With beautiful views, amazing spring wildflowers, and a relatively short effort, this is one of the most popular hikes in the Gorge. On a good day, you can get a view of Mt. Hood and the Columbia River.

Good resources: WTA Portland Hikers

Activity Notes

Celebrate Mothers Day on Dog Mountain during the peak bloom season of Balsam Root flowers with expansive views of the Gorge.

To avoid the parking logistical hassles with the peak-season permit system, the plan is to meet at the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson and take the shuttle bus to the trailhead:

https://www.ridecatbus.org/dog-mountain-shuttle/ 

We will meet there at 8:15am to take the 8:30am shuttle. If we cannot all fit, there is another shuttle bus at 8:40am. Once we are all present at the trailhead, we will set out around 9am.

They will issue everyone the necessary permits to be present on the trail free of charge.

Please note, that if you do not want to meet for the shuttle bus, you are responsible for securing a permit:

https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10091444/ticket/10091445

The permits for the date we are hiking will not be available until 7am on 5/6, and they will sell out almost immediately. Anyone without a permit will not be allowed to join the hike. Parking is limited and a permit does not guarantee a parking spot.

The hike is about 7 miles roundtrip, and it has an elevation gain of about 2,800 ft. making for a steep climb.  However, it is one of the most absolutely beautiful spring hikes in the gorge!

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 98 miles
Driving Time from Portland 1 hours
Distance - Round Trip 7 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
Interesting Features Ridgelines, Spectacular Views
Awards Qualified Awesome Ridges Award
Useful Links GPS Track New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows. Map New Window Icon Icon two stacked browser windows.
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