I used the trail accessed by Forest Road 7222. Since I have not seen this route described recently, here's a quick summary: Route 410 to FR 70, turn right onto FR 72 just after the quarry shooting range, then take the first left onto (unmarked) 7222. Keep right at the first junction, then stay left. The trail access is about 7 miles in from FR 70.
I parked at a small turnout where there is access to the trail. That was a mistake, since the trail's first 0.2 miles had a number of blowdowns, although none of them were difficult to cross. A better access is available just 0.2 miles further on, where there is a wide shoulder to park on.
From this point, the trail rises steeply through the forest, gaining 450 feet in about half a mile. After that it eases up, eventually cresting the ridge and following it to a junction with the George Lake trail. Keeping right, the trail traverses the north slope of Noble Knob before intersecting the main trail. From there it is a fairly quick, if somewhat steep, 300 or so feet to the summit.
It was perfect hiking weather, cool and sunny. There was a wind blowing on the trail to the summit, but it was calm on top. The downside was that bugs were pesky at the summit, although I did not notice them anywhere else. Wildflowers were in bloom, lots of lupine and asters, a few bear grass, and plenty of others. I saw close to a dozen other parties on the trail, some of which had used the 7222 approach, while others came from Corral Pass or Dalles Ridge.
The hike measured 4.9 miles roundtrip, with an elevation gain of 1200 feet. That makes it shorter than the Dalles Ridge trail with more elevation gain. I prefer it because you miss the burn area and there is very little of the constant up-and-down of Dalles Ridge. The drive is about the same, and there was only the occasional pothole.
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