SP&S 700's eastbound approach to Spokane in 2001 was via Empire. Don't know about the subsequent trips when 700 or 4449 were en route to Montana. Standard approach for eastbounds is via Empire, but they can run via Overlook when there are no westbounds coming against them. The 4449 will already have tackled longer 1 percent hills to Providence and Fishtrap, so one more 1 percent hill out of Hangman Valley will not be a problem unless they're having mechanical issues by that point. Mechanical issues should be moot anyway if they have diesel protection.