Dog Mountain — Friday, Apr. 17, 2015

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

Started at the trailhead around 9am, not too many people there considering the trail's popularity. The hike, going the "easy" way, was as grueling as I remember for an out of shape guy like me. The trail was in pretty good shape, nothing quite overgrowing yet. Made it up to the top to be greeted by a few groups of people and their dogs, all well behaved. Weather was in the 60's-70's all day; absolutely gorgeous with the flowers blooming. On the way back down, I did encounter a rattlesnake though. Didn't start rattling until I was about 2 feet away, but it got right up into the ready to strike position. Gave me quite a scare, but thankfully left me alone as I quickly left the area.