Perched on the Washington side of the Columbia River, Dog Mountain is the quintessential hike in the Columbia River Gorge. Known for its wildflowers and views of the Mount Hood in the distance, the roughly 6-mile hike up Dog Mountain is rated as difficult due to its high elevation gain (2,800 vertical feet).
Trekkers begin by switchbacking through a densely wooded forest marked by Douglas-fir trees as far as the eye can see. After roughly one mile, a proverbial fork-in-the-road appears, with a sign marking a right turn as “difficult” while the left is “more difficult.” No matter the choice, hikers will continue the trip up and soon rejoin the same path above the tree line. A final series of switchbacks concede to the peak of Dog Mountain, with sweeping views north towards the Cascades and down into the lush greenness that is the Columbia River Gorge.
Visit The Washington Trails Association to learn more about this fantastic hike in the Columbia River Gorge.
Pro Tips:
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, USA
Distance: 2.25 mi (straight line)
Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins, Wind River Highway, Carson, WA, USA
Distance: 5.83 mi (straight line)
301 Country Club Road, Hood River, OR, USA
Distance: 7.17 mi (straight line)
The Old Trunk, Dee Highway, Hood River, OR, USA
Distance: 7.26 mi (straight line)
Columbia Gorge Hotel & Spa, Westcliff Drive, Hood River, OR, USA
Distance: 7.46 mi (straight line)
Marchesi Vineyards & Winery, Belmont Drive, Hood River, OR, USA
Distance: 7.55 mi (straight line)
Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum (WAAAM), Air Museum Road, Hood River, OR, USA
Distance: 8.19 mi (straight line)
Spring Creek National Fish Hatchery Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, Washington 14, Underwood, WA, USA
Distance: 8.23 mi (straight line)
Clark & Lewie's Travelers Rest Saloon & Grill, Southwest Cascade Avenue, Stevenson, WA, USA
Distance: 8.40 mi (straight line)
130 SW Cascade Ave, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
Distance: 8.40 mi (straight line)
Stevenson Farmers Market, Southwest Cascade Avenue, Stevenson, WA, USA
Distance: 8.41 mi (straight line)
Festivals and Events Food and Drinks Outdoor Experiences Shopping
Wild Columbia Salmon, 1st Street, Stevenson, WA, USA
Distance: 8.48 mi (straight line)
Port of Skamania, Southwest Cascade Avenue, Stevenson, Skamania County, WA, USA
Distance: 8.49 mi (straight line)
Walking Man Brewing, 1st Street, Stevenson, WA, USA
Distance: 8.50 mi (straight line)
Hood River SUP and Kayak, The Hook, Portway Avenue, Hood River, OR, USA
Distance: 8.88 mi (straight line)
Greene Bronze, Wa Na Pa Street, Cascade Locks, OR, USA
Distance: 8.95 mi (straight line)
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