Hiked this on an evening weekday.  Up and down in an hour and thirty minutes.  Much shorter trail than what is posted on the map.  WTA's 6 mile trail length is more accurate than the 7.6 estimate you get at the parking lot.  Took the way hard route on the way up and hard route on the way down.  I didn't notice much of a difference.

Apparently there is a notice for weekend permits, but why wait for the weekend.  This trail is a 45 minute drive from Vancouver.  On a Wednesday night there were three cars in the parking lot when I pulled up, and two different cars on my way out.  About 5 groups of hikers in the evening, makes for a pleasant spring night.

The trail is in great condition and the views of the river valley are hard to beat.  Don't forget to stop in Carson or Stevenson to support your local small town eateries.  

I decided I wanted to spend my birthday hiking dog mountain. The hardest hike I had done at the time was 1600ft, and I knew this was going to be a huge test for myself and I was beyond excited. The road was easily accessible as it's right off the road. There were about 5 other cars in the parking lot on this Monday morning.

The trail started out at an incline, and well.. it just stayed that way. We took the less difficult route and I still had to take many, many breaks. The scenery was amazing, in the beginning you can still see the road and the Columbia River Gorge, but after a while you just feel surrounded by forest.

All the people on the way down just mentioned that it was very windy at the top. We made it to the puppy dog lookout and had our first introduction with the wind, it was brutal for sure. As soon as we stepped out in the open our hats blew off and we frantically ran after them. We enjoyed the view and kept trekking. I think I was in a euphoric state as I don't remember much except how small I felt compared to the view.

We continued on and got to that last mile of the hike, and I knew from previous reports that I was just now getting to the hardest parts. My legs were killing me, but I knew there was no way we could turn around. Everyone else in my group was more experienced than me, and I just knew I had to continue. Once the trail opened up and we were walking on the ridge the weather conditions were extreme. The wind was forceful and there was hail flying UP the mountain. I was terrified and completely out of my element.

I could see the storm clouds coming, and we were completely covered in clouds, there was no view, just white,wind, and a slippery muddy trail. Our party of four was split in two groups of two, and the only reason I kept going was because I could see the two people way ahead of us, and I knew if they could do it so could I. We kept going and then finally.. the top. There was still no view, and I was afraid everyone was going to be disappointed and then out of no where the clouds opened up and we were rewarded with the most beautiful view I had ever seen. We admired the view for a few minutes taking pictures and celebrating.

We decided to take the whole loop down, I read it added .3 miles but it was easier on the knees and I figured I could really use that. The way down felt like it took forever, and even with the beautiful views my body felt shocked and exhausted. It was a birthday i'll never forget, and I can't wait to go back

Stats for the hike: 
7.3 miles
2,844 ft. elevation
3:58:31 moving