Dog Mountain — Tuesday, Jul. 3, 2012

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

There were only about 12 cars when we arrived at the TH about 10:30. We had intermittent light rain and sunshine the first part of our hike and very strong winds as we neared the top. When we reached the junction at 0.6 miles, we took the old trail as this is where we began to see phantom orchids. We must have seen hundreds along the way! However, most were past their prime. We wished we had been there a week ago! The thimbleberry as we neared the open area near the top "took over" the trail. Spotted coral root, paintbrush, penstemon, columbine, rabbit-foot clover, and wild ginger were some of the other flowers seen. The Augspurger Trail connector was very muddy and slippery in places.