The hike is mostly on a winding and gradual climb on the fire road. The road reaches Hawks Peak first. About a half mile beyond is Mount Pickens. I left the wide fire road and climbed the remnants of a use trail through the brush. It didn't take me long to regret not wearing long pants. Long before I reached the top and climbed back down, my shins were all scratched up. No pain, no gain, I guess.