This is a FREE event MUST RSVP! We are super excited to be hiking Dog Mountain this week! We are meeting at the Trail Head Sunday September 25th at 8am, please be on time and communicate with Michelle regarding any issues or concerns. We asked that if you RSVP but can’t make it please notify Michelle via message or phone call so that the group isn’t waiting for participants that will not be there and we can get the hike going shortly after meet up. We asked that you leave your furry friends home for this hike, this keeps things simple and as predictable as possible for all participants. Please check out trail prep & fees/permit info below prior to meet up. Let’s hit the trail! 

SAFETY ~ SAFETY ~ SAFTEY

PLEASE BE AWARE THIS A VERY DIFFICULT HIKE! IF YOUR ABILTY TO COMPLETE THIS HIKE IS IN QUESTION FOR ANY REASON PLEASE DO NOT SIGN UP! REVIEWS ARE THE BEST WAY TO GET FEEDBACK ON DIFFUCLTY. I HAVE NEVER HIKED THIS TRAIL BUT I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY EVERYONE WHO HAS DONE IT THAT IT IS EXTREMELY CHALLENGING!

This is one of the most popular, but also most strenuous hikes in the Gorge. Be prepared for steep grades and potentially dramatic weather changes as you approach the summit.

This trail is best known for the dramatic yellow balsamroot and other native wildflowers that blanket Dog Mountain’s high meadow from April to June, but its spectacular panoramas of the Gorge reward hikers throughout summer and fall.

The trail climbs steeply for the first half mile before reaching a split in Dog Mountain Trail. Those who head west will pass through old growth trees along the original, steeper trail. About a mile into the east leg, hikers will encounter a lower meadow nicknamed “Puppy Dog” which overlooks the Columbia River as it meanders past Wind Mountain. Directly across the river, Starvation Creek Falls is visible to the left, as is the summit of Mount Defiance. This is a good picnic spot or turnaround point for a shorter hike.

Those who continue to the upper meadow will find the rest of the hike very open. On a clear day, the Columbia River can be seen winding through the Gorge in both directions, with Mt. Hood towering to the south and Mount St. Helens looming on the northwest horizon. On rainy days, hikers can sometimes find themselves above the clouds.

Meet up location: Dog Mountain Trail Head https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dog+Mountain+Trail/@45.713584,-121.7225845,14z/data=!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sdog+mountain+oregon!3m5!1s0x54960a66933a3b5f:0xd04dd4a086009cc5!8m2!3d45.6992035!4d-121.7079899!15sChNkb2cgbW91bnRhaW4gb3JlZ29ukgELaGlraW5nX2FyZWHgAQA

Parking: Fee $5 Buy ePass or NW Forest Pass or valid federal recreation pass accepted in lieu of fee at Dog Mountain Trailhead.

Required Equipment: Water & snacks, lunch if you would like. Plenty of water! I recommend at least half your body weight in ounces. Proper hiking shoes & clothing that are weather appropriate. So far the forecast is showing clear with a high of 74. I recommended layers, as it will be cooler at the start of the hike. Please keep in mind the weather can change dramatically from day today here in the northwest, I will be caring a thin water proof jacket just in case.

Recommended Equipment: Walking stick, sunglasses, camera