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 Reporter |
Summary: Dog Mountain is one of the area's best and most accessible spring and summer escapes. This heavily used loop opportunity climbs rapidly in the first 0.5 mile, gaining 700 feet in elevation. The trail forks, giving hikers the option of heading north on the more direct, but steep route to the summit, or to the east for a longer but more gradual climb. The trail to the right (east) provides a great opportunity for sweeping views of the Columbia river and beautiful flowered meadows, while the northern route is a 2.5 mile steep grade through the forest where it links back up to the summit loop trail. For your efforts you are rewarded with a collection of wildflowers, views of Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, and the knowledge you just made it atop the 2,984 ft. Dog Mountain. Watch for poison oak and rattlesnakes along the trail. Please stay on the trail. Not suitable for mountain bikes. Trailhead: Dog Mountain - Trailhead is on north side of Washington State Highway 14 at milepost 53. 12 miles east from Bridge of the Gods. (Lat:45.70005 Lon:-121.70755) Trail Guides for Dog Mountain Trail, Portland Oregon: Hiking the Columbia River Gorge by Russ Schneider (Falcon Guide) 60 Hikes within 60 miles of Portland by Paul Gerald (Menasha Ridge Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Hood River, OR 541-308-1700 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted 23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 1 of 7 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Muz on 6/27/2009 This was a fun hike that we did today. It took us 3.5 hours of which 0.5 hour was spent at the top. The view is, in my opinion, the best that I have seen so far. You can see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helen's and the beautiful flow of the Columbia river between the surrounding mountains when you get to the top. It is worth doing, and I may even go there again. 
Reviewed by Angie on 6/26/2009 Wow! I thought this was amazing. It was a personal goal of mine to accomplish which is one of the main reasons it's one of my favorites. Make no mistake it was not always an easy hike. It is pretty steep, as we went up the more difficult side and down the less difficult. I am not an avid hiker so it truly was a two day recovery for my husban and I. Well worth the sense accomplishment!
Reviewed by zb on 6/1/2009 this was a great hike, though beware the roaming herds of the elderly yet fit. These seniors meen business, and most carry walking sticks so dont piss them off! I hope I can do this trail when I am 60+!
Reviewed by MLH on 5/23/2009 This hike is a real thigh burner, especially if you take the "difficult" trail to the top. It is difficult only because it is steep, otherwise it's a well groomed trail. We took the "easy" trail down which was good for a change of scenery. Very popular hike, best to start early as the parking lot fills quickly. Lots of people and dogs on the trail today but we were able to keep a good pace, finishing in just over 4 hrs, including 30 minutes to enjoy the view at the top.
Reviewed by deb on 5/18/2009 Hiked Sun 5/17/09 - 4.5 hours round trip, up less steep DogMtn trail and down the Ausberger loop. Views were outstanding, hikers including dogs friendly and well behaved - bring lots of water and take the descent slowly if you suffer from knee problems.
Reviewed by Michael on 5/9/2009 Hiked Saturday, 9 May 2009. The wildflowers are opening rapidly these days, but peak season still two weeks away, depending upon the weather. Much poison oak on the lower half mile this year. Frosty on top. As expected, many hikers this lovely weekend! Kudos to those many hikers over 55! Please, people, leave your dogs home or on less-travelled trails.
Reviewed by T.S, on 4/20/2009 Cant wait to go again.... I'm still a bit sore and its been 2 days but its well worth the pain ...
Reviewed by AS on 2/25/2009 Love this hike, best in spring for flowers, but a good winter hike too, as it doesn't get much snow. Watch out for poison oak. The steep route is hard but not impossible even if you're straight off the couch. From the top you can see Helens and Adams, and occasionally there are deer below on the steep green slopes. Take in a nice little nap and picnic at the top before you beat up your calves on the way down! Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Klickitat County Hiking, Klickitat County Trails, Klickitat County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||