Dog Mountain wildflower hike

Wildflower Hike Fridays #5 of 5

The season finale (maybe) of our low elevation wildflower hike series is short and sweet, plus short and steep! Let’s keep up the pace and save most of our breaks for viewpoints.

Although for those of you who prefer a less exhilarating pace, Guy has volunteered to sweep. Everyone is welcome!

• Difficulty: Moderate (Some steep sections; Also, this loop is a bit longer than the standard route)

• Hiking distance: About 7 miles round trip

• Elevation gain: 2820 feet

• Total hiking time: Let's get this done by the lunch hour; If we're faster, it could be earlier

• Total driving distance: 100 miles RT from Portland; If anyone sets up a carpool (For example, from Gateway Transit Center) suggested donation to drivers is $10, unless drivers determine otherwise

• Permits: NW Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass, or $5 fee required at the trailhead for each car

• Dogs: Sure, if they are in good shape and you are willing to drive them

• The plan:
  This familiar route is pretty basic. We’ll follow the Dog Mountain trail to the summit. Assuming everyone has enough energy, we'll return via the Augspurger Mountain trail. In addition to those hillside wildflowers, we’re guaranteed a breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge!

Here is more information about this hike: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dog-mountain

• Pace: My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph or faster when not running), but I welcome trekkers of all reasonable hiking speeds. A good pace would be great, but I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. Guy will sweep, so assuming you are prepared to put forth some effort you'll be fine. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints.

• Bring: 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.

It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, “ELEVEN” Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Knife/tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
11. A hiking beef track about Drake, with a chord that's probably A minor (rrrrrrrrr)

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.