Trailhead has parking enough for 50+ vehicles, including handicap parking (although I would not recommend this trail for handicap nor young children as it is very steep in a short distance and there are steep drop offs on narrow trails in some areas.) Vaulted Toilet available a short distance up the trail, not sure if it is open. You must have a NW forrest pass ($30/yr), America the beautiful pass ($80/yr) or pay $5.00 (there is a fee pay box available at TH). Dogs are welcome, but must be on leash.

When I arrived at 3:45am there was no one else in the parking lot, when we got back to the TH after our hike at 10:45am the parking lot was 1/4 full. We saw only 3 people and a dog on the trail. We had the first viewpoint and Summit to ourselves.

2nd time hiking this one, visited Monday 4/5/21. 6.81 miles w/2840ft elevation gain. It was very cold up top 26 degrees, not including wind chill. We took the difficult trail up and Augspurger down. No views at the summit, but we witnessed a stunning sunrise from the first viewpoint. Flowers are just starting to pop.

We arrived shortly after 10am to a fairly busy parking lot, but still managed to find a couple of open spots. This hike has quite a climb! But what a worthwhile challenge to the top meadow with incredible views. There were a good number of people on the trail, some with their dogs, and mostly with good mask etiquette. Trails were in great condition. The wildflowers aren't quite in full bloom yet, but the stunning views of the Gorge are nonetheless incomparable.

Powered up Dog Mountain (up more difficult, left fork) in time to see sunset on 3/31.

Trail in good shape, no snow. Just the barest beginnings of wildflowers- wait a couple more weeks.

Arrived at TH about 11:45am. Full sun. I like to hike this trail early each year to learn what kind of shape my legs/lungs are in. It's a good test.

About two hours to the top for this old man. Made coffee, had half sandwich and enjoyed the views, mostly sunny all the way. Decided on the Augsberger trail for the loop back to the car. I think it adds about .9 miles, but it's more gradual. Encountered some small patches of snow on this trail near the top, but nothing like micro-spikes needed to negotiate. Mostly walk thru's maybe twenty to thirty feet long, intermittently near the start, after that it's a mostly dry trail back to the car. 

By the way, you get a good view at the top of Dog Mtn. of Mt. Defiance with it's "spit in your eye" demeanor across the river. It's waiting, but I'll tackle this one in mid summer. 

Went up regular way and came down Augspurger trail. Trail up is pretty much clear of any snow. Augspurger had a little more up high but no micro spikes needed. Across the Gorge Mt. Defiant looks like there is still quite a lot of snow at the higher elevations.