Dog Mountain Trail climbs rapidly in the first 0.5 mile, gaining 700 feet in elevation. The trail forks, giving hikers the option of heading north on the more direct, but steep route to the summit, or to the east for a longer but more gradual climb. The eastern fork climbs 2,000 feet in elevation in 2.5 miles to the site of a former fire lookout. A one-mile loop trail to the summit provides easy access through flowered hillsides and offers an incredible view of the western portion of the Columbia River Gorge You can also get superb views along the eastern fork of the trail, without having to climb all the way to the summit. The northern route climbs steeply for 2.5 miles through a dense forest to the lookout site. The trail intersects the loop trail to the summit of Dog Mountain. There is Poison Oak and rattlesnakes (which are poisonous) along the trail, so please stay on the trail. The snakes are as afraid of you as you are of them; please respect them. Wildflowers blanket the mountainside meadows in late spring-early summer, especially balsam root! Spectacular views of the Columbia River Gorge both east and west are well worth the exertion required to reach the summit!
Directions from Stevenson: Travel east on State Highway 14 nine miles to the trailhead. The trail is on the north side of the highway after mile post 53.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
March through December .
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