Heading to Bend, OR for the long weekend, I decided to break my trip from Puyallup in half and spend the day in the loverly wildflowers and views of Dog Mountain near Stevenson
PASS PERMIT REQUIRED Weekends Recreation.gov Weekdays, use the credit card kiosk after parking and follow the directions clearly posted. A USFS ranger was staged at the entrance to help with crowds and visitor questions.
PARKING was a challenge arriving at lunch however, just east of the lot is an adjacent pullout which had at least 5 spots open. There is also a shuttle that operates through Skamania Fair Grounds.
RESTROOM is located 1/4 mile up Dog Mountain Trail.
THE TRIP The loop trail begins steep through a lovely wooded area with excellent footing and switchbacks. At 1 mile there is a fork showing left (more challenging) and right (challenging). I took the right. At mile 2 an opening and first view of wildflowers and the Columbia River Gorge area. Continuing counterclockwise a loop around Dog Mountain and a bit more shelter from the sun through the trees. Wildflowers were an abundance. The summit is a small pigtail trail beyond the view in the trees.
HAZARDS Some sharp rocks underfoot otherwise none- noted.
7. 17 miles- 2900' elevation gain
Comments