Dog Mountain — Friday, Apr. 25, 2025

Fields of balsamroot in full bloom at the first lookout when you emerge from the forest, but still not blooming at the top — no lupine either. I could see the buds starting to form, so think it needs another week to be at its full glory. This hike is a killer, don’t underestimate the hard rating! Gorgeous view at the top (tip of Hood & Mt St Helens were clear), but for wildflower seekers like me, I prefer a lot of the other hikes in the area where you’re walking through flower fields for the majority of the hike. Dog Mountain is mostly shaded forest. 

Took the Augspurger trail back down, to make it a loop, which was nice because you can’t hear the road at all, like you can for a good portion going up Dog Mtn.

Signs on trail say 3.8 miles each way, so it’s more than 6 miles RT, especially if you add on the extra mile going back on Augspurger. More like 8-9 miles. 

Arrived around 9a on Friday and plenty of room in the parking lot. Not super crowded — maybe 8-10 other people spread out at the top eating lunch.