An enjoyable experience yesterday on Hawk Mountain, combined with a curiosity about a shorter trail, led to the impromptu decision to go hiking at Hawk Mountain again. A closer examination of maps and hiking guides had revealed a trail coming from the south end of the ridge that would be much shorter and should be accessible off of road 6355.

We found the trailhead easily and enjoyed the views on the first part of the trail that are possible because of clear-cutting. The trail then ducked back into the timber and I began to think of a remark I had overheard yesterday about the lookout using a spring for water. At the sound of running water I noticed a side path and found water tumbling out a pipe. We stopped and threw out our 'city water' and refilled our water bottles with cold spring water.

Arriving at the summit we were pleased to have a clear day and get good views of Mt Jefferson, something we had been denied yesterday because of the clouds. Jeanette couldn't help opening the windows of the cabin and letting the sunshine in and witnessing first hand the views through the windows.