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Dog Mountain Trail #147

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.5 (60)
  1. Areas
  2. WA
  3. …Southwest Washington
  4. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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“Great views of the Columbia River Gorge. ”

Jackie Clark
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Map Key

6.5

Miles

10.4

KM

Out and Back

2,929' 893 m

High

127' 39 m

Low

2,802' 854 m

Up

2,801' 854 m

Down

16%

Avg Grade (9°)

67%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

A new seasonal permit system launches 3/31 at the trailhead to address safety concerns along SR 14. Permits are required Saturday and Sunday, April 20 through June 16.

Parking at the trailhead is limited and policed. Consider taking the shuttle. $5/vehicle/day, unless you have a Recreation Pass.

Overview

This is a well-known, easily accessible Columbia Gorge hike, infamous in the springtime for its blossoms.

Drawn by the dramatic balsamroot blooms in May and June, crowds flock to this popular trail on weekends during the spring. On a clear day, the views from the top are spectacular! Mt. Hood to the south and Mount St. Helens to the northwest. Loop opportunity with Augspurger Trail #4407 which shares the same trailhead.

Need to Know

Walking Man Brewery or the Big River Grill in Stevenson are great post-hike places for drinks and/or meals.

Description

The hike starts steeply through scattered woods. The beginning is arguable the hardest part of the hike! You'll shortly come to a junction; stay right for a less difficult ascent and continue to follow the switchbacks up. You are quickly rewarded with aerial views of the Columbia River and wildflowers in the spring.

If you are not up for the whole hike, but would still like great views, there is a viewpoint a mile from the top, perfect for a picnic.

However, since you've come this far, continuing that last mile will bring you to an open, breezy meadow. No matter the time of the year, you'll always greet fellow hikers at the top thanks to the great access of this trailhead.

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Gifford Pinchot National Forest Office

Shared By:

Jackie Clark with improvements by Lorelei Haukness
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 60 votes

#1

in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

#176

Overall
  4.5 from 60 votes
5 Star
55%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Columbia River Gorge N…

#12

in Washington

#176

Overall
21 Views Last Month
9,338 Since May 28, 2015
Difficult Difficult
0%
0%
11%
5%
82%
2%
Add a Photo

Photos

Fields of flowers.
Jun 7, 2016 near Carson, WA
Springtime hikes on Dog Mountain are always a treat.
Jun 7, 2016 near Carson, WA
Mount Saint Helens from the Tie Trail
Mar 15, 2018 near Carson, WA
View of the Columbia
May 29, 2015 near Carson, WA
Review of the Dog Mountain Hike with footage of its features and terrain.
May 12, 2024 near Carson, WA
Early morning mist on the Dog Mountain Trail
Mar 15, 2018 near Carson, WA

0 Comments

Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 78 days ago
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Check-Ins

Jun 12, 2023
Jared Stewart
Great views. Well used trail. 7.6mi — 4h 00m
May 28, 2023
Nick Graham
Beautiful hike. Took the most difficult route up, less difficult route down. Very windy at the top. 5.6mi — 2h 58m
May 21, 2023
Thomas Liddell
Apr 28, 2023
Craig B
Mar 26, 2023
Annika Jacobson
Snow ans wind at top micro spikes needed 7.2mi — 3h 29m
Jan 22, 2023
Sofiya Z
First time doing this route in the winter! The trail was dry up until the last mile, needed microspikes to summit. The top was very windy, as always! 6.5mi — 3h 47m
Jul 16, 2022
Amanda Charr
Feb 18, 2022
Emily R
Just a little snow, boots were fine. Trail was clear but for a few downed logs 6.5mi

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