My buddy and I (late 40s/early 50s) hiked Dog Mountain yesterday (Wed May 17, 2017). Started at 10am. Lots of parking. Trail was in good condition - a fair amount of poison oak during the first 1/2 mile of steep switchbacks, but then didn't see much afterwards. Trail became a little muddy/slick for the last 1/4 mile before exiting the treeline, making the descent a little precarious in spots, but not too bad. Spring conditions were the order of the day yesterday - we had some sunbreaks, but primarily breezy while in the trees, and windy and misty at the top, with limited/sporadic longer range visibility. Wildflowers were in full bloom (small field at Puppy Point, huge fields covering the top of the mountain), so it was well worth continuing to the top despite the blowing mist that otherwise made views of the Columbia and the rest of the Gorge somewhat limited along the "scenic" (and slightly - 0.2 mile - longer) route of the hike and at the top. (We took the "scenic" option rather than the slightly shorter but more direct/steep route up; you can choose which way to go at the signpost after the first 1/2 mile of steep switchbacks - options are scribbled onto the post at the fork of the trail; the "scenic" route is to the right). Last 0.8 mile of the hike (once above the treeline) was very cold and windy, but beautiful - not only of for the wildflowers in bloom, but even the blowing mist, which gave everything an eerie feel. Very glad we had brought our puffy jackets, rain shell, winter hats and gloves, although we saw some people in shorts and a sweatshirt (they seemed a bit chilly...). Presumably the warmer weather that is coming our way will change conditions somewhat (I think yesterday's high in Hood River was forecast to be mid-50s; temp at top yesterday was probably low 40s if that), but still best to be prepared, especially at the top. We took our time on the way up - 2.5 hrs; down in 1.5 hours. Have fun!
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