Dog Mountain is one of the most popular spring hiking destinations in the entire region. Generations have made this hike a Memorial Day weekend staple. For others, it’s a celebration of spring featuring one of the best wildflower displays in the Columbia River Gorge. The upper meadows of Dog Mountain explode with color in May and June. The trail is also an early-season conditioning hike for those looking to summit Cascade peaks later in the year. This 7-mile, 2,900-foot elevation gain loop hike makes an excellent primer. Team all of that up with picturesque classic Gorge views, and you’ve got a recipe for a crowded parking lot. If you’re hiking Dog Mountain on a sunny May or June weekend, prepare to get acquainted with several of your outdoor loving neighbors. If you prefer to have the trail to yourself, leave early on a weekday.
Distance: 7.0-mile loop
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Trail surface: Hard-packed dirt; duffy, rocky
Hiking time: 2.5 to 5 hours
County: Skamania
Land status: National forest
Seasons: All, best in May and June
Fees and permits: Toll bridge
Trail contact: US Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. http://fs.usda.gov/crgnsa
Maps: DeLorme: Washington Atlas & Gazetteer: Page 101 C6
Finding the trailhead: From Portland, take I-84 East to exit 44 for Cascade Locks. Cross the Bridge of the Gods (toll) and make a right onto WA 14. Drive 12 miles to mile marker 53.5 and look for the signed pull-off on the left.
The Hike
The hike begins at the far right end of the parking lot. Head up past the restrooms and begin climbing, and climbing, and climbing some more. After 0.5 mile stay right at a junction, avoiding the “Old Trail.” Continue another 1 mile to the lower meadows viewpoint. In spring the meadows are dominated by yellow balsamroot, with patches of purple lupine. But those are just the headliners; keep your eyes open, because there’s a lot of variety up here. If you’ve had enough, this is a great spot to have a snack and turn back. What you’ve just accomplished makes for a sturdy 3-mile, 1,500-foot elevation gain option.
If the summit is your destination, hike uphill another 0.5 mile until you rejoin the Old Trail. Put in 0.5 mile of steep climbing to reach the site of an old lookout tower and the beginning of the final ascent. The trail splits here; either way will reach the top. The trail to the left is far more scenic, however. One more 0.5-mile stretch and you’ve reached the summit. You’ll want a break at this point, and this summit is a particularly good place to do it. Across the river, Mount Defiance, the tallest mountain in the Gorge, lords over the Columbia River. Just west of you, Wind Mountain looks a little more attainable. To continue the loop, head down the Augspurger Trail. After about 1 mile you’ll encounter another junction. Turn left and enjoy the gentle grade of the final 2.8 miles to the parking lot.
Miles and Directions
0.0 Start from the east end of the parking area and begin hiking up the trail to walk the loop in a counterclockwise direction.
0.6 Arrive at a junction with the Old Trail. Stay to the right.
1.6 Arrive at the lower meadows. Continue up.
2.2 Come to a second junction with the Old Trail. Stay to the right.
2.7 At a junction make a hard left, hiking through the upper meadows.
3.1 Reach a junction and make a right.
3.2 Arrive at the Dog Mountain summit. Hike back down to the last junction and make a right.
4.2 Reach a junction leading to Augspurger Mountain. Make a left.
7.0 Arrive back at the trailhead.
Local Information
Post-hike food and drink: In Stevenson, Washington, check out Andrew’s Pizza, 310 SW 2nd St., or Walking Man Brewing Co., 240 SW 1st St.