Wildflower Hikes on Dog Mountain
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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Dog Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the western Columbia River Gorge, partly for the massed bloom of balsamroots in May and because it offers serious hikers an excellent conditioning hike. During the height of hiking season (mid-April to mid-June), you'd need to arrive at the parking area by 8:30 am to find a parking spot, or better yet, take the shuttle bus from several locations to avoid the hassle of trolling for a parking place. There is no turn pocket or deceleration/acceleration lanes at the turn into the trailhead, so please slow down as you approach the trailhead and be attentive to stopped traffic and pedestrians around the turnoff. This is usually a spot where there are numerous traffic accidents and sometimes fatalities!
One of the draws that this trail has for wildflower enthusiasts is that one can observe numerous late spring species blooming near the trailhead and early spring wildflowers near the summit while hiking in late April to early May.
This can be done as a loop hike hiking the steeper Dog Mt. Trail up and the slightly easier on the knees Augsberger Trail down. This strenuous loop hike gains 2800' in a distance of about 3.5 miles, providing a full loop of 6.9 miles.
This trailhead requires a NW Forest Pass yearlong. There is a vault toilet at the trailhead. Keep dogs on leash for their safety as well as the safety of other hikers. Poison oak is common along the first mile or two of the trail, and rattlesnakes are regularly seen on warm days along the first mile of trail.
Dress appropriately for this hike and take water and food. I've hiked the trail with the trailhead basking in the 70 degree sunshine and then encountered snow and sleet at the summit! Carry a wind coat and wind pants for protection from the frequent, cold 30-50 mph winds at the top!
Dog Mt. Trail Map (Oregon Hikers)
Trail Description (Oregon Hikers)
Trail Information (Friends of the Gorge) - Note: One may need to click "Open Site in New Window" to get this link to open.
From Interstate 205 in Vancouver, turn east onto WA Highway SR-14, or from Interstate 84 eastbound, take the exit into Cascade Locks and cross the Columbia River at the Bridge of the Gods. At the north end of the bridge, turn east onto SR-14 and travel east through Stevenson and later on HomeValley. Pass by Wind Mountain and arrive at the parking lot near MP 53. The trailhead is poorly signed in advance, so kindly refrain from slamming on the brakes. Travel east until you can safely turn around. A number of traffic accidents have occurred on the highway at the trailhead due to people trying to make poorly planned turns across traffic!
From Hood River, cross the Columbia River via the Hood River Bridge, then turn west at the light onto SR-14. Travel west to turn into the parking lot at MP 53.
Comprehensive Plant List for Dog Mountain
The photo at right shows western springbeauty (Claytonia lanceolata) in bloom along the trail in meadows at the summit of Dog Mountain......May 4, 2011. This little beauty paints these upper meadows pink in late April and early May most years.
Online Resources:
Dog Mountain Trail System Permits: Recreation.gov - A Dog Mountain Trail System Vehicle Reservation is required weekends only from the last Saturday in April through the Junteenth holiday in June. Permits are required on Memorial Day and Juneteenth Day. The permits are required for the day of use and they do not guarantee a parking space at the trailhead. Permits will be available online from March 15 on. An additional batch of permits will be released three days prior to each permit date.
Dog Mountain Shuttle (2024) - Weekend Service April 26th-June 16th, 2024 with pick up and drop off locations and times noted on the website. The cost of the Dog Mountain Trail System Permit is included in their ride ticket. Shuttle riders do not need to order in advance.
Dog Mountain Trail #147: US Forest Service
Dog Mountain: US Forest Service
Dog Mountain Hike: OregonHikers.org - Contains most of the info you need to know about to hike this very popular trail system.
Dog Mountain: Washington Trails Association
Dog Mountain Loop: Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Augsperger Mountain Online Resources: The Dog Mountain Trail System Permits and Dog Mountain Shuttle apply for this hike which starts at the Dog Mountain Trailhead.
Augspurger Mountain: Friends of the Columbia Gorge
Augspurger Trail: Washington Trails Association
Augspurger Mountain Hike: OregonHikers.org
