prepared for nothing at all.
So, this turns out to be much easier, as no route finding is needed.
Our track (or whatever we followed) don't correspond to any GPS track I downloaded.
Generally speaking, we approached from the right (east) side.
In summer, there should be a trail to follow, except for the last 1/4 mile.
Start from Kautz Creek TH. Follow the trail to cross the creek (almost no water, lots of debris).
For the next ~2.5 miles, we were in the trees, no view.
Then, in and out of forest, up and downs, until a large flat area, where the 2 summer trail bifurcate.
We took the right one, and continued on, and cut left ascend the peak's southeast side with zigzags.
The summit itself has a sign, not clear what kind of sign it is.
Could see Adams, Hood, Helens from here.