I just did this trail with a local hiking group a few nights ago, and it was hard! We met up in the parking lot at about 6pm, and were on the trail by 615. It took us until about 830 to reach the summit. It's about 3 miles each way, depending which path you take. After about the first mile, the trail splits into "difficult" and "more difficult." We took the difficult side up, and it was pretty steep at times. Most of the trail was relatively wide and smooth, but there were a few rocky/root-y sections. In the last half mile to the top, the blackberry shrubs were taller than I am. The path was so overgrown that we had to push through the branches with our whole bodies. About half a mile from the top, there is a great viewpoint called Puppy Point where you can see the Gorge in both directions, especially to the west. When I saw how much balsam root there was on the hillsides, it made me regret not doing this hike sooner. Now I'm going to have to come back sometime to do it in spring. Once we got to the top, everyone else in the group started sitting down to watch the sunset. I'd forgotten my sweater and headlamp in my car, and I was getting cold. I asked the group how long they thought we would take to hike down, and they said two hours. This was when I decided to part ways. It took me one hour to get down. Good thing my phone was fully charged, because, I needed the flashlight. I accidentally took the more difficult route down, which explains why it seemed steeper than I remembered. For a 6 mile hike, this is a really good hike. My thighs almost feel as ripped as if I just hiked Dipsea or Half Dome. read more

This is one of the best hikes I've ever been on. It was extremely tough, but absolutely worth it. The wildflowers were breathtaking. Extremely windy and foggy at the top. It was rough but I would do it again! read more

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Dog mountain is one of the hardest hikes I've done when I first moved here. Now I find it a bit easier but on a day I want an ass kicker, this is still what I do. For an extra added workout I do the more difficult side coming up, and the other side coming down because I would like to have knees past 50. It has beautiful views and in June it has wild flowers, although I've yet to get up there during peak time for it still. I will say it can get really windy and cold at the top, so always bring an extra layer! But you probably won't need it on the way up because most of that's blocked out. While you are over there I also recommend Spirit Falls, which isn't too much further but is a beautiful waterfall that is truly special. I did both the last time I went and I always try to stop for a burger at Red Bluff Tavern on the way home. read more

Dog Mountain Trail - One of the views from Dog Mountain! - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

Minus one star for things that have nothing to do with the natural beauty of this place. Parking, crowds... you know. But if you go off season, like we did, you can avoid those annoyances. No green meadows, no delicate emerging flowers, the hike in late fall is a snapshot of nature getting ready to settle down for the winter. But check out my photos. The sun coming through the clouds is picture perfect. We knew it would be cold, but we weren't expecting the frost on the ground. And when we crossed the high, open areas the wind cut through like an icy knife. But so what! We had the trail to ourselves and the parking lot was empty. It was a great workout, an incredible view, and a great day spent outside. read more

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I've hiked Dog Mountain many times in the past. It's a good workout. Haven't done it in a while as it has gotten way too popular in recent years. Unless you get there early you'll find parking to be a problem. You need a Nat'l Park pass of some type to park there.... not a Washington State Discovery Pass. It's an "ok" view at the top but most people do Dog for the exercise/experience and not for the scenery or views. There are two main trails. I'd recommend the traditional trail heading up and the longer but more interesting trail to the right as you are descending the summit for the way back. Hamilton Mountain to the west is a little easier than Dog. Table Mountain to the west is more difficult. Wind Mountain which is close by is short and fun. Serious hikers can go across the river to hike Starvation Mountain. The Columbia River Gorge has lots of hikes and climbs. I've done most of them. This is a great area to live in! read more

Love Dog Mountain! My dog loves it, too! It's a win-win with easy access and beautiful views ... which also makes Dog Mountain very popular ... especially during "Wild Flower Season" in the Spring. Parking Permits Year-round, visitors are required to pay for parking. Daily Northwest Forest Passes are $5 and can be paid onsite (cash only in park envelopes). Annual passes are $30 plus other agency passes are valid, too. Hiking Permits From March 31 - July 1, a "hiking" permit is required for each person. Permits are included in the $2 roundtrip Skamania County shuttle on high season weekends or 165 ($1.50) are available daily online. Check out the website for information on hiking permits. Hiking permits do not guarantee parking. Note people get tickets and towed for parking on Hwy 14. Trails There are two trailheads at the parking lot: * Dog Mountain Trail: 6.9 mile loop with 2,820 ft elevation gain * Augspurger Trail: 12.6 mile total with 4767 feet elevation gain Combine the two trails into a loop by taking the Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail (1.5 miles) on either the way up or the way down for a change of scenery. Both trails feature old-growth forests and rock fields with some panoramic views of the Columbia River. Of course, plan accordingly for gear, water, etc. depending on how much of the trail you choose to climb. The elevation gains are real and harder for me on the way down than on the way up. Dogs are welcome at Dog Mountain ... as long as they are on a leash and under parent control. My puppy never seems to wear out when we are there, but definitely passes out on the way home. For both of us, Dog Mountain Trail is a wonderful nature escape for some exercise with some breathtaking views sprinkled in along the way. read more

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Most hikes in the Columbia Gorge offer picturesque views of cascading waterfalls or scenic overlooks, but If you're into flowers, Dog Mountain is the only hike you'll want to do! The entire SW face of the mountain above the treeline is FILLED with wildflowers from ~May to June. Here are some tips if you are thinking about going: - BRING LOTS OF WATER (minimum 1.5-2L per person) since there is no water at the trailhead, and wear sunscreen (the top 1/3 has little shade. - WATCH OUT for tons of POISON OAK on the lower 2/3 of the trail! If you don't know what it looks like, read the information board or ask someone. Merely touching the oily leaves can cause a severe rash that easily spreads. - Plan for the hike to last 3-6 hours depending on your speed and which trails you take (the main trail is 3mi to the top, or a shorter, steeper, and less pretty option will save you 0.3mi, or the Augspurger trail is 6.7mi to the top) - Bring a first aid kid for cuts, scrapes, bee stings, or sprained ankles. - It can be WINDY at the top, so if you plan to hang out up there, consider bringing a light jacket. - There is are 2 restrooms located at the trailhead. - Consider bringing hiking poles for extra balance coming down the steep slopes, or to make it easier going up. *NOTE: There is a $5 fee per car for parking. CAUTION: paying in cash is risky! I did so this weekend and still got a $55 parking ticket (I think the ranger pocketed the money), and since I paid in cash, I had no proof I put it in the envelope. Therefore I strongly recommend paying with a check, or better yet buying the $5 ONLINE day pass so you have proof you paid (or if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, buy the Northwest Forest Pass ($30) for a year's worth of unlimited parking at trailheads) read more

Dog Mountain Trail - Watch out for poison oak!!! - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

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Ah Dog Mountain, the most popular 'difficult hike' in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. I train for alpine mountaineering often, year-after-year, so I've climbed this hill like a kajillion times. In some regards then, Dog Mountain to me is like a song you loved once and then listened to 500 times. You still like it but you've also sort of had enough already. Setting those caveats aside though, it is a pretty great hike. First, it involves about 2800 feet of elevation gain. That's what makes it a "difficult" hike, and somewhat formidable to people who don't do regular cardio. You have to have some modicum of fitness to hike it without suffering. That's a good thing. It culls the herd a bit. You get fewer couples walking their dog in cotton sportswear who deposit little bags filled with dog poop on the side of the trail. You don't see a lot of people wearing a black leather blazer, or high heels, or a large purse. Not many people are seen smoking cigarettes whilst wheezing and desperately clutching at their chests. In short, you don't see most of the people who frequent Multnomah Falls or Angel's Rest. Instead, you see fit people. Second, this thing delivers on the steep. There are harder hikes in the gorge (Table Mountain, Ruckel Ridge, Mt. Defiance), but for its height and distance, there is some satisfying steepness as well. About a half mile or so in you get to choose between a "more difficult" or "easier" trail. In the end it's a loop. I recommend going up more difficult and then saving your knees by descending easier. Pros to this hike: 1) Bright yellow wild flowers cover the entire top of the mountain in spring, which is absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, it's nice at other times of the year, but it is so worth seeing during wildflower bloom in the spring. 2) There is a great view of the gorge. In fact, the best view is on a ridge outcropping a good 600 feet or so below the summit. Cons: 1) The trail is thick thick thick with poison oak in the summer. I prefer to hike during the other three seasons. 2) On a nice weekend it can be really packed. The parking lot has like 100 cars parked in it. 3) It's a bit of a trek from Portland. You have to go over the Bridge of the Gods and through Stevenson, WA. That's over an hour away. PRO TIP: Stop at Walking Man Brewery in Stevenson for post-hike beer and pizza if you finish AFTER 3 PM (4 PM on a weekday). It's not open before then. Stop at Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks for post-hike beer if you finish hiking BEFORE 3 PM. It's down on the river across from its namesake, Thunder Island. Good beer to he had, but more limited food options. read more

If you're looking for a spring time hike in the Columbia River Gorge, I recommend Google "Oregon wildflowers" and find out where the blooms are. The report this week took me to Dog Mountain. This is a strenuous hike with a phenomenal wildflower display on the top. I recommend hike the loop counterclockwise. Climb the steepest part first because it is rather difficult and slippery going down. It's about a 2 mile climb straight up--2,700 feet of elevation gain. Then, you have about a mile of walking the trail plastered with wildflowers on a ridge line above the Columbia River. Spectacular scenery for panoramic smart phone shots and close-ups using a digital SLR camera--many wild flower varieties. It is about 3 1/2 miles to the bottom. Overall 6 1/2 miles. Tough hike. Check out my photos. Note we parked in the lot (mile marker 53 on Route 14 east of Stevenson) on a Friday at 8:30 AM and the lot was nearly full. When we finished, vehicles were lined up along Rt 14. You will need a Northwest Forest Pass or Senior Pass. read more

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Fantastic trail. Steep incline, so I recommend hiking poles, especially for novice hikers like myself. Took us about 5 hours to complete. Since we are novice hikers, the trail was moderate, but totally worth it when you reach the top. We decided to take the "difficult" route up and the "more difficult" route coming down (only those options available). The majority of the hike is shaded, which is super helpful, but there are parts where it can get hot with no shade. We visited from Washington, D.C. and will definitely return if we come back to this part of the country. read more

This was the most insane hike of my life. And I took the "easy" route. Then again, I'm not really an avid hiker... Though I really like nature and plants and trees and stuff, I'm more of a stay-at-home-and-watch-Netflix-and-smoke-trees-and-stuff kind of person. Believe me, if the online review for the hike says "strenuous," don't think that's just a cautionary directed towards grannies and kids. Took me a good two hours to get to the very tippity top (at 2984 feet!), with tons of breaks and snacking. Whoo! Although my calves were screaming the whole way up, the hike was really worth it! Gorge-ous views of Mt. Hood, St. Helens, the Columbia River, and endless fields of wildflowers. It was like something out of The Sound of Music. I ran the rest of the way down (hey...all the super buff 5 year olds were doing it, what difference would 20 years make?). It's actually easier in a way to run down than to "hike" down. The 7.1 mile roundtrip hike took me about three-and-a-half hours with about a half-hour in "oohs" and "aahs" at appropriate places. My only gripe with this place is...Google Maps. That evil search engine monster led me to this random secluded ranch property a mile off the side of Dog Mountain. (It's right off Hwy 14 after the 53 mile marker...NOT up Bergen Road, FU Google Maps!) Dude, I could've totally gotten shot at by crazy hicks, gotten eaten by wild boars, walked into an avalanche, found the secret lair of those Twilight vampires...what the hell! I should join that one woman in that Google Maps lawsuit... read more

I'd much prefer to call this trail "Doge Mountain": so steep very tired many wildflowers such views wowww The number of parking spots has drastically shrunk (75 spots vs. the 200 they had last year). A sign informed us the parking lot was already full, so we settled for shuttle service in the overflow parking area. The shuttle runs every 40 minutes and drops passengers off at the trail head. It's $1/person for each way. Bring exact change, the driver can't break your bills! *Important* - The last shuttle leaves the trail head at 4:15pm. It's a time constraint for hikers who arrive later in the day, or like to take it slow and enjoy the views (like myself). Still, I wouldn't advise missing the final bus. It's a looong way back to the shuttle parking lot. You'll still need to pay the customary $5 for your parking pass if you're blessed enough to find a spot at the trail head. This hike is rated difficult (and boy, they really mean it) and involves ~3,000 feet of elevation within 3 miles. The first 20 minutes were the toughest as my legs had to adapt to the shock of inclining so rapidly. You'll definitely want to rest at the switchbacks! For the most optimal trek up Le Doge, I'd recommend the following: *Good hiking shoes - To traverse the incline/rocks and avoid rolling your ankle. *Electrolytes - I drank an entire liter of water during the hike, but had to supplement with a Gatorade afterward to ward off the exhaustion. *Hiking Poles - This was IMMENSELY helpful with easing the strain to my muscles *Blanket - For sitting on the summit and basking in your gorgeous victory. *Camera - To gloat to your friends on Instagram (#dogmountain, bitches). The new parking situation is a bummer. Get there early so you won't have to sprint down from the summit. The grandeur of wildflowers are worth it despite the setbacks. I'd be happy to hike it doggy style again. read more

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If you are looking for a 3-5 hour hike in the Columbia Gorge that offers some nice panoramic views and a rigorous workout, this one is for you. Trailhead is about 15 miles west of White Salmon on SR14. You do need a USFS parking permit. If you don't have one already, you can purchase one at the general store in nearby Home Valley. Trail climbs 2900'. There are two different routes, both about the same in difficulty. Towards the top you will come through some nice meadows with lots of flowers in the summer. Beware that rattlesnakes do like to sun themselves on the rock piles to the side of trail in the open meadows. Also carry a couple 2 liter bottles of water in your day pack. You will be getting thirsty! Okay...the name...Dog Mountain....did it get the name because of all the dogs hikers bring up on the mountain, or do hikers bring their dogs up the mountain because of the trail name? This is a riddle of life! read more

Absolutely a must-hike! The hike is hard as it is quite an incline all 3 miles uphill, but I promise you it is worth it. Go in the Spring time, late April to May and you will be rewarded with hillsides showered in wildflowers. If you don't like crowds go early! The parking lot fills fast. Consider a sunrise hike. Another perk to going early is avoiding the heat. Pros: wildflowers in the spring, phenomenal views of the gorge, great ass and calves Cons: gets crowded, discover pass required read more

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Being from the PNW it's in my blood to love hiking and man is this hike worth it! My mom, friend and I took the shuttle bus ($2 per person) which was great because it also includes the price of a permit to hike on the weekends (only applicable April-June). It's a pretty steady upwards climb with minimal flat or downgrades on the way up. You're hiking through the forest for the majority of your trip, which is absolutely lovely. After about 2 miles you'll hit a "false summit" with some great views of the gorge. The next 1.8(ish) miles to the top is quite the trek but once you reach the real summit the wildflowers and views are absolutely stunning! Will definitely do again but earlier in April or May. read more

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This hike is as brutal as it is beautiful. I think something like 3 people had to be airlifted from the summit over the summer. The 2800ft elevation gain is not for the faint of heart. Take it slow! Bring hiking poles and good shoes. Wildflower season is the star and is what makes this hike worth doing. read more

Dog Mountain Trail - Wildflowers and Wind Mountain in the back. - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

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This trailhead was easy to find as it was just off the road. We went today and there were only a few cars in the lot which surprised me. The trail is not for someone looking for an easy hike. The sections were steep and the wind was high. About a quarter mile up the trail is an option to go difficult or more difficult. Go the difficult route as it offers much better view points of the gorge. Today was cloudy and dreary but still got some great views in. The top part of the trail, near the summit, is exposed and the wind really gives you a good work out. On the way down we took the Augspurger trail down. Recommend bringing poles, along with a warm hat and gloves on cloudy days. read more

Steep-Steep-Steep. Great view totally worth it!! Sore everywhere!! Need day pass or NW pass- REI Not a lot of parking get there early. Its windy on top and chilly, layer up. Only a restroom at parking site. Bring lots of water. Fun day! Takes 4 to 5 hours for somewhat experienced hikers read more

Dog Mountain Trail - View from top - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

WOW what a GORGEOUS hike! Definitely very different scenery from Southern California and I am so glad I chose this hike! I will tell you though that this hike is quite steep and it is almost all incline to the summit. Not many switchbacks either. Just straight up climb. So if you don't like to sweat a lot, don't do this one cuz you will be sweating a lot! On the positive note, it's only around 3 miles to the summit so the huffin & puffin won't last too long. But trust me, the climb is definitely worth it because the reward up top is so breathtaking! I got to the trailhead at around 12:30pm or so on a Friday and this place was packed! There is a small parking lot at the trailhead and several places to park along the Lewis and Clark Hwy. No luck in finding parking at the lot so I ended up parking about 0.5 miles away from the trailhead. Not too bad, but it was a bit scary walking on the side of a highway when there are giant trucks flying right next to you & it's super windy. A Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required to park, or you can pay $5 at the trailhead. Pit toilets are available by the trailhead. Enough of the parking & toilet mumbo jumbo (although important!). So it seems like there are several ways to get to Dog Mountain: #1) The really long route starting from the left side. I did hear from fellow hikers that this route has a more gentle grade (easier for the knees when going down). #2) Veering towards the right along the wooden post after going about 0.5 miles up the Dog Mountain trail. I guess this one is the more scenic and newer trail with a gentler climb. #3) Going along the left side of the wooden post after going 0.5 miles up Dog Mountain. This is the "old trail" and is shortest but steepest. I chose route #3 to go up and route #2 to come down Dog Mountain so I can enjoy a loop. I will tell you....yes, taking the "old trail" is steep. According to the Strava segment, the average grade from the trailhead to near the summit (dunno why the Strava segment ends slightly before the summit) is 21%. If you do not like to do a lot of steep climbing, this route may not be your best option. As long as you are somewhat fit and have some experience going uphill for several miles, it is definitely do-able if you pace yourself and rest when you need to. The terrain is not technical at all so your footing will be good throughout the climb. Really really well maintained trail. The first 2 miles or so is in the forest so you will be able to enjoy shade! Just don't wear winter tights like me when it's over 70 degrees....and don't forget your hat like me so there is nothing to catch your sweat...luckily I had a bandana in my backpack so I wrapped that around my head rambo style. Once you get out to the exposed section of the hike, you will be able to enjoy the fantastic view of the gorge and wild flowers!! There is a view point before the summit (I believe the viewpoint is called "puppy dog") where you can relax for a bit and take some pictures. From this point though, it was extremely windy and cold! Not sure if it is always like this, but it's a good idea to have a long sleeve in your backpack when doing this hike. Especially if you plan on staying at the summit for a while since it will feel extremely cold with sweaty clothing in the wind. It's just a short stretch from the viewpoint to the summit and you will be going along the ridge. Enjoy the beautiful wild flowers and gorgeous view of the gorge as you complete the final stretch and by the time you know it, you will be there!! The views at the summit is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and is a large enough area where many people were enjoying a snack or lunch. The same ole sandwich is going to taste so much better up here! Well, I didn't have a sandwich with me so I spent a few minutes taking pictures and talking to nearby hikers :P You can also see the top of Mt Hood from the summit! Coming down route #2 (the "scenic trail") felt slightly longer than route #3 but did feel less steep. There was a wooden bench at maybe around halfway down the scenic trail where you can enjoy some breathtaking views. I was expecting a little more scenery along this trail though since this is supposed to be the more scenic one. Still very beautiful with lots of green and shade! I took about 2.5 liters of water and ended up drinking 1.5 liters. Total round trip of about 6 miles (including the initial 0.5 miles from where I parked to the trailhead) with 2,756 ft of elevation gain. Took me around 2 hours 45 minutes with roughly 30 minutes for pictures and "I am out of breath" breaks. Highly highly recommend this hike! Hopefully I can take my wonderful dog with me next time so he can conquer Dog Mountain as well! read more

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Dog Mountain has a bit of a notorious reputation in these parts. Most of my friends refer to it with an air of trepidation or exhaustion. "Oh man we hiked Dog Mountain yesterday. I'm wrecked today." or "Oh man we hiked Dog Mountain yesterday and there were way too many fucking people on the trail!" I guess after years of hearing that I had more than a few reservations about this hike. But now that I'm in much better shape than I have been for the past, say, ten years, and am training for a large summer climb, I figured it's time to try this dog out. In early April this trail is not crowded at all. We counted a sum total of one other car in the parking lot when we parked, and saw exactly six people (in one group) on the trail. I'm guessing this is because while it was 55 and drizzling at the trailhead, it was much worse up top. To get up top, you can choose one of three ways - the West trail, which is the longest and most mellow (relative) of the three. The East trail splits part way up, one route goes straight up (as someone wrote on the sign, it's the "Way of the Samurai"), and the other is more scenic (but still steeper than the Western route). We went up the West trail, which has a lot of great viewpoints on the way up. About 3 miles in, the Augsperger Mountain trail breaks off to the West (another 4.7 miles to Augsperger) and the Dog Mountain trail continues up another .9 miles to the spot where the East trail merges. Another .1 mile up is the summit. In early April, there aren't really any wildflowers in the alpine meadows at the top. Our view was a wall of gray, with high winds and sideways rain/sleet. Not the most hospitable place on the planet. There are a few windbreaks up top if you crawl into the trees, and we found a place to post up for a quick lunch. The cold and wet didn't allow us to stay long. As the clouds broke here and there, we caught a few views, and could tell that on a clear day the vistas must be stunning. We were grateful to have thought to bring rain pants, warm dry clothes, hats and waterproof shells. The full loop is something in the 7 mile range and the elevation gain is 2800 feet. This should not be your first hike of the year. Even the "mellow" route still gets you up 2800 feet, but the grade is just a little more merciful than the straight up way (which I still have yet to check out). The short, steep route is all trees until you get to the top, so while quicker and more punishing, it sounds like it's less entertaining. Bring water... lots of it. And at least a Kind bar or some type of snack/energy. And if you go early season, be prepared for the weather to be much harsher up top than it is at the trailhead. But that goes without saying for early spring hiking in Oregon. I will definitely come back for the flowers in May. I can tell that it will be epic on a nice day. As long as I can do it on a weekday. Crowds on trails just annoy the hell out of me. read more

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I went here 2 days ago and I'm still in pain....It hurts so good! Dog mountain trailhead is very easy to find, just off of milepost 53 along Highway 14. Loop is about 7 miles, that's 3.8 miles with 2800 elevation gain. It can be very windy at the top. read more

Dog Mountain Trail - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

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Oh my! This hike kicked my butt lol I was never a complainer when it came to hiking until now. 1/4 of the way up and I was panting out of breath, if it wasn't for my friends and family, I would have went back down. But boy oh boy would that have been a mistake. This was the most beautiful view I have ever seen in my life. Just amazing, literally breathtaking. :) 4 days later and I'm still sore. It feels amazing definitely a must go, especially towards the end of May when the flowers are in bloom. It's an unforgettable sight, and pics don't do the justice of how it really looks in person. It's seriously the most amazing, and wonderful view/hike I've ever been on :) read more

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If you're looking for a training hike or a tough challenge, Dog Mountain is the hike for you!! 6.8 miles round trip may not sound like an insanely long hike, but it's straight up for 3.7 miles and straight down for 3.1. Where to start: The trailhead is between mile marker 53 and 54 on Highway 14. There's a parking pay station there where you'll need $5 cash to get a parking pass. You can start the trail to the west or the east, but the first 700 feet on the east trail is pretty steep, so we opted to go up the west and down the east. Trails: It won't take you long to notice there are no breaks in the steep inclines and declines on this trail, regardless of the path you take. Nothing that will require technical climbing, just really steep hiking. In spots the trail is littered with scree (broken rock fragments) and given the steepness of the trail can make footing difficult to keep. Be prepared to slide a bit on your way down. (To the girl I saw in flip flops... good luck!) This was my first trek up Dog, but there was a lot of overgrown vegetation on the trail. I'm assuming it's from the extremely wet spring we had in the area, but if you're going up on a wet day be prepared for hiking through wet plant life. Views: There a few scenic viewpoints alon the way and great views from the summit. All of the views are of the gorge, but I was a little disappointed that you couldn't see but a sliver of Hood and none of the other major Cascade peaks. May and June are supposed to be the prime months for viewing the balsam root flowers which look beautiful in pictures. Unfortunately we missed it, but still had some wild flowers in bloom. Misc: There is some animal life up there, but the only thing we saw was a 4 foot rattle snake. Fortuntely for us a gentlemen warned us about him before we reached him, unforttuntely he had just picked him up with a stick to move him off the trail. He was NOT happy to see us!! All in all, a great and tough hike. I will be walking slowly for a few days!! read more

This is a strenuous hike and one of the most beautiful the gorge has to offer. Best during spring when the blooms start. Very picturesque. read more

Dog Mountain Trail - Panoramic of the first large exposure. - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

My new favorite gorge adventure. Perfect way to welcome in the summer. The views are worth the pain. Straight up for three miles is tough, but coming down is even worse. My knees were screaming. And my calves ached for days. But so, so worth it. Our dog documented the little adventure for us: https://vimeo.com/129374862 We will be back again. read more

A great trail. The hike can be tough at certain areas, but bring adequate water and supplies and you'll be fine. If a person is out of shape take plenty of breaks. The trail is totally do-able though. The summit has a spectacular view. It's a great place for lunch and makes the trek worth it. read more

Dog Mountain Trail - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

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Did this hike the other day, had been meaning to do it for quite sometime I had heard good things about it. Trailhead and parking lot is just east of Stevenson WA off Highway 14. Parking lot was way busy with probably 20 cars at least, its $5 to park there. There are a couple ways you can start the trail, we chose the tougher route which starts off with several switchbacks going up the side of the mountain. There are a few areas with lookouts on the way up looking out over the Columbia river gorge. From the top of Dog Mountain you can see the top of Mt Hood. I was pretty dissapointed in the hike overall, I will go back earlier in the spring next year and do it again I've heard thats the time to go when all the flowers are out. On the plus side though it was a decent workout, a bit tougher of a workout than most any other hike you could do in the area. read more

Dog Mountain Trail - Hiking Near Me - White Salmon, Washington

Before hiking Dog Mountain Trail, I was apprehensive because of the first-hand stories I have heard and all the Yelp reviews of this hike. I would definitely rate this hike to be "moderate" in difficulty. But completely do-able, and not nearly as bad as most people make it out to be! Yes, it is a quick, but subtle steep incline, 2800 feet towards the top. Within the first 0.6 miles, you are given a taste of what the majority of the hike will be like. We got there at 7:20 am on a Saturday morning and there were already a dozen cars filling the parking lot to the main entrance to the trail. You will need $5 cash or check (we had brought $5 in quarters to pay the parking fee and it was nearly impossible to fit through the tight payment slot). There are two bathrooms at the beginning of the trail, but there are no lights inside, and no sinks to wash your hands, bring hand sanitizer. Although the weather report called for 80° weather at the hottest part of the day, we wore workout capris and zip up light weight jackets with tank-tops underneath. It was chilly out, but you soon warm up with the constant cardio going up hill. None of us had hiking poles, but after the first 0.6 miles of constant incline upwards, we found awesome, durable hiking sticks that helped us the whole hike. I highly suggest hiking poles for this! I brought a waterbottle that is the equivalent of 4 bottles of water, and I finished the whole thing by the time we completed the trail. I ate a banana at the start of the hike, as well as an Odwalla superfoods protein bar. Having an adequate snack or meal is important and helpful to your endurance during this 7 mile hike! The whole hike isn't completely hiking up a steep incline, but about 75% of it is. I choose the "Less Difficult" path up, (same path I also took down), and there were really enjoyable legs of the hike that were just hiking on even land. The trees and plants are beautiful in their natural habitat. Although I had read and saw the signs warning of rattle snacks, we came across none on our hike. We didn't run into poison oak on the trail either. There are plenty of places to rest and catch your breathe on the way up. Don't rush yourself! Get there earlier to avoid crowds! 630 am would probably be the ideal time to get there. Hiking down wasn't as difficult, but was more stressful on my knees and I slipped a few times as some spots were muddy from last week's rain. The hiking stick helped tremendously! I burned 1900 calories, completed the equivalent of 205 flights of stairs, (according to my health tracker app), and it was nearly 20,000 steps we had taken when we finished. Started the hike at 745 am, and finished around 11:30 am. Great work out! Recommended for this hike: *$2 cash for the toll fee crossing at the Bridge of Gods, both to get there and to go home ($1 each way) *$5 cash/check to pay for parking fee *hiking poles *good tread athletic or hiking shoes *plenty of water *energy bars/nuts/protein bars/granola/jerky *camera/phone *a positive attitude We had a wonderful time and the views were amazing! So much beauty and I am so lucky to live in the PNW!!!! read more

We left Portland around 12:15 and got home about 7 hours later - what a day! I've done a bit of hiking around the gorge and this was by far the hardest hike I've done yet. We heard it was tough, but 6.8 miles is nothing, right? All of the pain you feel on the way up is totally worth it when the flowers are out - what a beautiful gem. Beware that there is poison oak throughout the hike, just off the trail. I mean, a lot of it. We took the "easier" trail on the way up and decided to take the harder one on the way down. We ended up running most of the way down because that just seemed easier. I know I'm going to be feeling it tomorrow, but I think my wife is going to let me out of yard work now. read more

I'd been meaning to write a review, as no one told us, that Dog Mountain trail does have ticks in spring. If you bring your dog, make sure to check fido for ticks (and yourself). We found nine ticks on our pooch. Otherwise, it's usually a great hike to see wildflowers, and Dog Mountain trail has three trails to the trop. The 3.7 mile trail wraps around the side up a gradual rocky incline past sweeping grassy fields. The old 1 mile trial is popular to the halfway view. read more

Does anyone know if the flowers are in bloom yet since we're having such an early season?

Appx 7.5 mile return, very steep, most incredible views! Wild flower fields are stunning! Bring plenty of water, snacks/lunch, and take your time. We are fairly fit people and we were sore for days after. Easier trail head is to your left. read more