Another Double Dog Loop, as I’m working on getting some elevation in before the end of the year. Pushed it hard for the second loop and managed my best time yet.

Yesterday I completed a “Triple Dog Mountain” - 24 miles and 10,000 feet of elevation gain. I did three full loops, plus two extra up/downs of the first 3/4 mile stretch, in order to hit 10,000 feet.

I had set out to do a “Double Dog” as I needed some extra elevation to hit a goal by the end of the year, and didn’t intend to try a triple until next spring, but there were many favorable factors that convinced me yesterday was the day - cool temps, minimal precipitation, no need for sunscreen or bug spray. The only downfall was the lack of light. The first two hours going up were in the dark, and the last 2 1/2 coming down were the same.

I’d like to give a shout out to the makers of Advil and Tylenol (😂) and also to my naturopath who has seemingly resolved the majority of my plantar fasciitis issue. Fingers crossed.

Started my ascent at 8:30am. There were a dozen hikers and 2 dogs on the trail. The trail was in good condition with only a few slick spots and very little mud. Spectacular views of the Columbia River, a couple of rain showers, gusty winds, Autumn leaves of yellow and red, steep climbs with a reward of a chattering chipmunk at the top of Dog Mountain.

A steep climb no matter which route you take. The views of the river and surrounding mountains are always worth it though!

There is a log down along the 'difficult' route to the right, but it's easy enough to step over.

The poison oak has almost completely died back by now, maybe trimmed back? Either way, you could get away with running shorts, weather pending.

There's another log blocking the path along the forest-y alternate route you can take at Puppy Dog Point. It's a bit bigger but you can still climb over it. The brush is encroaching on the path on this route too but when is it not?

Fun trail, steep ascent with few switchbacks. Rattlesnake on trail, watch out. At the summit there are two spots people clearly camp at & a fire pit (do not make a fire, its too dry, dangerous)

Excellent views, plentiful oregon grapes.