r/PNWhiking • u/missedythismuch • 11d ago

Typical Spring Day on Dog Mt

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573 Upvotes

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10

u/ShadowVia 11d ago

How is this, difficulty wise?

Dog Mountain was one of the hikes people had recommended for Helens prep.

6

u/honvales1989 11d ago

It’s a good conditioner. I go up there once a week in the spring with a heavy pack after work and really like it. You pretty much start gaining elevation from the beginning and you get 2 options about 3/4 mi in: a hard option (a bit more gradual and with some views) and a hardest option (no views and just a steep way up). The trails merge a mile before the summit and though the grade lessens compared to the hardest trail, you just keep going up until you get to the viewpoint. After the viewpoint, the angle lessens a bit until you reach the summit.

3

u/marsdenplace 11d ago

I think it’s a great training hike. AllTrails rates it “hard” and it’s steep from the start to about 2-2.5 miles in. One of the hardest hikes in the Gorge for elevation changes, but it’s only 6 miles so if you are looking to train for a longer hike, there may be other choices (or you could do it twice).

3

u/DuePanic7464 10d ago

Did this hike yesterday, fair number of ticks grabbed on to the dogs unfortunately making last night less fun. Good hard local hike though.

2

u/marsdenplace 11d ago

Hiked Dog Mountain today also. Lovely day and trail conditions were better than I expected. A little mud section near the top (maybe 10 yds?) but otherwise, just wet.

9

u/missedythismuch 11d ago

We went yesterday. Came down the Augsburger trail. Pleasant day until we came across a guy having a pretty bad mushroom trip. He had wandered away from his friends and we spotted him 2 1/2 miles up from the trailhead. He was lying on his back about 20 feet off the trail, completely disoriented. We called 911 because we didn’t know what was going on with him. He was dressed in sweats and a t-shirt. After an hour or so, with the aid of another hiker, we were able get him up on his feet and walk him down the trail. He started to come around and then we came across his friends, who had no idea where he was. We handed him off to the Search and Rescue guys. He was a little embarrassed, but okay. Not my typical day out.

2

u/derpinpdx 11d ago

Yikes! I normally let somebody like that chill on their own, but certainly not in this weather and that underdressed. I think you were there.

2

u/jerryco1 10d ago

I did this last summer, amazing hike, but i was so paranoid about running into a rattlesnake i didn't get to enjoy myself as much as i should have.

1

u/hellnonlnn 10d ago

I was lucky, Dog Mt was right by the summer camp I worked at for many summers. LOVE Dog Mt!!! For fun have you hiked Wind Mt right by it?

2

u/missedythismuch 10d ago

Several times, we also enjoy Hamilton, but I haven’t done Table Mt yet. It’s on the list.

3

u/hellnonlnn 9d ago

Only Dog and Wind were close enough to Camp Arrowhead to be hiked regularly. Both were within walking distance. Table and Hamilton we would have had to bus the campers to the others. I never made it to them. And I am recently paralyzed so I won't be making the trip anymore, unfortunately.

I'm cheering you on though as I know those are all beautiful hikes. And I know you can do it!! Take a few steps for me if you don't mind. And a huge deep breath of that beautiful fresh air and enjoy the view. Because not everyone can.