Dog Mountain — Thursday, May. 28, 2015

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

I did this hike solo as I have done a few times before in the spring. This time the wildflowers were a little past their peak but still quite enjoyable. The sky was clear (some moisture/haze but not bad), the temperature was in the low sixties and there was a light breeze from time-to-time. Rather nice conditions for hiking. Five degrees cooler and a constant breeze would have made it perfect for me. When I arrived at the parking lot from Salem at 7:35 am there were only about 6 or 7 other vehicles there. I began the hike up the Dog Mountain Trail at 7:40 am. When I got back the lot was about 2/3 full! One gentleman I spoke to for a few moments after the hike in the parking area said he'd seen (and showed me the images in his camera) a Mountain Goat near the top of the trail! He was ahead of me for the whole hike so I never saw him except to speak with him in the parking lot after we'd both finished the hike. The only wildlife I encountered was a Garter Snake on the way down the Augspurger Trail. Several people passed me by on my way up - I'm slowing down in my 70's :) - but they were rather young so I guess I didn't do too badly as they were still on the top when I arrived. I descended using the Augspurger Trail since it's easier on my knees. It's only about a mile longer. All in all, a great hike!