SUMMARY. Great hiking day, lovely weather, fine Gorge views. Trekking poles sufficient for traction. 

TRACTION. There was one not terribly long icy/snowy slippery stretch, between the reconnection of the "difficult" and "more difficult" trails and the Puppy viewpoint. I found trekking poles adequate there. Over a longer extent, it would have been worth microspikes, and I did see someone spike up (surely to spike down shortly after).  There is some muddy trail past the Puppy, but no problema with poles. There were a number of snow stretches, but they generally came with a nice  walkable border path of soil. 

WEATHER. Mountain Weather Forecast had predicted summit temps in the 30s; winds 20-25 mph; morning clouds and afternoon light showers. Turned out, weather was perfect, and clear apart from some clouds around the volcanos in the view. The Puppy was very windy, but not at all the trail terminus, where people lunch and lounge looking west down the Gorge.  Felt over 40 degrees there around 11:30.  

TRAILS. On Dog Mountain Trail, I took the "more difficult" option going up and the "difficult" option going down. (I'd recommend the reverse order, but it doesn't much matter.) Both trails were in great shape, and I don't see either being rated difficult, IF snow/ice conditions aren't a problem. The "difficult" option has some views. The other option doesn't, but as forest walks go, it's lovely: quiet, open, great tread. I was not fast, spent 45 minutes on top, and still finished in 4 1/2 hours. I went past the lunch terminus following boot snow prints on a nontrail to within ten feet of the branchy mess of no-view "summit"; as advertised, this gives no view, just a little low quality walk in the woods.  

AMENITIES. There isn't a toilet building on the parking lot; it is a short ways up Dog Mountain Trail. 

Ended up being a good day for dog mountain despite the wet weather forecast.

Took more difficult trail up and down.  Trail in great shape.  1st lap up, very windy at Puppy Dog viewpoint but wind died down afterwards and was snow free.  Some icy patches on the final switchback to the summit where having microspikes would be helpful for those less surefooted on the way down.

2nd lap up had started to snow and couple inches of snow from Puppy Dog viewpoint.  Poles helpful as hard to see rocks with snow.  

This was a tough hike due to increasing elevation gain and heat. I would say that the pitch was similar to Mt. Defiance (x2). I’ve included a view of Mt. Defiance for future hikers wanting to get a visual on potential grade.. (look for the tiny communications tower on the top of the summit) Just be careful with animals as there are some areas of drop off with trail erosion toward the summit. I didn’t see any rattle snakes out today, but be cautious on early hikes.. I arrived at the TH at approximately 10:30am and the lot was just stating to fill up with hikers. At descent around 1:30, the lot was trickling down. The bathroom was in good condition.. don’t forget to swipe your feet at the self-service station, I almost forgot! Enjoy!

I wanted to write a review so that folks know that there is a FREE shuttle from Stevenson to the trailhead. 

You will not need a pass and it starts running at 7:30 am to 5 pm. It is only April through June 19 but note it for next year.  

The trail was in good shape but the winds at the top were killer.  

This is a trail with a great view of the Columbia River and surrounding area. We got to the trailhead at about 10 am. We went during the week to try and avoid crowds. It is still well traveled but not too bad for crowding. The weather was warm and beautiful with a slight breeze. 

This would make a great hike to combine with Beacon Rock SP in the same day.