exposed trail.

Trail starts at the east end of the Johnston Ridge Visitors Center parking lot. Need a USFS permit to park there. Trail is good most of the way and there is information on the hike here. You can actually see the peak from the trailhead and the majority of the trail is out in the open so make sure you bring sunscreen. Bring plenty of water as there is none along the trail. The hardest part is the last 3/4 mile which is steep climbing with switchbacks. Ran into lots of people along the trail but only 3-4 back towards the peak.

Iron Mountain is located east of Sweet Home, Oregon and is a very popular hike so expect a number of other hikers, especially on a weekend. TH parking may be challenging when it's busy.

There is a new, large observation platform built where the old firetowers used to be. This summit is quite exposed if the wind is blowing.  The vistas are superb with precipitous dropoffs to the south and east. The trail is 2.4 miles RT and 700 feet gain.