This Marvelous 6.5-Mile Trail In Washington Leads Adventurers To A Spectacular Overlook
Washingtonians are known for their 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 in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area for an adventure that will challenge your endurance and pay off in spectacular views.
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.
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 hike 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.
Dog Mountain Trail is unique in its varying landscape 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. 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.
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. This is one of those moments.
Dog Mountain Trail in Skamania County is the perfect place to challenge your abilities and take in spectacular, natural beauty. 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. Have you visited Dog Mountain? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.
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Sherri Adams is a writer, photographer, and travel enthusiast from the Pacific Northwest. She has always been passionate about writing and the opportunities for connection through the written word. When she’s not writing, you can often find her at the seashore with her toes in the sand and her nose in a book.
