Difference between revisions of "Dog River Traverse Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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=== Regulations or Restrictions, etc. === | === Regulations or Restrictions, etc. === | ||
| − | * Northwest Forest Pass required at the [[Dog River Trailhead]]; it is not required at the [[Zigzag Trailhead]] | + | * Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at the [[Dog River Trailhead]]; it is not required at the [[Zigzag Trailhead]] |
{{TripReports|Dog River}} | {{TripReports|Dog River}} | ||
Revision as of 00:35, 10 September 2019
- Start point: Dog River Trailhead
- End point: Zigzag Trailhead
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Hike Type: Shuttle
- Distance: 7.1 miles One way
- Elevation gain: 1600 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: All
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Sure, with more options if you connect to Surveyor's Ridge
- Crowded: No
Contents |
Hike Description
This trail is well known as a mountain bikers trail, and is shunned by many hiking purists. However the mountain bikers have done a great job at maintaining the trail, and welcome hikers here. Since there are now so many biking options in the area, the cyclists are more dispersed and this trail gets much less damage than its earlier years.
This traverse hike offers a diverse arboreal variety that includes alders, larches, cedars, Douglas-firs, hemlocks and stately Ponderosa Pines. Views of Mount Hood are exceptional, with fall hiking providing spectacular swaths of golden larches.
This trip is best done as a shuttle, leaving a second vehicle or bike at the higher elevation Zigzag Trailhead, and starting the hike from the lower Dog River Trailhead. Both are located on Highway 35.
From the parking area, head uphill on the old road a short ways to find the trailhead on the right. The trail crosses Puppy Creek, turns south and 2 miles later, crosses Dog River on a wooden bridge. The route is mostly gentle southerly traverse climbing on the hillside through the changing forest. A wonderful rocky viewpoint area is available halfway along the hike. You will get expansive Hood River Valley views from Hood to Defiance. After almost 6 miles, you will reach a trail junction ( sign shown in photo). First go straight for a short distance to check out the viewpoint, then return to the crossroad and head downhill on the Zigzag trail which switchbacks continuously for a mile descent to the Zigzag Trailhead. Turning east at the last junction will connect you to the Surveyor's Ridge trail.
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
Regulations or Restrictions, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required at the Dog River Trailhead; it is not required at the Zigzag Trailhead
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Dog River
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Dog River
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Off the Beaten Trail by Matt Reeder
More Links
- NWHiker link
- Biking Link
- MHNF link with map
Contributors
- CFM (creator)