Years ago I did part of this trail from the north. Today I decided to sample a portion from the south. I picked it up on a side road 2 miles from rd 21. Immediately I gained a few hundred feet before settling into a steady up and down grade. I passed through a marshy area and promptly lost the trail for a short distance; I veered left instead os right. A mosquito or two may fly by to check on your progress. The trail now begins a long and sometimes steep traverse of the east then the north side of Mission Mtn, before making a final push to the top. I surprised an elk herd on the way up. Once on top you have views of Adams, Stonewall Ridge and Goat Rocks. In places the trail is faint in the open forest, watching for cut logs helps.

3 of us hiked up to Cispus Peak, site of an old lookout(only glass and nails remain...) approach from west of Packwood on Highway 12...turn onto forest service #20 and follow 15 miles or so...trail is marked and parking is there for 15-20 cars. Trail crosses an old clearcut with fabulous views of Adams and climbs steeply up the side of Cispus Butte. The north side of the Butte is still in snow but the trail is findable. The steep way trail to the lookout site is snowfree and there's a terrific 4 volcano view. St Helens, Rainier, Adams and Hood all visible. about 1.9 miles from trailhead with 1400 foot of gain...nice shorty.