Difference between revisions of "Dog Mountain Loop Hike"

Revision as of 17:05, 17 April 2021

Balsamroot blooming on Dog Mountain (Steve Hart)

On the Augspurger Mountain Trail in the spring (bobcat)

Harsh paintbrush (Castilleja hispida), Augspurger Trail (bobcat)

Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), Augspurger Trail (bobcat)

Hikers on the Dog Mountain Trail (bobcat)

Spotted coral root (Corallorhiza maculata), Dog Mountain (bobcat)

Map of the Route

Start point: Dog Mountain Trailhead
End point: Dog Mountain
Trail Log: Trail Log
Hike Type: Loop
Distance: 7.4 miles
Elevation gain: 2800 feet
High point: 2,948 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Seasons: Year round, except during winter storms
Family Friendly: No
Backpackable: No
Crowded: Yes, especially in spring and summer

Poison-Oak

Rattlesnakes

Ticks

This hike starts at the Dog Mountain Trailhead but takes a gentler loop using the Augspurger Trail to reach the summit. Breaks in the tree cover on this western slope of Dog Mountain offer views over the small lakes of the Collins Creek basin to Wind Mountain. This loop is known for prime wildflower viewing in May and June, when the upper slopes erupt in a blazing carpet of blooming balsamroot, with lupine and paintbrush in accompaniment. However, hikes in the summer and fall are rewarding as well; in winter, there is often snow on the summit but the route is uncrowded and wind sculpted ice formations can be a surprise treat. Be prepared for freezing, flesh-penetrating winds, however!

This hike is extremely popular and the parking area fills early. To avoid frustration, even on weekdays, try to arrive before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. between March and July. There's a weekend permit system in place between March 31st and July 1st.

The Augspurger Trail #4407 starts climbing immediately out of the parking lot. Poison oak lines the trail as you head up into Douglas-fir woods and then a mixed forest that includes oak and big-leaf maple. At a scree slope, you'll get a vista down to Grant Lake and across the Columbia River to Shellrock Mountain. From the next scree slope, a woodland dotted with small lakes can be seen below, while Wind Mountain looms behind. Pass a couple more openings with similar views. Trailside, there are wildflowers galore, especially cryptantha, white western groundsel, thread-leaf phacelia, ball-head cluster lily, and nine-leaf desert-parsley. Then come to deeper Douglas-fir woods with Oregon grape, fringe-cup, star flower, and hazel in the understory. The trail rises consistently in this long traverse. Cross another open scree slope, and then reenter the woods to make two switchbacks. After you round the nose of the ridge, you'll come to the junction with the Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail.

Turn right, and cross small meadows of balsamroot, larkspur, and white western groundsel. The trail reenters woods to ascend a ridge where the tread can be muddy. At an opening above a steep meadow, you'll look down on Wind Mountain and then switchback up in Douglas-fir/silver fir woods with a few noble firs. The trail switchbacks again and traverses across the open south flank of Dog Mountain in glorious flower meadows dominated by balsamroot. Mount Defiance, which retains patches of snow late into the spring, lies across the way. Balsamroot, larkspur, paintbrush, rock penny cress, prairie star, buttercup, phlox, blue-eyed Mary, chickweed, long-spurred violet, and chocolate lily flower on this slope. Come to a signed junction with the Summit Loop Trail, and make a left to reach the top of the meadow with its commanding views. Look for a short spur that leads into the trees here to find the real, but viewless, summit of Dog Mountain.

To continue on the loop, follow the trail across the top of the meadow to where it swings into the woods on the east slope of Dog Mountain. The trail switchbacks, descends, and switchbacks again on a forested ridge. This section of trail all the way to the parking lot was the route of the old Cascade Crest Trail, which became the Pacific Crest Trail, until that trail was rerouted from the Bridge of the Gods. You'll emerge from the woods at Puppy Dog Lookout, once the site of a fire lookout. Here, you can again appreciate the stunning views of the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. From the lookout site, descend a balsamroot meadow, and switchback three times in shady woods to reach the junction. You have a choice here: the shorter, steeper, entirely forested option is to your right; the more scenic but longer route is to your left.

Taking the longer route (to your left), gradually descend to reach a clearing with spring-blooming blooming serviceberry, rosy plectritis, death-camas, and prairie star. Emerge at the trail's lower viewpoint to get more sweeping Gorge views. Then continue to switchback down through woods of Oregon white oak, Douglas-fir, and big-leaf maple. Poison oak abounds here. Eventually, you'll reach the lower junction with the shortcut option and keep left.

Switchback down in oak woods. Trailside blooms include ball-head cluster lily, lupine, and cryptantha. The trail makes many tighter switchbacks as ponderosa pines appear among the oaks. Finally, you'll walk past a restroom, picnic table and information kiosk into the parking area.

Maps

Maps: Hike Finder
Green Trails Maps: Hood River, OR #430
Green Trails Maps: Columbia River Gorge - West #428S
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management: Columbia River Gorge
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mt. Adams Ranger District
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Gifford Pinchot National Forest
National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Fees, Regulations, etc.

Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required to park at the Dog Mountain Trailhead.
On weekends from March 31st to July 1st, a trail permit for each hiker ($1.50) is required in addition to the Northwest Forest Pass; order in advance at Recreation.gov. Only 165 permits are available per day for those using the parking area at Dog Mountain Trailhead. Permits can be purchased 6 months in advance.
Those taking the shuttle service have the cost of the permit included in the their ticket; shuttle users do not need to order in advance.
Restroom, picnic table, information kiosk
$2 toll each way at the Bridge of the Gods

Trip Reports

Search Trip Reports for Dog Mountain

Dog Mountain

Related Discussions / Q&A

Search Trail Q&A for Dog Mountain

Guidebooks that cover this hike

Day Hikes in the Columbia Gorge by Don J. Scarmuzzi
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland by Paul Gerald
PDX Hiking 365 by Matt Reeder
Pacific Northwest Hiking by Craig Hill & Matt Wastradowski
Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region by George Wuerthner
Best Wildflower Hikes: Washington by Art Kruckeberg with Karen Sykes & Craig Romano
100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington by William L. Sullivan
Trips & Trails: Oregon by William L. Sullivan
Oregon Favorites: Trails & Tales by William L. Sullivan
Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver by Douglas Lorain
Best Outdoor Adventures Near Portland, Oregon by Adam Sawyer
Take a Hike: Portland by Barbara I. Bond
Day Hiking: Columbia Gorge by Craig Romano
100 Classic Hikes: Washington by Craig Romano
Curious Gorge by Scott Cook
Hiking the Columbia River Gorge by Russ Schneider; revised by Jim Yuskavitch
Day Hike! Columbia Gorge by Seabury Blair, Jr.
Columbia Gorge Getaways by Laura O. Foster
Columbia River Gorge: 42 Scenic Hikes by Don & Roberta Lowe
35 Hiking Trails: Columbia River Gorge by Don & Roberta Lowe
70 Virtual Hikes of the Columbia River Gorge by Northwest Hiker
95 Virtual Hikes of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument by Northwest Hiker
Washington Hiking by Scott Leonard
Washington's Columbia Riveer Gorge: Camping & Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Scott Leonard
Pacific Northwest Hiking by Scott Leonard & Sean Patrick Hill
Best Trail Runs: Portland, Oregon by Adam W. Chase, Nancy Hobbs, & Yassine Dibboun

Page Contributors

Stevefromdodge (creator)

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+[[Category:Southwest Washington]]
+[[Category:Gifford Pinchot National Forest]]
 [[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]
-[[Category:Difficult Hikes]]
+[[Category:Moderate Hikes]]
 [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]]
 [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]]
+[[Category:Crowded Hikes]]
+[[Category:All Season Hikes]]
+[[Category:Loop Hikes]]
 [[Category:Hikes]]
 [[Image:Dog-BR1.JPG|thumb|400px|Balsamroot blooming on Dog Mountain ''(Steve Hart)'']]
-[[Image:AugspergerTrail.jpg|thumb|188px|The Augspurger Mountain Trail in the fall ''(Jess Beauchemin)'']]
+[[Image:Augspurger Trail, Dog Mountain.jpg|thumb|250px|On the Augspurger Mountain Trail in the spring ''(bobcat)'']]
-[[Image:MtHoodfromDogMtn.jpg|thumb|250px|The summit of Dog Mountain ''(Steve Hart)'']]
+[[Image:Harsh paintbrush - orange form (Castilleja hispida) , Dog Mountain.jpg|thumb|250px|Harsh paintbrush ''(Castilleja hispida)'', Augspurger Trail ''(bobcat)'']]
-[[Image:Map.jpg|thumb|250px|Insert map image here]]
+[[Image:Red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), Dog Mountain.jpg|thumb|250px|Red elderberry ''(Sambucus racemosa)'', Augspurger Trail ''(bobcat)'']]
+[[Image:Hikers on Dog Mountain.jpg|thumb|250px|Hikers on the Dog Mountain Trail ''(bobcat)'']]
+[[Image:Spotted coral root (Corallorhiza maculata), Dog Mountain.jpg|thumb|160px|Spotted coral root ''(Corallorhiza maculata)'', Dog Mountain ''(bobcat)'']]
+[[Image:Dog Mountain Loop.jpg|thumb|400px|Map of the Route]]
 {{Start point|Dog Mountain Trailhead}}
-* End point:[[Dog Mountain]]
+* End point: [[Dog Mountain]]
 * Trail Log: [[Dog Mountain Loop Hike/Log | Trail Log]]
 * Hike Type: Loop
-{{Distance|}}
+{{Distance|7.4 miles}}
 {{Elevation gain|2800 feet}}
-{{Difficulty|Difficult}}
+* High point: 2,948 feet
+{{Difficulty|Moderate}}
 * Seasons: Year round, except during winter storms
 * Family Friendly: No
 * Backpackable: No
-* Crowded: Yes
+* Crowded: Yes, especially in spring and summer
+{{Hazards|t=y|p=y|s=y}}
 === Hike Description ===
-This hike starts at the [[Dog Mountain Trailhead]], but not on the Dog Mountain Trail. Instead, start on the Augspurger Trail.
+This hike starts at the [[Dog Mountain Trailhead]] but takes a gentler loop using the Augspurger Trail to reach the summit. Breaks in the tree cover on this western slope of [[Dog Mountain]] offer views over the small lakes of the Collins Creek basin to [[Wind Mountain]]. This loop is known for prime wildflower viewing in May and June, when the upper slopes erupt in a blazing carpet of blooming balsamroot, with lupine and paintbrush in accompaniment. However, hikes in the summer and fall are rewarding as well; in winter, there is often snow on the summit but the route is uncrowded and wind sculpted ice formations can be a surprise treat. Be prepared for freezing, flesh-penetrating winds, however!
+<b><font color=red>This hike is extremely popular and the parking area fills early. To avoid frustration, even on weekdays, try to arrive before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. between March and July. There's a weekend permit system in place between March 31st and July 1st.</font color></b>
+The Augspurger Trail #4407 starts climbing immediately out of the parking lot. Poison oak lines the trail as you head up into Douglas-fir woods and then a mixed forest that includes oak and big-leaf maple. At a scree slope, you'll get a vista down to [[Grant Lake Viewpoint|Grant Lake]] and across the Columbia River to [[Shellrock Mountain (Columbia Gorge)|Shellrock Mountain]]. From the next scree slope, a woodland dotted with small lakes can be seen below, while [[Wind Mountain]] looms behind. Pass a couple more openings with similar views. Trailside, there are wildflowers galore, especially cryptantha, white western groundsel, thread-leaf phacelia, ball-head cluster lily, and nine-leaf desert-parsley. Then come to deeper Douglas-fir woods with Oregon grape, fringe-cup, star flower, and hazel in the understory. The trail rises consistently in this long traverse. Cross another open scree slope, and then reenter the woods to make two switchbacks. After you round the nose of the ridge, you'll come to the junction with the [[Augspurger-Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail Junction|Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail]].
+Turn right, and cross small meadows of balsamroot, larkspur, and white western groundsel. The trail reenters woods to ascend a ridge where the tread can be muddy. At an opening above a steep meadow, you'll look down on [[Wind Mountain]] and then switchback up in Douglas-fir/silver fir woods with a few noble firs. The trail switchbacks again and traverses across the open south flank of [[Dog Mountain]] in glorious flower meadows dominated by balsamroot. [[Mount Defiance]], which retains patches of snow late into the spring, lies across the way. Balsamroot, larkspur, paintbrush, rock penny cress, prairie star, buttercup, phlox, blue-eyed Mary, chickweed, long-spurred violet, and chocolate lily flower on this slope. Come to a signed junction with the [[Dog Mountain-Dog Mountain Summit Loop Upper Trail Junction|Summit Loop Trail]], and make a left to reach the top of the meadow with its commanding views. Look for a short spur that leads into the trees here to find the real, but viewless, summit of [[Dog Mountain]].
+To continue on the loop, follow the trail across the top of the meadow to where it swings into the woods on the east slope of [[Dog Mountain]]. The trail switchbacks, descends, and switchbacks again on a forested ridge. This section of trail all the way to the parking lot was the route of the old Cascade Crest Trail, which became the Pacific Crest Trail, until that trail was rerouted from the [[Bridge of the Gods]]. You'll emerge from the woods at [[Puppy Dog Lookout]], once the site of a fire lookout. Here, you can again appreciate the stunning views of the Oregon side of the [[Columbia River Gorge]].  From the lookout site, descend a balsamroot meadow, and switchback three times in shady woods to reach the [[Dog Mountain Upper Trail Junction|junction]]. You have a choice here: the shorter, steeper, entirely forested option is to your right; the more scenic but longer route is to your left.
+Taking the longer route (to your left), gradually descend to reach a clearing with spring-blooming blooming serviceberry, rosy plectritis, death-camas, and prairie star. Emerge at the trail's [[Dog Mountain Lower Viewpoint|lower viewpoint]] to get more sweeping Gorge views. Then continue to switchback down through woods of Oregon white oak, Douglas-fir, and big-leaf maple. Poison oak abounds here. Eventually, you'll reach the [[Dog Mountain Lower Trail Junction|lower junction]] with the shortcut option and keep left.
+Switchback down in oak woods. Trailside blooms include ball-head cluster lily, lupine, and cryptantha. The trail makes many tighter switchbacks as ponderosa pines appear among the oaks. Finally, you'll walk past a restroom, picnic table and information kiosk into the parking area.
-The Augspurger Trail (#4407) starts climbing immediately out of the parking lot. You'll cross a talus slope or two and there are views of [[Wind Mountain]] and the [[Columbia River Gorge|Columbia River]] to the west. After 2.8 miles and about 2200 feet of elevation gain, you'll come to a junction with the Dog Mountain Trail. Turn right on to the Dog Mountain Trail and you'll soon break out into Dog Mountain's Summit Meadows. These meadows are filled with amazing flower displays in late May and early June. Continue up the Dog Mountain Trail 1.1 miles to a signed junction with the Summit Loop Trail. Turn left and continue upward on the Summit Loop Trail for about 1/10 of a mile to the summit of [[Dog Mountain]].
-From the summit, there are several ways back down. You can return the way you came. You can continue forward on the Summit Loop Trail directly to Puppy Dog Lookout. For the best views though, backtrack down the Summit Loop Trail to the junction with Dog Mountain Trail. Head downhill toward the south, and you'll spend the most time the flower garden views. About a half mile from the top, you'll reach [[Puppy Dog Lookout]], once the site of a fire lookout at about 2500 feet. Turn to the right and continue down Dog Mountain trail into the forest. At an unsigned [[Dog Mountain Upper Trail Junction|trail junction]] with the "more difficult" trail, continue straight down the "less difficult" trail. You'll pass a [[Dog Mountain Lower Viewpoint|lower viewpoint ]]at about 1600 feet and the [[Dog Mountain Lower Trail Junction|lower end]] of the more difficult trail at about 700 feet. The last half mile is heavily infested with poison oak, but the trail is wide and it's easy to avoid.
 === Maps ===
-{{HikeMaps|latitude=45.70885|longitude=-121.70684}}
+{{HikeMaps|latitude=45.7157|longitude=-121.7009}}
+* Green Trails Maps: ''Hood River, OR #430''
+* Green Trails Maps: ''Columbia River Gorge - West #428S''
+* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management: ''Columbia River Gorge''
+* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Mt. Adams Ranger District''
+* U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Gifford Pinchot National Forest''
+* National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area''
 === Fees, Regulations, etc. ===
-* A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park here.
+* Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required to park at the [[Dog Mountain Trailhead]].
+* On weekends from March 31st to July 1st, a trail permit for each hiker ($1.50) is required in addition to the Northwest Forest Pass; order in advance at [https://www.recreation.gov/tourDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=158592&tourId=477321&cat=1  Recreation.gov]. Only 165 permits are available per day for those using the parking area at [[Dog Mountain Trailhead]]. Permits can be purchased 6 months in advance.
+* Those taking [http://www.gorgetranslink.com/regional-carson-stevenson-vancouver.html  the shuttle service] have the cost of the permit included in the their ticket; shuttle users do not need to order in advance.
+* Restroom, picnic table, information kiosk
+* $2 toll each way at the [[Bridge of the Gods]]
-{{TripReports|{{PAGENAME}}}}
+{{TripReports|Dog Mountain}}
-* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/17893.aspx Dog Mountain 5-17-07]
+* [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=29593  Dog Mountain]
-* [http://www.jessb.org/blog/?p=115 Dog Mountain 11/5/06]
-* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/2970.aspx Dog Mountain in Bloom 5/17/06]
-* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/501.aspx Bitten by the Rabid Winds of Dog 1/06]
-* (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=8 here] to add your own)
-{{RelatedDiscussions|{{PAGENAME}}}}
+{{RelatedDiscussions|Dog Mountain}}
-* [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/thread/10449.aspx Anybody been up Dog Mountain Lately? 12/6/06]
-* (Click [http://portlandhikers.com/forums/AddPost.aspx?ForumID=141 here] to ask a question or start a conversation)
 === Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
-* ''60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Portland'', by Paul Gerald
+* ''Day Hikes in the Columbia Gorge'' by Don J. Scarmuzzi
-* ''100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington'', by William Sullivan
+* ''60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Portland'' by Paul Gerald
+* ''PDX Hiking 365'' by Matt Reeder
+* ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Craig Hill & Matt Wastradowski
+* ''Oregon's Best Wildflower Hikes: Northwest Region'' by George Wuerthner
+* ''Best Wildflower Hikes: Washington'' by Art Kruckeberg with Karen Sykes & Craig Romano
+* ''100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon & Southwest Washington'' by William L. Sullivan
+* ''Trips & Trails: Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan
+* ''Oregon Favorites: Trails & Tales'' by William L. Sullivan
+* ''Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver'' by Douglas Lorain
+* ''Best Outdoor Adventures Near Portland, Oregon'' by Adam Sawyer
+* ''Take a Hike: Portland'' by Barbara I. Bond
+* ''Day Hiking: Columbia Gorge'' by Craig Romano
+* ''100 Classic Hikes: Washington'' by Craig Romano
+* ''Curious Gorge'' by Scott Cook
+* ''Hiking the Columbia River Gorge'' by Russ Schneider; revised by Jim Yuskavitch
+* ''Day Hike! Columbia Gorge'' by Seabury Blair, Jr.
+* ''Columbia Gorge Getaways'' by Laura O. Foster
+* ''Columbia River Gorge: 42 Scenic Hikes'' by Don & Roberta Lowe
+* ''35 Hiking Trails: Columbia River Gorge'' by Don & Roberta Lowe
+* ''70 Virtual Hikes of the Columbia River Gorge'' by Northwest Hiker
+* ''95 Virtual Hikes of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the Mt. St. Helens National Volcanic Monument'' by Northwest Hiker
+* ''Washington Hiking'' by Scott Leonard
+* ''Washington's Columbia Riveer Gorge: Camping & Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra & Scott Leonard
+* ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard & Sean Patrick Hill
+* ''Best Trail Runs: Portland, Oregon'' by Adam W. Chase, Nancy Hobbs, & Yassine Dibboun
 === More Links ===
-* See more information at [http://nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike48.html NWHiker.com]
+* [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29900  Dog Mountain Trail (#147) (USFS)]
+* [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29878  Augspurger Trail (#4407) (USFS)]
+* [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29904  Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail (USFS)]
+* [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29902  Dog Mountain (USFS)]
+* [https://gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/dog-mountain-loop.html  Dog Mountain Loop (Friends of the Columbia Gorge)]
+* [https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dog-mountain  Dog Mountain (Washington Trails Association)]
+* [https://paulgerald.com/portland-hikes/dog-mountain-a-classic-but-crowded-columbia-gorge-hike/  Dog Mountain: A Classic, but Crowded, Columbia Gorge Hike (Paul Gerald)]
+* [http://nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike48.html  Dog Mountain Hike (Northwest Hiker)]
+* [http://www.jessb.org/blog/?p=115  Dog Mountain 11/5/06 (jessB)]
+* [https://www.hikeoregon.net/dog-mountain.html  Dog Mountain (Hike Oregon)]
+* [https://www.outdoorproject.com/united-states/washington/dog-mountain-hiking-loop  Dog Mountain Hiking Loop (Outdoor Project)]
+* [https://localadventurer.com/dog-mountain-hike-washington/  Dog Mountain Hike (Local Adventurer)]
+* [https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/columbia-river-gorge-hikes/dog-mountain-hike/  Dog Mountain Hike (Hiking Guy)]
+* [http://oregonwildflowers.org/viewlocation.php?ID=3  Dog Mountain (OregonWildflowers.org)]
+* [https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/travel/outdoors/2019/03/02/dog-mountain-hike-permits-columbia-river-gorge-hike-parking/3039618002/  "Permits again required for iconic Dog Mountain wildflower hike in Columbia Gorge" (Statesman Journal)]
 === Page Contributors ===
 * [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator)

Difference between revisions of "Dog Mountain Loop Hike"

Difference between revisions of "Dog Mountain Loop Hike"

From Oregon Hikers Field Guide

Revision as of 17:05, 17 April 2021

Contents

Hike Description

Maps

Fees, Regulations, etc.

Trip Reports

Related Discussions / Q&A

Guidebooks that cover this hike

More Links

Page Contributors