Dog Mountain

Saved this hike for 5/31. Probably because it was late in the season, parking at the trailhead was not a problem, a permit from recreation.gov was still required but there was plenty of space when we arrived (~6:30 am, and when we made it back to the trailhead ~9 am. Took the "Difficult" way up for the views and we weren't disappointed! Balsamroot and more wildflowers along the way to the summit, views of Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens and the Columbia River Gorge. The only surprise: I was expecting more views at the summit to realize there were none! To note: remember to check all signs for permits and extras required. During the busy season there is a $5 required in addition to the NW Forest Pass/America the Beautiful, as well as a vehicle reservation to park at the trailhead (via recreation.gov).

Beautiful views! Such a great place for a springtime hike.

Extremely popular hike. Large crowds on the trail. Currently a trail permit is required. Limited parking at the trailhead, however, a shuttle bus still brings in very large crowds. Hike is rather short but steep. Above the treeline, it's often windy. Beautiful flowers in the spring. Toilets available near the trailhead.

Phew, what a hike! Pretty steep incline majority of the way up. First half in the woods, second half is open and although not a cliff, if you were to take a slip, you’d probably roll forever. Would be gorgeous in the spring after all the wildflowers bloom. When you get to the top, you can see a the tip of Mt. Hood.

Crazy packed if in peak months. Be sure to get permit beforehand or you will be sorely disappointed! But this is such a beautiful hike. Nearly 3k feet of elevation gain in a little over 3 miles if you take the Dog Mountain Trail. Epic wildflowers and beautiful views of the gorge, St. Helens, and Mt. Hood

One thing you gotta know about this trail is the sign “<— More Difficult / Less Difficult —>” That’s honestly an understatement (overstatement?) What the sign could say is either “<— No Views / Views —>” or “<— Solitude / Crowds —>” In other words, both are Difficult!! If you go left, you can avoid the crowds of people but you won’t have any views of the river and the gorge until you’re less than a mile from the summit. Go right if you want the views and don’t mind the foot traffic! It’s not necessarily less difficult in MHO. So ask yourself “Do I want to avoid people or do I want the views?” “<— Solitude / Views —>” Got it? 😃 When you get to the summit, don’t forget to take the trail a tad further to take a peak at Mt. Adams and to visit the makeshift shrine commemorating your achievement! Congrats on summiting Dog Mountain! ⛰🐶🙌🏻😎

That is not the trail for the beginners. It has a lot of ups, where you'll be out of breath. But if you have a basic training and are determined to reach the very top, and prepared to do frequent rest stops (allow for a hike at least 5 hours then) - go for it! You won't be disappointed! The nature along the hike is amazing, but when you reach the top, you'll be in awe!

Hiked on June 25th at high 90 temperature. It took about 3 hrs uphill and 2.5 hrs downhill. How hard is this trail? I saw this guy coming down twice on the way up and when I asked him how many times he did at the parking lot, he said he did it 3 times. It all depends on your fitness level. Wildflower season is over but the view at the lookout is still great. ~75 oz of water was way too much and about half of it should be enough.