The trail loop around Dog Mountain remains in excellent shape. Not a single blowdown. Today there was about 6-9 inches of snow near the top--but all of it along the trail is stomped down from many users. This is a highly recommended trail to do during the summer and an all year round trail. Don't forget your cameras on this pleasant trail--I did and I wish I would not have.....The trail loop takes about 5.5 hours round trip for average folk who like to take lots of breaks. I recommend taking the left hand branch on the way up from the parking lot so you can come down the meadows facing the Columbia River.

Two long rows of parked cars on a Sunday morning. Parking permit (FS) now required for this trail. Took the *old* trail up and down for both the steepness and lack of bodies wishing a workout. Major flower display is still a month away, altho some of the petite, smaller ones were shouting for attention. No snow anywhere to be seen. Trail's dry, in good condition with little work needed.

Headed up the gorge to continue field testing some new equipment(3-ply supplex pullover--works great) and some old equipment(my body--not working so well). Decided on the 'original' trail to maximize the effort. Trail in good shape for this time of year with only a few small snowpatches at the top and some geologic movement debris clumps here and there. Was dismayed at the number of rogue trails that are developing around the summit. These save people a good 40-50 feet of walking and maybe 15 feet of elevation gain. The top was socked in and there were high 40+mph winds--good conditions for equipment testing and awhamf's. This enabled me some solitude time to bask in the Cloud and hope for sun. It was a long wait. The woods on the north side had a spectacular display of rhime ice art coating trees and vegetation. Please stay on the trail. out.