Dog Mountain Wildflower Extravaganza!

This is one of the premier wildflower hikes in the state. The elevation gain of 3,000 feet over 3 miles can be challenging, so it's important to know your limits. There is a possibility of spending the night in Hood River and doing an additional hike on Friday morning. I understand that the drive to the trailhead takes almost four hours, but it's well worth the journey. We can discuss this with those interested in joining and explore lodging options. Additionally, we can split the gas expenses accordingly. I would like to keep the group small for easier coordination. I am posting this hike during the week to avoid the overcrowding often seen on weekends and to accommodate the parking pass requirement. I am hoping to catch the wildflowers at full bloom and am constantly monitoring their progression.Those interested will be put on a waiting list and moved to the going list dependent on drivers and their preference to stay overnight.

Getting there:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3DDsFjTzrxqj7b1R6

Hike description:
Head out on this 6.4-mile loop trail near Carson, Washington. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 58 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. The Dog Mountain Trail is one of the most challenging hikes within the Portland Metro area or Columbia River Gorge area. Expect a straight and steady leg-burner of a route with some nice view payoffs up-top. This trail features a variety of landscapes and habitats, which makes this area special within the Columbia River Gorge. Close to the parking lot and trailhead, you will enjoy a mix of temperate and high-desert flora. As the trail climbs through the mountain, the climate cools and the landscape transforms into temperate Pacific-Northwest forest, with plenty of large moss-covered trees and shade. Then, the trail makes its way to higher elevations through alpine meadows, which are exposed to the extremes of winter and summer weather. During the spring, this meadow is a beautiful place to emerge from the dense forest, as the warm spring sun allows for stunning wildflowers and views of nearby snow-capped mountains. The trail gets narrower and more challenging as it climbs, so following the marked loop on the AllTrails map is the best way to enjoy different stunning views. Near the top, the trail does get quite steep and travels near steep drop-offs, so it's a good idea to use caution on windy days. Once you arrive at the summit, there is plenty of space to sit, rest, and enjoy the views. During summer, this trail is also a favorite location to experience the sunset, since there are amazing views in most directions.