This is the most beautiful hike we have been on in a long
time. Quite strenuous in the beginning you gain most of the
elevation in a very short distance cutting back and forth through
the lower forest region.
About halfway up the mountain you break out of the forest
and if you are as lucky enough as we were and take the hike
in the late spring you emerge into mountain side fields of
yellow wild flowers.
We hiked the rest of the way to the summit on the trail that
went through these fields. At the top the panorama was fantastic!
with unobstructed views of the Columbia Gorge, Mt. Hood and
Mt. St. Helens.
If you are going to be hiking in the Columbia Gorge area this
is one hike you can't miss!
Calculate roughly how many calories you could burn on the Dog Mountain hike:
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Hiker
Reviews For The Dog Mountain Hike (5 Most Recent)
My husband and daughter and I took the hike and although it was very steep and hard it was well worth it. We made it to the top in two hours, and it took just about that long to come down in one piece. Then we headed to Carson hot springs to recoup.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Good Hike, nice and steep out the gate. I used this to prepare myself for backpacking this summer so i had a 40 lb bag on my back. In the trees i was sweating a lot and went up the "harder" way, once i hit the open meadow it was well worth it, the breeze cooled me off and there was a giant field of yellow flowers. The view was great from the top but there were a lot of bugs. On the way back i was dumb and went back down the steep way, with the backpack my knees took a beating. Made the loop in under 2.5 hours with around 10 min at the top. Good times.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Monday, May 25, 2009
This was a great day for a hike. Sunny and not real warm. My husband and I do this once a year at least (whether we need it or not) We have never seen it so crowded, there was actually a park employee there directing traffic and parking. The hike up is always a challenge but the wildflowers and the view at the top this year were spectacular. The Wildflowers were a bit later than normal because of the cooler spring.
We did make one bad decision. Because of all the hikers we went down the steeper trail. Really hard on the knees because there is no relief from the descent. I paid for it with a nasty spill just before reaching the bottom. Watch those tree roots!
By:
Sherry
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, May 23, 2009
It was a gorgeous day, and the wildflowers were in full splendor. I always go up the steep side (far right) and down the more gentle traverse (much easier on the knees). On the way up it was delightfully breezy as it always is at the top.
By:
suzicruzi
Rating:
Date of Hike: Monday, May 18, 2009
One of my favorites in the Columbia River Gorge, especially in May when the Balsam Root flowers are blooming. As mentioned you gain quite a bit of altitude right out of the parking area for about the first mile or so. The views are incredible! Be sure to pack enough water and sunscreen as much of the trail is exposed, especially coming down in the afternoon sun if you choose the Aussberger loop coming back. I've never seen snakes, but there is plenty of Poison Oak on the lower parts of the trail both going up and coming down. Even if you do not touch it, beware of others' dogs brushing up against you! Most folks do not leash their dogs and most never give concern to their dogs running in the Poison Oak then rubbing up against other hikers. It can be windy at the top, so even on a nice calm morning plan to take a wind shell. You'll be glad you did! Also, this trail is over-crowded on weekends!! Try to hike mid-week if you can arriving at the trail head by 9am. Enjoy and remember pack out what you pack in.... including orange peels! Contrary to what some believe, those are not "natural" to the environment on Dog Mountain. You can make wildlife sick by leaving fruit, or PBJ sandwiches behind for the critters.
This is the most beautiful hike we have been on in a long
time. Quite strenuous in the beginning you gain most of the
elevation in a very short distance cutting back and forth through
the lower forest region. 
