{"id":33735,"date":"2023-06-16T23:32:46","date_gmt":"2023-06-16T21:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/?p=33735"},"modified":"2026-05-20T00:13:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T22:13:06","slug":"dog-mountain-trail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiking Dog Mountain Trail, Washington State: 10 things you need to know before you go"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Are you planning to hike Dog Mountain Trail to <strong>see the expansive wildflower meadows and panoramic vistas of the Columbia River Gorge<\/strong>? Dog Mountain is an <strong>extremely popular hike, especially in spring<\/strong> when the yellow balsamroot is in peak bloom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABDgAAALQAQMAAABPGVIZAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAHZJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20ND6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgBcDfo8AAdwjm2gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain wildflower meadows in spring\"  class=\"wp-image-33705 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-13.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-13.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-13-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-13-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-13-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dog Mountain&#8217;s meadows turn into a yellow carpet of wildflowers in spring.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t let popularity fool you: <strong>Dog Mountain is considered one of the most challenging hikes<\/strong> within the Portland Metro and Columbia River area. So you&#8217;d better come prepared. In this article, I tell you <strong>everything you need to know before hiking Dog Mountain<\/strong>, Washington State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#eeeeee;font-size:15px\"><em><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong>:<em>&nbsp;This blog post contains some affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase &#8211; at no extra cost to you! This way, I can keep producing comprehensive blog posts, free guides, and travel resources for my readers. Learn more about my affiliate policy&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/datenschutz\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>here<\/strong><\/a>. Thank you for the support!<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Inhaltsverzeichnis | Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a290e6d93773\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #00a499;color:#00a499\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #00a499;color:#00a499\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a290e6d93773\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#1-how-to-get-to-dog-mountain-trailhead\" >#1 How to get to Dog Mountain Trailhead?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#distance-driving-time-to-dog-mountain-from\" >Distance &amp; driving time to Dog Mountain from:<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#2-permits-parking-fees\" >#2 Permits, parking &amp; fees<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#permits-spring-wildflower-season-2026\" >Permits spring wildflower season 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#parking-at-dog-mountain-trailhead\" >Parking at Dog Mountain Trailhead<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#parking-fees\" >Parking fees<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#how-to-avoid-parking-struggles-and-permits-for-dog-mountain-trail\" >How to avoid parking struggles and permits for Dog Mountain Trail?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#3-dog-mountain-trail-stats\" >#3 Dog Mountain trail stats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#4-hiking-dog-mountain\" >#4 Hiking Dog Mountain<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#part-1-hiking-through-the-forest\" >Part 1: Hiking through the forest<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#first-viewpoint\" >First viewpoint<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#part-2-wildflower-meadows\" >Part 2: Wildflower meadows<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#part-3-dog-mountain-summit\" >Part 3: Dog Mountain Summit<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#5-what-to-wear-on-dog-mountain-trail\" >#5 What to wear on Dog Mountain Trail?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#6-any-animals-on-dog-mountain-besides-%f0%9f%90%95\" >#6 Any animals on Dog Mountain besides &#x1f415;?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#7-best-months-to-hike-dog-mountain-trail\" >#7 Best months to hike Dog Mountain Trail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#8-best-time-of-the-day-to-hike-dog-mountain\" >#8 Best time of the day to hike Dog Mountain<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#9-facts-about-dog-mountain-trail\" >#9 Facts about Dog Mountain Trail<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#10-trail-netiquette\" >#10 Trail Netiquette<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#things-to-do-nearby\" >Things to do nearby<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1-how-to-get-to-dog-mountain-trailhead\"><\/span>#1 How to get to Dog Mountain Trailhead?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The good news: Dog Mountain Trail is <strong>easily accessible<\/strong>, only <strong>1 hr away from Portland, Oregon<\/strong>. The <strong>trailhead<\/strong> is located <strong>right off Lewis and Clark Highway (Highway 14)<\/strong> on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. There is a <strong>parking lot with space for ~70 cars<\/strong>, not too bad for Gorge conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"distance-driving-time-to-dog-mountain-from\"><\/span>Distance &amp; driving time to Dog Mountain from:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Portland, Oregon: <\/strong>55 mi \/ 90 km, 1 hr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Eugene, Oregon: <\/strong>165 mi \/ 265 km, 2.5 hrs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seattle, Washington:<\/strong> 215 mi \/ 346 km, 4hrs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Olympia, Washington: <\/strong>155 mi \/250 km, 2.5 hrs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABDgAAALQAQMAAABPGVIZAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAHZJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20ND6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgBcDfo8AAdwjm2gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Hiking Dog Mountain, Washington State, USA\"  class=\"wp-image-33711 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-16.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-16.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-16-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-16-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-16-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">This view draws thousands of hikers to Dog Mountain in Washington State.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2-permits-parking-fees\"><\/span>#2 Permits, parking &amp; fees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"permits-spring-wildflower-season-2026\"><\/span>Permits spring wildflower season 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>During <strong>peak wildflower season, <\/strong>permits are required. In 2026, you need to get a permit through the Dog Mountain Trail System for weekends (Saturday and Sunday) between <strong>April 11 and June 7<\/strong>, including Memorial Day, May 25. You need to obtain one permit per vehicle through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.recreation.gov\/timed-entry\/10091444\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Recreation.gov<\/a> and pay the <strong>non-refundable $2 reservation fee<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The permit is <strong>valid for one day<\/strong> and allows you to <strong>enter at any time of the day you reserved<\/strong>. From what I have heard, rangers are present to check permits. So make sure you have it printed or on your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"parking-at-dog-mountain-trailhead\"><\/span>Parking at Dog Mountain Trailhead<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note that the timed-entry permit does <strong>not guarantee a parking spot at the trailhead<\/strong>. If the lot is full, there is a little more space a couple of feet down the road. Don\u2019t park your car outside of designated parking lots or along Highway 14, as you will get towed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"870\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAANmAQMAAACrCyL8AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAJJJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD+BvA7AAGTZkFsAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain trail sign\"  class=\"wp-image-31628 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-1-1160x870.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-1-1160x870.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-1-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-1-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-1-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-1.jpg 1280w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"parking-fees\"><\/span>Parking fees<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to the timed-entry tickets on weekends, a <strong>daily, per-vehicle fee of $5 is required anytime<\/strong>. You can buy them on-site, through recreation.gov, or use your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/prdlink\/mFoazwcVkz\">Northwest Forest Pass<\/a><\/strong> or <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockpor.ch\/prd\/LkrbLGrzbP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener sponsored nofollow\">America the Beautiful Pass<\/a><\/strong> by displaying it on your windshield.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/app.rockpor.ch\/embed\/prd\/LkrbLGrzbP\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;min-height:320px;\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/app.rockpor.ch\/embed\/prd\/mFoazwcVkz\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"\" style=\"width:100%;height:100%;min-height:320px;\"><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how-to-avoid-parking-struggles-and-permits-for-dog-mountain-trail\"><\/span>How to avoid parking struggles and permits for Dog Mountain Trail?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In case you don\u2019t want to deal with any of the above, you have 3 options:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol style=\"list-style-type:1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If you don&#8217;t care about the wildflowers too much, <strong>Hike Dog Mountain Trail outside the busy season<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>During the busy season, <strong>hike Dog Mountain Trail on a weekday<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OR: <strong>Use the FREE Dog Mountain shuttle <\/strong>from Stevenson!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>The Columbia Area Transit (CAT) provides <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ridecatbus.org\/dog-mountain-shuttle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free shuttle service<\/a> on weekends during the busy season<\/strong> (departs at Skamania County Fairgrounds gravel parking lot at <a href=\"https:\/\/share.google\/lQ3nQkptPvGPyQJQj\">518 SW Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best part: They will <strong>provide you with a FREE daily permit for the Dog Mountain Trail System,<\/strong> and you do not need to purchase one upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"810\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"33725\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAyoAAAQ4AQMAAADcvrqaAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAINJREFUeNrtwYEAAAAAw6D5U1\/hAFUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACvAbKXAAG2tO6PAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Panorama view from Dog Mountain\"  class=\"wp-image-33725 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-23.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-23.jpg 810w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-23-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-23-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-23-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-23-560x747.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"864\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"33717\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAA2AAAAQ4AQMAAABVJi3zAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAIlJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA+BsvnAAFL\/uWrAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Hiking through spwing wildflower meadows on Dog Mountain\"  class=\"wp-image-33717 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-19.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-19.jpg 864w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-19-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-19-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-19-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-19-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3-dog-mountain-trail-stats\"><\/span>#3 Dog Mountain trail stats<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Distance: <\/strong>7.6 miles \/ 12 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Elevation: <\/strong>2,988 ft \/ 911 m<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Trail type: <\/strong>loop trail or out &amp; back (depending on what you choose)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Difficulty: <\/strong>challenging<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Features: <\/strong>meadows of wildflowers on steep hills, Gorge(ous views) between Puppy Dog viewpoint and the summit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Location: <\/strong>Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area near Carson<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Parking pass\/fee: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/prdlink\/mFoazwcVkz\">NW Forest Pass<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockpor.ch\/prd\/LkrbLGrzbP\">America the Beautiful Pass<\/a> and permits on weekends between April and June (<a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/#2-permits-parking-fees\">see seasonal details here<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pets: <\/strong>Dogs on a leash are welcome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4-hiking-dog-mountain\"><\/span>#4 Hiking Dog Mountain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>No sugar-coating here! Dog Mountain Trail is a <strong>leg-burne<\/strong>r! And the trail <strong>starts out pretty steep<\/strong>, you will feel your hamstrings and calves right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"part-1-hiking-through-the-forest\"><\/span>Part 1: Hiking through the forest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After 0.6 mi (1 km), you get to a <strong>fork directing to a \u201edifficult\u201c and a \u201emore difficult\u201c route<\/strong>. This sign is no joke! Most people opt for the more difficult route up and the \u201edifficult\u201c down to get to the summit faster and save their knees on their way down. This also allows you to <strong>hike the loop trail <\/strong>(which I always prefer over in &amp; out). I&#8217;ve done both trails and would choose this option again. Also, you won&#8217;t miss any of the wildflowers either way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"810\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"33701\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAyoAAAQ4AQMAAADcvrqaAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAINJREFUeNrtwYEAAAAAw6D5U1\/hAFUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACvAbKXAAG2tO6PAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain trail sign difficult or more difficult?\"  class=\"wp-image-33701 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-11.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-11.jpg 810w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-11-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-11-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-11-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-11-560x747.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Which route would you choose?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"810\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"33695\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAyoAAAQ4AQMAAADcvrqaAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAINJREFUeNrtwYEAAAAAw6D5U1\/hAFUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACvAbKXAAG2tO6PAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Hiking through shady forest of Dog Mountain\"  class=\"wp-image-33695 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-10.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-10.jpg 810w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-10-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-10-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-10-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-10-560x747.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shady forest dominates the part of the trail.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The first part of the trail is a <strong>mix of temperate, high-desert flora<\/strong> while hiking through Pacific Northwest forest as you climb up the mountain. The good part: You\u2019ll be <strong>hiking under the canopy of moss-covered trees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"first-viewpoint\"><\/span>First viewpoint<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you decide on the\u201edifficult\u201c way up, you will be rewarded with your first vista point after 2 miles (3 km). Here, you get a first glimpse of what wildflowers to expect further up, before diving back into the forest again. This is a great spot for a first snack break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"900\"  height=\"675\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAA4QAAAKjAQMAAAB\/XlNCAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAGFJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20IX6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAOA1LKUAAZ9790IAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"First viewpoint from Dog Mountain\"  class=\"wp-image-33693 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-9.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-9.jpg 900w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-9-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-9-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-9-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-9-560x420.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My first hike up Dog Mountain with Women Who Explore: We took the difficult route.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"part-2-wildflower-meadows\"><\/span>Part 2: Wildflower meadows<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you get to the higher elevations, you\u2019ll find yourself <strong>surrounded by alpine meadows<\/strong> as you leave the forest behind. This is where the wildflowers pop as soon as the spring sun warms up the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"720\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABDgAAALQAQMAAABPGVIZAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAHZJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20ND6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgBcDfo8AAdwjm2gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain view across the Columbia River Gorge\"  class=\"wp-image-33719 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-20.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-20.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-20-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-20-320x213.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-20-560x373.jpg 560w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Majestic views while hiking through wildflower meadows<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The higher up you get, the narrower the trail<\/strong> becomes. After reaching Puppy Dog viewpoint, expect to be <strong>exposed to (extreme) weather conditions<\/strong>. You will be fully exposed to the <strong>sun and the wind can get really strong<\/strong>, especially at the summit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1080\"  height=\"810\"  data-id=\"33721\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABDgAAAMqAQMAAABdZ2PSAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAIFJREFUeNrtwQEBAAAAgiD\/r25IQAEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADArwGuXwABqOq2FwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\"  alt=\"Last part of Dog Mountain Trail leading to the summit during the day\"  class=\"wp-image-33721 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-21.jpg\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">View from Puppy Dog viewpoint the summit during the day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"870\"  data-id=\"31642\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAANmAQMAAACrCyL8AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAJJJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD+BvA7AAGTZkFsAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Last part of Dog Mountain Trail leading to the summit before sunset\"  class=\"wp-image-31642 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-8-1160x870.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-8-1160x870.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-8-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-8-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-8-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-8-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-8.jpg 1280w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8230;and right before sunset<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"part-3-dog-mountain-summit\"><\/span>Part 3: Dog Mountain Summit<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you make your way towards the top, you <strong>hike along steep drop-offs<\/strong> to your left: Please keep this in mind if you are afraid of rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the top, you can find a spot to <strong>sit, take your well-deserved break, and enjoy the view<\/strong> across the expansive wildflower meadows and the Columbia River Gorge. If the conditions are perfect, you can even <strong>spot various peaks of the surrounding volcanoes, Mt. Hood, Mt. Saint Helens, and Mt. Adams<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"870\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAANmAQMAAACrCyL8AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAJJJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD+BvA7AAGTZkFsAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Descend from Dog Mountain during sunset\"  class=\"wp-image-31638 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-6-1160x870.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-6-1160x870.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-6-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-6-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-6-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-6-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-6.jpg 1280w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Descend from Dog Mountain right after sunset. Can you spot the peak of Mt. Hood behind the Columbia River Gorge?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5-what-to-wear-on-dog-mountain-trail\"><\/span>#5 What to wear on Dog Mountain Trail?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Most important: <strong>Bring layers<\/strong>! As mentioned, approx. two-thirds of the trail leads through the forest, so you aren\u2019t <strong>exposed to the sun and wind<\/strong> too much. But as the trail starts out steep and leads uphill the entire hike, you will potentially <strong>get hot quite quickly<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-4 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"810\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"33723\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAyoAAAQ4AQMAAADcvrqaAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAINJREFUeNrtwYEAAAAAw6D5U1\/hAFUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACvAbKXAAG2tO6PAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Last part before reaching Dog Mountain summit\"  class=\"wp-image-33723 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-22.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-22.jpg 810w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-22-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-22-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-22-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-22-560x747.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"810\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"33727\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAyoAAAQ4AQMAAADcvrqaAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAINJREFUeNrtwYEAAAAAw6D5U1\/hAFUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACvAbKXAAG2tO6PAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Views of the Columbia River Gorge from Dog Mountain\"  class=\"wp-image-33727 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-24.jpg\" ><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As soon as the trail opens up to the wildflower meadows, you are exposed to the sun and wind. Especially at the summit, it can get extremely windy. Bring <strong>sun protection<\/strong>, a <strong>hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen<\/strong>. Also don\u2019t forget to bring <strong>warm layers, a <a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/prdlink\/VCzxm7gdMJ\">puffy jacket<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/mlink\/tY1YbYF91k\">windbreaker<\/a> for the summit<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"819\"  height=\"1024\"  data-id=\"33729\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAzMAAAQAAQMAAADvLJV4AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAH5JREFUeNrtwQENAAAAwqD3T20PBxQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADAhwGgDwABzMrXgAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==\"  alt=\"Weat proper hiking boots when summiting Dog Mountain, USA\"  class=\"wp-image-33729 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-25.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-25.jpg 819w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-25-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-25-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-25-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-25-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"810\"  height=\"1080\"  data-id=\"33703\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAyoAAAQ4AQMAAADcvrqaAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAINJREFUeNrtwYEAAAAAw6D5U1\/hAFUBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACvAbKXAAG2tO6PAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain, Washington USA\"  class=\"wp-image-33703 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 810px) 100vw, 810px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-12.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-12.jpg 810w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-12-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-12-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-12-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-12-560x747.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/mlink\/P71wDBo7oe\">Hiking boots<\/a> with good traction<\/strong> are highly recommended as well as <strong>hiking poles<\/strong>. If you plan on a sunset hike, make sure to bring your <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/prdlink\/YwjWIowpJl\">headlamp<\/a> <\/strong>as you will be hiking down in the dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/prdlink\/eAxahSB6di\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Product 3\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/evolvedoutdoorsprod.blob.core.windows.net:443\/products\/362\/d2fe191f-c118-48d8-969b-2f7fe47e26d9-ProductGrid\" ><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/prdlink\/YwjWIowpJl\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Product 1\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/evolvedoutdoorsprod.blob.core.windows.net:443\/products\/4929\/2abd314a-e953-4100-ab01-68c4ae84cf9d-ProductGrid\" ><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"870\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAANmAQMAAACrCyL8AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAJJJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD+BvA7AAGTZkFsAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"View from Dog Mountain after sunset\"  class=\"wp-image-31640 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-7-1160x870.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-7-1160x870.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-7-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-7-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-7-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-7-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-7.jpg 1280w\" ><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Headlamp, a puff jacket, hiking poles, and boots are essential for hiking Dog Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of my favorite <a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/llink\/VNeMGTm53O1os\">spring hiking essentials<\/a>. Check out my favorite products for <a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/llink\/VNeMGTm53O1os\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spring Hiking<\/a>. Also, <a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/mlink\/SXnpjU894R\"><strong>REI&#8217;s biggest sale of the year runs May 15 &#8211; 25, 2026<\/strong><\/a>, with great deals on spring hiking essentials and savings up to 30%!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/app.rockporch.com\/mlink\/cVx7PxNgta\"><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/satchel.rei.com\/media\/img\/header\/rei-co-op-logo-black.svg\" ><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You are best off bringing your <strong>10 essentials<\/strong>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/learn\/expert-advice\/ten-essentials.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">REI has a great overview<\/a> and make sure to download any kind of <strong>offline map<\/strong> to your phone. I use <a href=\"https:\/\/alltrails.pxf.io\/Smile4Travel\">All Trails Peak.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"6-any-animals-on-dog-mountain-besides\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6-any-animals-on-dog-mountain-besides-%f0%9f%90%95\"><\/span>#6 Any animals on Dog Mountain besides &#x1f415;?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, <strong>black bears, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes<\/strong> live in this area. While the big mammals are rarely seen, rattlesnakes are often sunbathing and spotted by hikers on the trail. If you are planning to hike in the dark, keep your eyes peeled for <strong>scorpions<\/strong>! This might sound crazy as Dog Mountain is located only 1 hr away from Portland, but all these animals live hear and you should definitely be aware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7-best-months-to-hike-dog-mountain-trail\"><\/span>#7 Best months to hike Dog Mountain Trail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The trail up Dog Mountain is <strong>open year-round<\/strong>. Expect extreme summer and winter weather, especially close to the exposed summit of Dog Mountain. The trail is also subject to closure during the spring shoulder season as snow melts. Personally, I would <strong>not recommend hiking Dog Mountain during or after heavy rain<\/strong>. As the trail is super steep in parts, sliding down muddy slopes can be dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Always check trail conditions before you go!<\/strong> I use <a href=\"https:\/\/alltrails.pxf.io\/Smile4Travel\">AllTrails+<\/a> <em>(*save 30% through this affiliate link)<\/em> for planning and navigating my hikes and can only recommend getting it. In addition to offline maps, this version also shows weather and trail conditions throughout the trail, a feature I would not want to miss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAAKNAQMAAABx\/8IJAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAHNJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20ND6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPgwdHkAAc7CT7QAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"View from Dog Mountain, Washington\"  class=\"wp-image-33713 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-17-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-17-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-17-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-17-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-17-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-17.jpg 1280w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Hiking Dog Mountain is generally <strong>great from spring through fall<\/strong> with <strong>springtime being the most popular season<\/strong>. Between late April and early June, the meadows are <strong>carpeted with yellow balsamroot<\/strong>, which attracts plenty of visitors to the Columbia River Gorge in general and Dog Mountain in particular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"870\"  data-id=\"31632\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAANmAQMAAACrCyL8AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAJJJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD+BvA7AAGTZkFsAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Wildflowers at Dog Mountain, Washington in the light of sunset\"  class=\"wp-image-31632 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-3-1160x870.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-3-1160x870.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-3-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-3-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-3-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-3-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-3.jpg 1280w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"870\"  data-id=\"31634\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAANmAQMAAACrCyL8AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAJJJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD+BvA7AAGTZkFsAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"View from Dog Mountain summit, Columbia River Gorge,Washingtom\"  class=\"wp-image-31634 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-4-1160x870.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-4-1160x870.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-4-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-4-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-4-560x420.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-4.jpg 1280w\" ><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For wildflower blooming status, I typically check <a href=\"https:\/\/l.instagram.com\/?u=https%3A%2F%2Falltrails.pxf.io%2Fc%2F2862981%2F2026814%2F22353%3Fu%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.alltrails.com%252Fplus%253Fk%253Dsmile4travel30%26utm_source%3Dig%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_content%3Dlink_in_bio%26fbclid%3DPAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnPW54moLPeKsnerQarWB1ExbywafhJPX4z0stEPlbVFhj11rf1GN97FmM0hg_aem_igh6cJnn0COcK7UfSxtK1A&amp;e=AUD09AmWCZ2oRA2ZX3t2aciZ3UX35CTxuKnKc9wTrzcyAfTCFXQ0dY0iVBsoYTdWKknxDnv4fQ_Qt44OHXXKTT9YGY9VC4bOVZY9kZMvNdtCM7YuBKS_nPqWcg\">AllTrails<\/a> reviews from other hikers frequently. This gives you a good idea of when the wildflowers are in full bloom (typically May).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Considering the popularity of Dog Mountain Trail, I <strong>recommend hiking on a weekday<\/strong>, especially if you are aiming for a wildflower hike in spring. This also helps you avoid to purchase of a permit upfront.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8-best-time-of-the-day-to-hike-dog-mountain\"><\/span>#8 Best time of the day to hike Dog Mountain<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although a fair amount of the trail leads through forests, you shouldn\u2019t underestimate the heat during summer. I recommend hiking in the <strong>morning instead of heading out mid-day<\/strong>. If you are confident to hike down in the dark, you <strong>consider a sunset hike<\/strong> &#8211; my personal favorite time to hike Dog Mountain to soak in the <strong>literally gorge(ous) views<\/strong>. Just be aware that sunset hiking became popular, especially during the wildflower season in spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-7 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1024\"  height=\"1280\"  data-id=\"31630\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABAAAAAUAAQMAAADjpLJ0AAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAALZJREFUeNrtwQEBAAAAgiD\/r25IQAEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADvBoUeAAHsYtfFAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Balsaroot flowers at Dog Mountain, Columbia River Gorge\"  class=\"wp-image-31630 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-2.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-2-800x1000.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-2-192x240.jpg 192w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-2-320x400.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-2-560x700.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"960\"  height=\"1280\"  data-id=\"31636\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAA8AAAAUAAQMAAACyIKlWAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAK1JREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20JT6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC+Bl0eAAHmfgtMAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC\"  alt=\"Sunset at Dog Mountain, Washington\"  class=\"wp-image-31636 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-5.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-5.jpg 960w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-5-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-5-180x240.jpg 180w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-5-320x427.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-5-560x747.jpg 560w\" ><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>As the parking lot fills up fast, even on weekdays, <strong>try to arrive before 8 am or after 5 pm between March and July<\/strong> to avoid frustration and losing time waiting for a spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9-facts-about-dog-mountain-trail\"><\/span>#9 Facts about Dog Mountain Trail<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Dogs are welcome<\/strong> on Dog Mountain but must be <strong>on a leash<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is a <strong>vault toilet at the trailhead <\/strong>(400 ft. uphill from the parking lot)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you are <strong>afraid of heights,<\/strong> Dog Mountain might <strong>not be your best choice<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is <strong>poison oak in the lower section of Dog Mountain<\/strong>, so be careful when taking a pee and think twice before going off-trail.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAABIgAAAKNAQMAAABx\/8IJAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAHNJREFUeNrtwTEBAAAAwqD1T20ND6AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAPgwdHkAAc7CT7QAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Hiking up Dog Mountain, Washington State, USA\"  class=\"wp-image-33709 pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-15-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-15-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-15-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-15-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-15-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-15.jpg 1280w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10-trail-netiquette\"><\/span>#10 Trail Netiquette<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like on every trail, <strong>please be respectful of nature and other visitors<\/strong>. <strong>Do not pick flowers or trample on them<\/strong> so that future hikers can appreciate the beauty. Please follow the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/lnt.org\/why\/7-principles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leave No-Trace principles<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  width=\"1160\"  height=\"653\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain is overgrown with yellow wildflowers in spring\"  class=\"wp-image-33715 pk-lazyload\"  style=\"width:840px;height:472px\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1160px) 100vw, 1160px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-18-1160x653.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-18-1160x653.jpg 1160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-18-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-18-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-18-560x315.jpg 560w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-18.jpg 1280w\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"things-to-do-nearby\"><\/span>Things to do nearby<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visit Hood River, Oregon<\/strong> &#8211; only 14 mi \/ 22 km and 25 minutes drive via the Hood River Toll Bridge<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Drive the <strong>Hood River Fruit Loop<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Explore the Columbia River Gorge,<\/strong> including Oregon\u2019s tallest waterfall, Multnomah Falls<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For alternative wildflower hikes, check out my blog post: <a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/wildflower-hikes-oregon-washington\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20 epic wildflower hikes in Oregon and Washington State<\/a>, including more <strong>details about wildflower season<\/strong> in the Pacific Northwest, including a <strong>map for better orientation<\/strong> and trip planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"block-b0911236-9a18-4b37-8f83-f35b8dd727b5\"><strong>QUESTIONS &amp; COMMENTS?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Have you been to <a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/category\/america\/usa\/oregon\/\">Oregon<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/category\/america\/usa\/washington\/\">Washington<\/a> and hiking during wildflower season? <strong>Leave me a comment!<\/strong> Enjoyed the article, know someome who&#8217;s interested? <strong>Share <\/strong>it with your friends &amp; community!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>LIKE IT?<\/strong> <strong>PIN IT &amp; SAVE IT FOR LATER!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  class=\"powerkit-pinterest-cover alignnone wp-image-33781 size-full pk-lazyload\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain Trail, Washington, USA\"  width=\"800\"  height=\"1200\"  data-pin-description=\"Hiking Dog Mountain trail in Washington State: One of the most popular spring wildflower hikes in the Pacific Northwest is also a tough one. Dog Mountain Trail leads through yellow wildflower meadows and to panoramic viewas over the Columbia River Gorge. Save this pin to plan your hike to Washington State&#039;s most exciting spring vistas!\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-1.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-1-160x240.jpg 160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-1-320x480.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-1-560x840.jpg 560w\" ><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><img  loading=\"lazy\"  decoding=\"async\"  class=\"powerkit-pinterest-cover alignnone wp-image-33783 size-full pk-lazyload\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"Dog Mountain Trail hiking guide\"  width=\"800\"  height=\"1200\"  data-pin-description=\"Dog Mountain Trail - Everything you need to know to hike this 7.6 miles loop, Washington State&#039;s best wildflower trail: Dog Mountain permits &amp; parking | How to get to Dog Mountain | Dog Mountain Trail stats | how to dress for Dog Mountain | Best time to hike Dog Mountain | Dog Mountain sunset hike\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-ls-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-2.jpg\"  data-pk-srcset=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-2.jpg 800w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-2-160x240.jpg 160w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-2-320x480.jpg 320w, https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/USA-Washington-Dog-Mountain-Trail-2-560x840.jpg 560w\" ><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">***<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"block-2d03ae9e-ff12-46d6-975f-947af675288f\"><strong>&nbsp;&#8211; SMILE4TRAVEL COMMUNITY &#8211;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" id=\"block-662bf305-a335-45a0-baad-b0421dcdfd1f\">Become part of the Smile4Travel Community &#8211; Follow my <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/smile4travel\">Facebook Page<\/a> &amp; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/smile4travel\">Instagram<\/a> and register for my Newsletter, so you don\u00b4t miss any Smile4Travel adventures!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"post-excerpt\">Are you planning to hike Dog Mountain Trail to see the expansive wildflower meadows and panorama vistas of the Columbia River Gorge? Dog Mountain is an extremely popular hike, but also considered one of the most challenging hikes within the Portland Metro and Columbia River area. In this article, I tell you everything you need to know before hiking Dog Mountain, Washington State.<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/smile4travel.de\/en\/america\/usa\/washington\/dog-mountain-trail\/\" class=\"button button-primary button-effect\"><span>View Post<\/span><span><i class=\"cs-icon cs-icon-arrow-right\"><\/i><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":33708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[611,612,617],"tags":[573,677,679],"powerkit_post_featured":[625,638,626,627,628],"class_list":{"0":"post-33735","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-america","8":"category-usa","9":"category-washington","10":"tag-hiking","11":"tag-spring","12":"tag-summer"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hiking Dog Mountain Trail: Everything you need to know<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dog Mountain Trail permits \u2713 Best time to hike Dog Mountain \u2713 What to wear on Dog Mountain. 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