Dog Mountain Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Dog Mountain Trailhead
- End point: Dog Mountain
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike type: Modified Loop
- Distance: 6.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 2820 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Seasons: Spring-Fall
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: Yes
Contents |
Hike Description
Dog Mountain is a popular hike due to its easy access in the Gorge, beautiful views, and relatively short distance. Don't let the distance and low elevation fool you, however, the trails are very steep and will require some fitness and perserverance. This loop is known for prime wildflower viewing in May and June, but hikes in the summer and fall are rewarding as well. For a moderate hike, you can walk 1.5 miles up to the viewpoint. For a more difficult hike to get you into shape for tougher climbs, go all the way to the summit and loop back down. It is even possible to continue to Augspurger Mountain from this hike.
Starting from the Dog Mountain trailhead, hike through the woods along trail 147 for 0.5 miles to a junction. The "more difficult" route veers left and the "less difficult" is off to the right. Follow the trail to the right as it travels up 1 mile to the lower viewpoint. Rest here and absorb the views of the Gorge if it's not too windy.
If you're headed for the summit, continue up the trail another 0.5 miles, where you will come to the junction where the old trail meets the new one. The trail gets steeper still as you proceed another 0.5 miles to an old fire lookout spot. Here, you can again appreciate the stunning views of the Oregon side of the Gorge.
The trail continues off to the left, towards a meadow notorious for being pummeled by high winds. At the top of the meadow there is a fire ring and a nice, flat area good for taking a snack break and celebrating the end of the uphill walking.
You can go back down the way you came, or, for a more interesting and slightly longer option, turn right at the junction for Augspurger Mountain. Follow this trail as it descends gently through lovely woods along an obviously less well-beaten path. In 1.1 miles, turn left to follow the Augspurger Mountain trail back to the trailhead. This trail occasionally opens up for some views of the valley floor to the west. It is easier on the legs and offers a quiet alternative to the busy Dog Mountain trail.
Maps
Fees, Regulations, etc.
A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park here.
Trip Reports
- Dog Mountain 11/5/06
- Dog Mountain in Bloom 5/17/06
- Bitten by the Rabid Winds of Dog 1/06
- (Click here to add your own)
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Anybody been up Dog Mountain Lately? 12/6/06
- (Click here to ask a question or start a conversation)
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland, by Paul Gerald
- 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, by William Sullivan
More Links
- See more information at NWHiker.com
Page Contributors
- jessbee (primary)
- Jim Sifferle