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Dog Mountain Trail #147

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult
 4.5 (55) RECOMMENDED ROUTE
  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 55 votes

#1

in Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

#170

Overall
  4.5 from 55 votes
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56%
4 Star
42%
3 Star
2%
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1 Star
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Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Columbia River Gorge N…

#11

in Washington

#170

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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
Early morning mist on the Dog Mountain Trail
Mar 15, 2018 near Carson, WA
The tie trail in winter
Mar 15, 2018 near Carson, WA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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All Clear 5 days ago See History
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

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
Feb 6, 2022
River Bradley
6.3mi — 2h 43m
May 17, 2021
Henry Chu
Apr 18, 2021
Chris DeLucia
Jan 24, 2021
Jacob Bohigian
Oct 13, 2019
Kyle Soleil
6.8mi
Sep 7, 2019
Mia Arn

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