Dog Mountain: A perennial spring favorite

What is it?

Dog Mountain is one of the most popular spring hiking destinations in the entire region. Considered an annual pilgrimage by countless numbers of hikers, the upper meadows of the mountain explode with color in May and June. The trail is also an early season conditioning hike for those looking to summit cascade peaks later in the year. This 7 mile, 2900 foot elevation gain hike makes an excellent primer.

Why visit?

For many, there is tradition involved with hiking Dog Mountain. Generations have made this hike a Memorial Day weekend staple. For others, it's a celebration of spring featuring one of the best wildflower displays in the Gorge. Team all of that up with picturesque classic Gorge views, and you've got a recipe for a crowded parking lot. Indeed, if you're hiking Dog Mountain on a sunny May or June weekend, prepare to get acquainted with several of your outdoor loving neighbors. If you prefer to have the trail to yourself, leave early on a weekday.

Get there:

Take I-84 east to Cascade Locks exit 44. Cross the Bridge of the Gods and make a right onto SR 14. Drive 12 miles to mile marker 53.5 and look for the signed pull off on the left.

Note that there is still some road work being done in the area. Check the construction schedule and plan accordingly.

The hike begins at the far right end of the parking lot. Head up past the restrooms and begin climbing, and climbing, and climbing some more. After 0.5 mile, stay right at a junction, avoiding the "Old Trail". Continue another mile to the lower meadow viewpoint. If you've had enough, or are traveling with younger hikers, this is a great spot to have a snack and turn back. What you've just accomplished makes for a sturdy 3 mile, 1500 foot elevation gain option. If however it's the summit that is your destination, hike uphill another .5 mile until you rejoin the "Old Trail." Put in a half mile of steep climbing to reach the site of an old lookout tower and the beginning of the final ascent. The trail splits here; either way will reach the top. The trail to the left is far more scenic, however. One more .5 mile stretch and you've reached the summit.

To continue the loop, head down from the summit to a junction with the Augspurger trail. Turn right here and head down the mountain 1 mile to the only junction of the descent. Turn left and enjoy the gentle grade of the final 2.7 mile to the parking lot.

Further reading:

Curious Gorge by Scott Cook

For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com