This was the third time we have done this trip over the past few years, and it was still an enjoyable early season backpack hike, especially since we were joined by Sadie's Driver, and once in camp by ""blueskies"" (Bill).
Anyway, the directions in the book ""Best Desert Hikes"" by Alan Bauer are confusing. The exit off the freeway is #26, not #30. Also, if you proceed 2 miles up Buffalo Road you come to the actual South trailhead, complete with a shot up chemical toilet. The sportmen love to kill those things!
After gaining 1400ft. there is a nice ridge walk. The wild flowers are just starting to bloom. On a clear day you can see Mt. Adams, Rainier, and the tip of Mt. Hood. After descending a few hundred feet the trail once again climbs, then drops down to the Roza Creek drainage. We headed West on the Roza jeep road for 2 miles to Birdsong Camp.
We awoke in the morning to the sound of many birds, and a clear but chilly morning. The hike out has almost as much elevation gain as the hike in.
Distance: 22 miles RT
Elevation gain: 2450ft. in, 2000ft. out
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