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The clouds betrayed us today. What was to be a nice sunny day was instead frought with gray skies. Luckily it cleared a bit by the time we reached the viewpoints, but the top was heavy with fog.

Today was the first day you needed a day permit. Rangers were posted at the trailhead checking, so make sure you grab those permits. Decent amount of parking but we had planned for the shuttle as a backup.

Some of the flowers in bloom are calypso orchids, red flowering currant, trillian and sone others I haven't looked through the Pojar for yet. Lupines are growing but not close to blooming.

Top of the trail is fairly muddy but manageable. The north side of the mountain is much more slippy and requires waterproof boots and sure footing. 

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We had a great trip up Dog Mountain today.  The trail is in good shape with quite a bit of snow on the upper third of the trail but not difficult to hike on.  The snow was just the right consistency and by using micro-spikes, the snow did not create any issues.

There was high cloud cover but that did not impair the views.  A little cold on top but not bad and there was no wind so it was fairly comfortable all day.  A very nice hike.

After skiing at White River snopark, we still had time and energy to burn so we pit-stopped at Dog Mountain thinking we'd walk up the trail a bit (no intention of going far).  We've hiked Dog Mountain numerous times, typically doing it annually in flower-season (before the in-season weekend permits were enacted), and in various conditions (hot sun, to sleet, wind and rain) but never in full snow.  

We headed out in early afternoon and our pit stop turned into a full trek.   The trail started in snow but barely.  The snow cover increased as we gained elevation. We were invigorated by the promise of snow-covered views near the top. Once out of the trees for good we had the views we'd hoped for.  I hiked in hiking boots while my other half donned his micro-spikes for the trip down. I am writing this 3.5 years later but recall the micro-spikes may have helped a little. We both had trekking poles which are helpful more times than not, in my opinion.

The snow made this old hike new again, and more of an adventure.