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)
It was a nice hike it is the first hike for me that had the word Mountain and summit in it. We left at 4:15pm and we got back at 9:20pm so I think we made good time. We took the more diffcult path the way up and yes it is a bit steep. About . At a few points there are even diffcult ways and we took them too. On the way back we took the easier path but the rocks and snow made it seem more diffcult. At the top it was snowing really good and the wind was making it hard to stay up right. I would say it not the the person that is afraid of heights. Over all I would say its not a good idea to go when the weather is bad. The view up is worth the trek, although at the summit it was in the cloud line and we couldnt see anything.
By:
W
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, April 12, 2008
I went up the east side (counter clockwise on the map,) which was pretty much what I expected- very steep, mostly dry except for a little snow at the top. Coming down the west side was more difficult than I expected, mostly because there is a large patch of snow/ice in the woods. I found it easier to walk in the snow and dig my heels in. The downslope side of the trail looks deceptively clear, but it was actually quite slick. I went slowly, because a little lost time was preferable to a twisted ankle.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Thursday, April 03, 2008
I am 40, in pretty good shape. Went up this morning with my wife and two boys (14 and 12). Weather, clear (though breezy at the top). Snow and ice and mud on the trail made it slick in spots. Less than 5 people, 2 trail workers, 2 dogs and a squirrel were seen. WHAT A VIEW! Coming down was slow due to the slickness in spots, but kids were wearing tennis shoes, not hiking shoes. We will be back in May, and again and again. Took about 180 pictures.
By:
Erika
Rating:
Date of Hike: Thursday, October 25, 2007
I live near here, and I do this hike frequently, fantastic views, and wonderful foliage. You might want to fix your picture in the description as it shows that its in the northern edge of Oregon, when in fact its the southern edge of Washington...the other half of the gorge IS in Washington, I'm a bit offended that WA never makes the headlines :(
By:
Elisa & June
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, July 27, 2007
After reading previous reviews, we were a bit apprehensive about the difficulty of the hike. While it was certainly challenging, we found that with a steady pace and plenty of rest/water breaks, we made it up to the top in 2 hours taking the less difficult route. Amos the dog enjoyed every minute but needed water every time we did and was happy to rest at the summit. We recommend starting early in the morning, preferably on a weekday, and wearing lightweight pants and layers, since it was very windy at the top. Snacks or sandwiches replenished our energy levels while enjoying the vista. Views are breathtaking (Hood, St. Helens, & Adams!), even without the wildflowers. Repellant is a good idea. On our way down, because it was so steep, we found ourselves "trouncing" (trotting & bouncing) down the trail. Not only was this a quick way down (70 minutes), but easier on the joints. Happy hiking!
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. 
