Finally, I was able to get to the Columbia River and hike the Dog Mountain loop and see what all the fuss is about. I arrived at 7:30am and there were already 10 cars in the lot, with more cars every 3-4 minutes it seemed. I didn’t use the shuttle so I can’t speak on how that was doing. If you don’t have a NW Forest Pass, they do have permit envelopes so you can pay the $5. but bring a pen to write your info on the envelope, as there may not be one there. Also if you go over the Bridge of the Gods it’s a $2 toll each way (cash or card).. This (04/17/21) was the last weekend before permits are needed, and since I had trouble getting one online, I thought I would take my chance today. Masks on the trail were sporadic at best and it seems it’s a wee bit early for flowers yet. There were trilliums to be sure, and a few other flowers were beginning to show, but as for the rest I think another week or so will encourage them to burst forth. Unless I’m mistaken the bench at Puppy Lookout is gone, but perhaps I missed it, I would have used it if I had seen it!. However, it was a beautiful sunny day, and the views were terrific! The trail is easy to follow so I would definitely suggest a sunrise hike. All in all it was a good hike in which to give my muscles a rude awakening, and plenty of time to get some photo’s in. I did try the Augspurger Mountain trail, but coupled with a number of blow downs, trail debri, and my legs starting to say “no” about half way through that section, I gave it up for another day. However if your looking for quiet – that’s the trail.
All in all a good hike with some good views, including a peek at Mt Hood, and a better peek at the south side of Mt. St. Helen’s. – just wish I’d seen more blooms! (perhaps next time)
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