Did this route in 2019, started from the South Side trailhead and warmed up on the fast, flat trail around the west side of the mountain before climbing the scrappy north ridge and descending the dog route. I would 100% recommend doing this route the way I did it. I've done the Killen Creek approach before, certainly not a bad way to go, but the extra miles aren't adding to the experience, imo. Nonetheless, this is a very special and fairly accessible route for anyone interested in combining trail running with volcano climbing. The climbing and descent can be done safely early and late in the season with the proper skills, although early summer was pretty ideal and the wildflowers on the west side were doing their thing. I brought an axe that I didn't use. I did put on crampons, mostly because I brought them. Can't wait to do this one again.