Dog Mountain — Wednesday, Mar. 18, 2009

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

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