P0301 Code + oil high/smeared on 1 side of dipstick??

2010 with 206k miles. I've had engine knocking in all weather, not just cold, the last 1.5 years or so. It's not every time, and it's only on start up. It's also relative to oil loss on the dipstick, ie harder knocking the lower it is on the dipstick.

Of late, the dipstick has be harder to read. It was high/smeared on both sides of the dipstick. Got the oil changed, now it only does it on 1 side. Photos attached.

*No apparent coolant loss. Both containers have not moved.

*About 80K miles since last spark plug change.

Today, I accelerated quickly at one point and drove it aggressively for maybe 15-20 seconds. I then parked the car for 2 hours. When I went to start the car again, I noticed the engine check light. Put in the sensor, opened Dr. Prius. P0301 code. I cleared the code. Turned off the car. Restarted, drove 10 miles, got unusually good gas mileage. Then parked it at home. I've since restarted it a few times and no code.

What's my order of operations here?

Swap coils and see if it misfires again? Then change spark plugs? Or is the oil dipstick pointing to head gasket?