River View Between the Cascade Locks and Hood River bridges, on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, Dog Mountain draws its fair share of weekend dayhikers - for good reason - tons of wildflowers and outstanding views. Those seeking solitude here may want to consider a weekday hike - on nice spring and sumer days, this trail is crowded. The trail begins at the east end of the parking area, and immediately begins a steep ascent up the wooded hillside for 3/4 mile, then splits for two options: the “less difficult” scenic trail, and the “more difficult” old trail. Opt for the scenic trail to the right. This split helps thin the crowds a bit. Most will opt for the less difficult, scenic route, but will shed the power-hikers and trainers. The grade lessens some as you continue to climb through shaded forest, sprinkled with starflower, wild strawberry, buttercup and checker lily. Two miles from the trailhead is the first hillside meadow. Late spring covers these slopes with balsamroot, buttercup, and larkspur; early summer brings lupine and paintbrush. A short spur leads to a lookout point with a nice log bench and spectacular views west over Wind Mtn., and east toward Hood River. Larks & Stars Continuing up, again under the shade of woods, will find fairyslipper (also called deer orchid), mountain violet, ballhead waterleaf, and Oregon grape. The upper junction of the old trail appears near 2 1/2 miles, and it will again get more crowded. The trail begins another steep ascent, switchbacking up through more shaded woods, then opens into the lower portion of the summit meadow, covered with carpets of wildflowers, and site of an old fire lookout and popular lunching spot with great views. This is also where you choose your summit path; the 0.4 mi. scenic route up through the meadows, or the 0.6 mi. forested route. Taking the scenic route to the left, continue up through more meadow as the trail climbs, and notice Mt. Hood peeking over the ridge to the south, and Mt. St. Helens to the northwest. At 3.2 mi. you’ll come to the Augsberger Mtn. trail junction. Take the summit trail to the right, through one large switchback, then join the crowds at the top by turning left on the summit spur. Find a spot to drop your pack, have a snack and enjoy the view. A few shaded, secluded spot can be found on the north side of the summit. Look for Mt. Adams through the trees. Summit View For the return trip, head back down to the Augsperger Mtn. junction, hang a U-turn, and start down to the norhwest. You will see the crowds diminish considerably taking this backside way down. The route contours around Dog Mtn. through more meadow, then begins a steady, shaded descent, offering occasional views westward over Wind Mtn. and the Columbia River. Look for glacier lily, candyflower, wild strawberry and sweet pea. Turn left (S) at the Augsperger Mtn. junction and continue descending back to your starting point. Image gallery See a GPS track of this hike at Backpacker.com