This Marvelous 6.5-Mile Trail in Washington Leads Adventurers to a Spectacular Overlook

What is your favorite hike in the Evergreen State? Washingtonians are known for our love of the great outdoors, and Washington State offers plenty of opportunities for scenic outdoor adventures. Sandy beaches, lakeside walking paths, educational nature trails, and forested hiking routes are just waiting to be explored. We're fortunate to have a lot of choices for adventurers of all abilities. If you're looking for a moderately challenging hike, head to the Dog Mountain Trail near Carson in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for an adventure that will challenge your endurance and pay off in spectacular views. With its vast landscapes, pretty wildflowers, stunning vistas, and more, this hike belongs on your bucket list. As an outdoor enthusiast, I consider the Dog Mountain Trail in Washington one of the best hikes in the Evergreen State. 

This hike is challenging and rugged, so before you leave, I recommend that you download AllTrails+ so that you can have easy navigation as you trek. And you’ll also need to grab your hiking boots. If you’re ready for this challenge, lace up those boots, and let’s go!

The 6.5-mile Dog Mountain Trail is physically demanding with an almost 3,000-foot elevation gain and will take roughly five hours to complete. So, you'll need to choose your route wisely before you begin your trek! Either way, this adventurous hike will take you on a scenic journey through the trees and up the vast mountain.

For the best weather, visit Dog Mountain from March through November. You can bring the family dog with you, but Fido must remain on a leash during your visit.

If you decide to try this scenic hiking trail in the winter, be prepared for cold weather conditions. Dress in layers and bring microspikes or crampons as the trail can get quite slippery, especially at the summit.

Use caution, as the trail gets increasingly narrow and steep towards the summit, winding through Alpine meadows with declivitous drop-offs. I love that the Dog Mountain hike is unique in its varying landscapes and habitats. High desert flora can be found at the trailhead, with higher elevations giving way to cooler temperatures and lush forests.

Be sure to pack water and snacks to bring with you on your trek. Though rigorous and challenging, the views are worth it. There is plenty of room at the summit to sit down and take in the breathtaking views overlooking the water below.

If you ask me, you can't find a more beautiful place than Dog Mountain in the spring and early summer when the summit's meadow is blanketed in glorious shades of golden yellow balsamroot and amethyst wildflowers. Dog Mountain is a popular place to watch the sunset during the summer and it's not hard to see why. Some moments are magical and golden, and this is one of those moments.

Dog Mountain Trail in Washington is the perfect place to challenge your abilities and take in spectacular, natural beauty in Skamania County. Hiking passes are required on weekends and some holidays during the peak season. Check with the US Forest Department for specific dates and to purchase passes online. And don't forget to download AllTrails+ before you leave for this or any hike in Washington.

Have you visited Dog Mountain before? If you haven't, be sure to add this hike to your list this year. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Also, visit the OIYS nomination page and tell us about your favorite hikes in Washington State. We'd love to hear from you!