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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 6 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by EG on 8/3/2008 This is a wonderful hike but dont be fooled. This is a steep hike. I went with a coworker and my dog and we really enjoyed the reward at the end but just give yourself lots of time because there are tons of great little treats along the trails, some flowers, berries and beautiful views. The final peak is amazing with lots of room to stretch out and enjoy the view for a while. Bring lots of water for your dog though, there is none along the trail. 
Reviewed by mk on 7/14/2008 This is one of my absolute fave hikes... have done it twice, hopefully more to come! Best is when you step out of the forest, into the wildflower meadow.. Breath taking! (well, that is, when they are in bloom!)
Reviewed by Nathalie on 7/1/2008 Husband and I just hiked the 7 mile loop with our dog last Sunday. What a wonderful rewarding hike. We started early in the morning 7:40 am to avoid the summer heat and got back to the Parking lot by 11 am. It's good exercise for sure, a real hike not a walk. I had never seen such big fields packed with flowers (and I am from the French Alps). Make sure to bring your camera with you, the views are just splendid. Only thing I would change next time we go is I would bring an insect repellent, there too many very pesky little flies at the top and they did not let us sit down to eat our lunch. Otherwise I would go back anytime, well, as soon as my still very sore legs will allow that is :D
Reviewed by TJ on 6/3/2008 Went up this for the first time on June 3. Took the steep route up and the second steepest down. Going up the steep route with some mud would be tough without good traction. Only saw one other person on the trail (it was a rainy tuesday) and one at the bottom. Serious rain, wind, and fog motivated me to put the hustle on....up and down in just under 1.5 hrs. Looking forward to better weather next time, so I can take pictures and soak in the scenery.
Reviewed by Dawn on 5/22/2008 It dogs you out...but it is an awesome trail. I was inside my head for much of it pushing to the top, but when you make it to the viewpoints, it is sooo worth it. The steep mountain is covered in yellow wild flowers, and the pristine views of the Gorge are breath taking. If you aren't an experienced hiker...do not do this trail for your first hike.
Reviewed by BK/PK on 5/22/2008 One of the most spectacular hikes we ever did! It is as hard as is told, but when you approach the last .5 miles and take the right trail around to teh summit it goes easier than the direct route. ALOT of PEOPLE, but the views and wildflowers were worth every step!
Reviewed by Launa&Henry on 5/7/2008 Our behinds were hurting after this but loved every second of it...........the hike that is!
Reviewed by LAUNA on 5/7/2008 HIKED DOG MTN ON SUNDAY AND WASNT SURE WHAT TO EXPECT, I WAS SURPRISED AT HOW DIFFICULT THE TRAIL WAS, BUT PUSHED MYSELF AND MADE IT TO THE TOP. I DEFINATLEY FELT IT A CPL OF DAYS LATER, BUT IT WAS AN ACCOMPLISHEMENT FOR ME AND I WOULD LOVE TO DO IT AGAIN! THE BEAUTY OF THE GORGE AND THE WILDFLOWERS WAS BREATHTAKING. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||