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Dog Mountain via Dog Mountain Trail

Stevenson, Washington

4.5/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

6.53 miles

Elevation Gain

2858 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Angela Service

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount St. Helens from the Washington side on this 4-5 hour hike up Dog Mountain. The trail is amazing during wildflower season, but be sure to get there early or on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

The Dog Mountain trailhead is located halfway between Stevenson and Bingen. Look for the big signed parking area just after milepost 53 (Eastbound). The parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak wildflower season, so if you can go on a weekday that would be better.

There are 3 trails to the summit:

  • Augsberger trail is to the left of the parking area and is the most mellow. It has more viewpoints, but less shade. A good part of the trail is walking on rocks, both loose and in the ground, so good hiking boots with ankle support is helpful.

  • The 2 front side trails begin to the right of the parking area. You will pass a vault toilet on the way up and the only bathroom facilities offered. After .7 miles, the trail splits to a "More Difficult" (steeper) and "Less Difficult" option. The "Less Difficult" is about a mile longer, but more scenic. There is one viewpoint with a log bench to take in the view or rest before heading back into the treeline and up to the peak.

Once out of the second treeline, everything opens up, and Indian paintbrush, lupine, and mostly balsamroot, cover the steep mountainside. After enjoying the views, you can continue up to the summit, loop back down to the parking lot, or go back the way you came.

PERMITS:

  • A permit is required for Dog Mountain on weekends during wildflower season and Memorial Day.
  • A recreation pass is also required for parking.
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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers

Dog Mountain via Dog Mountain Trail Reviews

When you see the sign that says difficult and more difficult, believe it. Beautiful flowers and views. A winner

This gets the legs burning but it's really beautiful - starts wooded, then opens up to switchbacks exposed to the views of the valley

kills the calves but god is it amazing

Did this hike on a Wednesday and we got lucky there’s a couple of spot left for parking and I still see people coming in after sitting in the car for about 10min and then the parking was full lol. Start the hike around 12 the first .7 before the split off to choose the trails WAS freaking steep I would say got my legs and tight a little burn, at the point I almost gave up. I choose the more difficult trails and MANNNN it was steep. It took about 2 hour to get up to the summit and spend 30min up there the view up there is incredible and amazing. The hike down took me about an hour and half. So overall the hike was HARD but rewarding with amazing view, great for training your legs.

We got to the trailhead just before 7 am and still were met with an almost full parking lot and lots of people! However, we took the steeper route yesterday to avoid crowds and had the trail almost all to ourselves. The view was breathtaking and the wildflowers were unlike anything I've ever seen! So magical at the summit-- absolutely worth the sore legs.

We went the Friday before Memorial Day and the flowers were amazing. Peak time for this cold, wet year, but on a normal year you'll probably want to go before Memorial Day. The parking lot was full so we parked a half mile east in a pull out of SR14. Make sure to bring lunch to enjoy at the top.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Dog Mountain: The Steeper Route

Lower Starvation Ridge Loop

Mount Defiance

Warren and Lancaster Falls

Starvation Creek Falls

Wind Mountain