Dog Mountain — Tuesday, Feb. 29, 2000

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

Incredible hike! Be prepared for a steep incline- 3000 ft in 3.2 miles. The trail is initially very rocky but after about .7 miles becomes safer. The first part of the hike reveals breathtaking views of Oregon and the Columbia River Gorge. Once farther inland, you hike very steep grade in thick forest (trail is clear though). 2 miles gets you near the timberline. This is where I began to encounter alot of snow on the trail. I should've brought snow shoes and/or trekking poles. At about 2500 ft the view up there was absolutely incredible though, despite the treacherous snow and steep incline. If hiking this trail in the spring I would not worry about the snow (mostly melted) but instead consider poison ivy, which nature has strewn along the trail at various points. Also in the spring and summer expect to see vividly beautiful and bright flowers above the treeline as you make your way towards the summit.