We returned to Dog Mountain today without the weekend crowds and without the wind of last Monday. We took the same route as Monday, going up via the Scenic Trail and returning via the Augsperger Trail for a total of 7.6 miles and 2,800 ft elevation gain.

It was absolutely clear and there was only a light breeze, with views of Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood and Mount Rainier from the summit. The balsamroot is at its prime in the summit meadows, along with paintbrush, larkspur, pennycress, buttercup, spreading phlox and other flower species. It will be another couple of weeks before the lupine blooms. Many other flower species are blooming in the woodlands, including wild ginger.

The balsamroot is in peak bloom in the summit meadows on Dog Mountain right now. There must have been a thousand people on the trail today, including our group of 32 Mazamas. Cars overflowed from the trailhead parking area up and down the shoulders of SR 14. The crowds reminded me of the Paradise trails on Mount Rainier on an August weekend.

We split into 3 groups, with the fast- and medium-paced groups taking the hardest route, while the slower group took the scenic route. It is a half mile longer but it goes through varied habitats with the opportunity to see many more species of flowers. We had intended to meet at the summit, but the faster groups chose to eat lunch in the cold wind, while the slower-paced group found a wind-sheltered spot farther across the summit. The fast and medium groups descended on the scenic trail while the slower-paced group descended via the Augsperger Trail, which is a bit longer but a little easier on the knees.

WTA has held many trail maintenance work parties here over the years and it shows in the good tread and drainage. Only a handful of places could have used some brushing; the majority of the trails are in fine shape.

I was shocked to observe at least two thoughtless individuals picking wildflowers. One guy had a large clump of paintbrush sticking out of his pack. When a young woman passed me on the descent with a fist full of balsamroot, larkspur and paintbrush, I spoke to her about it. She just hadn't thought about the consequences if every hiker on the trail today had picked flowers.

Up Dog Mountain with tons of mothers (and their offspring). All trails in great shape. Went up Augsberger and down scenic (eastside). Flowers - well there are some BUT if you really want to see the show - need to wait 2-3 weeks. They are coming for sure but even at lower elevations they are struggling. More like Memorial Day Wkend if the weather continues to improve. Wildflower show not to be missed. Tom

The trails are virtually free of snow-- just a little bit on top, and some snow runoff making the trail a little squooshy in places, but not enough to be a problem. One downed tree on the middle trail, and one across the trail on the east trail. Wildlflowers have just begun-- not the great show you'll see a little later, but the earliest blooms are out. A great day for a hike, and a great hike. Actually had the top of the mountain all to myself for lunch-- that's never happened before! Mid-week hiking has its advantages....