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Dog Mountain

Last modified Oct 24, 2009 02:47 PM
Dogs are allowed on leashes on the hike up Dog Mountain. Photo by trip report poster, JenniferS.
With a trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge, this mountain offers wonderful views of the deep cut of the Columbia as it slices through the Cascades. This is a popular trail that offers great views and a pleasant trail experience-wildflowers grace the forest meadows and clearings, and wild-life roams the area.

From the large parking area, the trail begins with a steep, 0.5-mile climb to a junction. Both trails before you lead to the top. My recommendation is to go right, since the left fork climbs steeply up the northern flank of the mountain. Use the longer, more gradual route on the right as it loops around to the east and climbs through broken forest that offers periodic views across the gorge. You can descend by the steeper northern route, or retrace your steps.

The trails climb steeply, reconvening near the 3-mile mark, before the combined path crosses a little knoll known as Puppy Lookout. You're only 500 feet below the top at this point, so keep pushing and soon you'll be striding through the broad meadows of balsamroot blooms into the fabulous views south and west into the Columbia River Gorge.
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Recent Trip Reports

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There are 30 trip reports for this hike. See all trip reports for this hike.
Dog Mountain — May 28, 2009 — Sunrise Creek
Day hike
Features: Wildflowers blooming
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We returned to Dog Mountain today without the weekend crowds and without the wind of last Monday. We took the...
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.

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Dog Mountain — May 25, 2009 — Sunrise Creek
Day hike
Features: Wildflowers blooming
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The balsamroot is in peak bloom in the summit meadows on Dog Mountain right now. There must have been a...
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.
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Dog Mountain — May 10, 2009 — Tom
Day hike
Features: Wildflowers blooming
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Up Dog Mountain with tons of mothers (and their offspring). All trails in great shape. Went up Augsberger and down...
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
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Dog Mountain — Apr 16, 2009 — steve
Day hike
Features: Wildflowers blooming
Issues: Blowdowns | Water on trail
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The trails are virtually free of snow-- just a little bit on top, and some snow runoff making the trail...
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....
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Dog Mountain — Mar 18, 2009 — Tom
Day hike
Issues: Snow on trail
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Led a Mazama hike up Dog Wednesday. Went up scenic (east) trail to summit and then over summit ridge on...
Led a Mazama hike up Dog Wednesday. Went up scenic (east) trail to summit and then over summit ridge on Augsberger and down Augsberger to cars. There was no snow at all up to where ‘middle’ trail joins. Trail in excellent shape. Above where two trails join, tread in very good shape on steep pitches – no ice, no mud, no snow. At Puppy Dog minimal snow (5 inches) up to just below turn off to summit. There you encounter 2-3 ft drifts and we broke trail all the way to the summit staying on the normal trail. Only 10ft of dicey stuff just below joining Augsberger Trail. Summit has about 1ft of snow and we had glorious sunshine. Going over summit plateau on Augsberger encountered 2-3ft drifts most of the way until reach the woods on the otherside. Broke good trail all the way across. Once get in the woods, are in snow for about 500ft but nothing serious – 6 inches. A little more mud and a couple of blowdowns but all-in all great shape. Hope the sun shines more should dry up even more. Enjoy
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Location
Dog Mountain (#147)
South Cascades -- Columbia Gorge
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
4.17 out of 5
Based on 6 votes
Featured In...

Day Hiking: South Cascades
by Dan A. Nelson and Alan L. Bauer

To buy the full book, including maps, elevation profiles, photos, and more, visit:

A portion of all book sales from the links above benefits WTA and helps protect and maintain our trails.

Information about this hike provided in partnership with Mountaineers Books. Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books

Roundtrip 8.0 miles
Elevation Gain 2800 ft
Highest Point 2948 ft
Features
Rivers
Wildflowers/Meadows
Summits
Guidebooks & Maps
Day Hiking: South Cascades, by Dan A. Nelson and Alan Bauer, Mountaineers Books
Day Hike! Columbia Gorge, by Seabury Blair, Jr. (Sasquatch Books)
Best Hikes with Dogs: Western Washington by Dan A. Nelson
Green Trails No. 430 Hood River

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Driving Directions
(45.6993, -121.7066) Open in new window
Red Marker Dog Mountain
45.6992666667 -121.706583333
From Carson, drive approximately 9 miles east on State Route 14 to the trail-head, just beyond milepost 53. The parking area and trailhead are on the left (north) side of the highway.
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