Summary - Table Rock from the Rooster Rock trailhead is an adventure hike: rough trail, one bog, some very steep sections, a bit of bushwhacking and route finding. The hike, which climbs to Rooster Rock and then traverses the ridge to Table Rock is 8.5mi round trip with 3000ft of up, is probably not for the faint of heart. The drive, from Portland is straightforward on good roads and takes roughly two hours. Table Rock is a long narrow summit, with great views, trees for hanging wires, and a shady spot for getting out of the sun. It is a popular destination - the usual access is a 3mi, 1700ft hike from the NW - so be ready for company. I didn't make any 2M contacts, APRS is good, ATT digital service is good. Google maps provided accurate driving directoins to the trailhead.
Long Version - When I plan hikes to popular hilltops, I look for less-traveled trails. The Saddle Trail, which traverses the ridge between Rooster Rock and Table Rock, certainly qualifies. The trail begins on the southern boundary of the Table Rock Wilderness, at the end of Rooster Rock Road (44.94441, -122.323650). The trail starts on the left side of the parking area (not at the bermed end of the road) and begins going up hill immediately. It is in good condition up to Rooster Rock and the start of the unmarked Saddle trail (44.95499, -122.32908). There are two other trails at this junction, the Saddle trail turns sharply east and heads down on the north side of Rooster Rock.
The Saddle trail is not used much and hasn't been tended in a while. It is rough and steep, dropping about 400 feet at the start before climbing back up to the ridge. The trail is generally easy to follow save for the sections being taken over by berry bushes and rodhedendron. There's one brush covered section of bog with usual mud, holes, and water. You'll hike along the ridge, climb some more, drop into another saddle, begin the final climb to the summit on the Table Rock trail. Right before you drop down into the last saddle, you will have a fabulous view of Table Rock itself.
The summit is long and narrow and mostly exposed, though there is a nice stand of trees on the north end if you are looking to get out of the sun. There are trees for hanging wires and places to put up masts, too. APRS works okay, as does ATT digital service. I tried 2M but had no luck but that may have been an antenna (or operator) issue. The hike from the Table Rock trailhead is popular and you are unlikely to be alone for long but there's plenty of room for everyone.
On the way back and dreading the final climb back up to Rooster Rock, I poked around a bit for a route that didn't involve dropping down into the bowl. No such luck... the nose of the ridge up is very narrow, very steep, and capped in sheer-sided rock. So down and up you will go! When you get to the trail junction, I recommend taking the short hike up to the western most high point of Rooster Rock for a good view of the ridge you just traversed.
This is a good alternative if you don't mind a bit of adventure and hard, steep hiking. You will certainly have the trail to yourself!