Dog Mountain trail in the Columbia River Gorge is one of Washington’s most iconic wildflower hikes. In this detailed trail guide, we share when to go, how to get a permit, and our insider tips for tackling this steep but rewarding adventure.
Dog Mountain is one of those hikes that outdoor lovers in the Pacific Northwest talk about like a rite of passage—and for good reason.
Perched in the Columbia River Gorge, just across the river from Hood River, Oregon, this trail is famous (or maybe infamous?) for its relentless climb and jaw-dropping wildflower displays that turn the slopes into a sea of yellow each spring.
But don’t let the Instagram photos fool you—this is no stroll through the park. It’s a tough hike with serious elevation gain, and timing is everything if you want to catch those iconic blooms at their peak.
We tackled the trail on Mother’s Day weekend in May (with two kids in tow!), and we’re sharing everything you need to know—from when to go and how to get a permit, to tips for making the most of your hike.
Dog Mountain Trail Guide
We’ve included some extra info for planning your Dog Mountain hike. Jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
- Dog Mountain Trail stats
- Trail map
- Hike overview
- Know before you go
- The route
- Tips for hiking Dog Mountain
- What to pack
Dog Mountain trail stats
- Trailhead location: Columbia River Gorge (Washington side) near Hood River, Oregon
- Distance: 6.4-miles loop
- Elevation gain: 2,969 ft
- Difficulty rating: Challenging
- Timing: 4-5 hours
- Pets: dogs are welcome, must be on a leash
- Permits: A vehicle reservation permit is required during peak season (late-April – mid-June) on weekends and holidays
- You can take the free shuttle to the trailhead from the Skamania County Fairgrounds and forgo the vehicle reservation permit fee
- View the trail notes
Dog Mountain trail map
Click on the map above to be taken to the Alltrails trails notes for Dog Mountain.
Dog Mountain hike overview
This steep and strenuous loop trail takes you through shaded forest switchbacks before bursting open onto a wildflower-covered ridgeline with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge.
It’s especially popular in late spring when bright yellow balsamroot flowers blanket the slopes—making it one of the most photographed wildflower hikes in Washington.
While the hike draws crowds, the trail is long enough that people tend to spread out. Be prepared for a solid workout and don’t underestimate the conditions—we experienced strong winds at the viewpoints at the top.
The Dog Mountain trail actually reminded me a lot of Rattlesnake Ledge near Seattle in that it’s a popular and well-trafficked trail, mostly through forest, and you pop out at a stunning viewpoint.
Things to know before you go
There are a few things to consider and planning to be done ahead of time before you can begin your Dog Mountain hike.
Best time of year for the Dog Mountain hike
Dog Mountain is most famous for its wildflower bloom, which typically peaks from late April to mid-June. If you want to see those iconic yellow balsamroot flowers (they look like little sunflowers), this is the time to go.
We hiked the trail on Mother’s Day weekend in May and hit absolute peak bloom—it was stunning and totally worth the effort!
Outside of wildflower season, the trail is still hikeable from early spring through late fall, but the scenery will feel a bit more subdued.
In my opinion, the highlight of the hike was experiencing the wildflowers in bloom. I think we would have been kind of disappointed if we’d done this challenging hike and didn’t get to see the wildflowers—so keep that in mind when planning your timing.
How long does it take to hike Dog Mountain trail?
Most people complete the Dog Mountain loop in about 4 to 5 hours, depending on pace, trail conditions, and how often you stop to catch your breath or take photos (trust us—you’ll want to). We hiked it slowly with two kids in tow and reached the top in about 3 hours, with another 1 hour and 45 minutes on the way down.
It’s definitely doable as a day hike and doesn’t require overnight planning. That said, if you’re looking to soak in the sunset from the summit (which would be incredible), be prepared for a long descent in the dark and bring headlamps.
We spent the night in our campervan at the trailhead to get an early start, but it’s not necessary to arrive that early as long as you have a parking permit.
How difficult is the Dog Mountain hike?
In short: Dog Mountain is no walk in the park.
With nearly 3,000 feet of elevation gain over just a few miles, this trail is steep, relentless, and demanding from start to finish. If you’re not used to climbing, your legs are going to feel it.
That said, it’s not technical—just physically challenging. A moderate to high level of fitness is recommended, and trekking poles can help take pressure off your knees during the descent.
Bring plenty of water, hiking snacks, and layers (especially for the windy ridgeline), and give yourself time to rest if needed. As long as you come prepared, this hike is totally manageable—and incredibly rewarding.
Obtaining a permit for your Dog Mountain hike
During wildflower season—typically from late April through mid-June on weekends and holidays—you’ll need a Dog Mountain Trail System Permit to access the trailhead by car.
These permits cost a few dollars and are released months in advance (we grabbed ours in February for a May hike). A U.S. Forest Service ranger was checking permits when we visited, so make sure you’ve got yours printed or saved on your phone.
If you don’t snag a permit, there’s another option: take the free shuttle from the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson, WA. Shuttle riders will receive a free trail permit—it’s a great workaround during the busiest times.
In addition to the trail permit, you’ll also need to pay the $5 day-use fee (or display a valid Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass). You can pay on-site or display your pass in your windshield at the parking area.
The route
From the moment we hit the trail, we knew we were in for a serious climb. The grade kicks up almost immediately, winding through dense forest with very few flat sections to catch your breath. It’s steep, it’s sweaty, and yes, it earns that “challenging” rating.
But just when your legs start to protest, the trail opens up and suddenly—bam!—you’re surrounded by golden wildflowers and panoramic views of the Columbia River far below.
We chose to hike the loop clockwise, which the signage calls the “more difficult” route—but honestly, we think both directions would be pretty equally tough. Clockwise felt like a good call, especially since the forested section was really pretty and gave us a bit of variety before popping out into the open ridgeline.
At the main viewpoint, it was windy—like, hold-on-to-your-hat windy. We layered up quickly and took it all in while trying to shield our kiddos from the wind. The summit is about another 0.4 miles beyond that main viewpoint, and while it’s not dramatically different in terms of views, we were glad we made the final push just to say we did.
The way down was quicker (about 1 hour 45 minutes), but still required focus—it’s steep, and hiking poles would’ve come in handy.
Despite the crowds, the trail didn’t feel too packed, and we were happy to see most hikers respecting Leave No Trace principles (though we did spot a few abandoned dog poop bags—don’t be that person).
Tips for hiking Dog Mountain trail
- Time your visit for peak wildflowers (late April to mid-June) for the most rewarding views. About 1 week into May is a good time to aim for.
- Reserve your permit early if hiking on a weekend during peak season—or take the free shuttle to skip the permit hassle.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes—this trail is steep and can be slippery, especially on the descent.
- Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers, especially for the exposed and windy summit.
- Expect wind at the top—a light jacket or windbreaker is a must.
- Choose your loop direction (clockwise vs. counterclockwise) based on preference, but expect a tough climb either way.
- There is a toilet available at the trailhead, but no facilities on the trail—plan accordingly.
Responsible travel note: Even though it may be tempting, stay on the trail and do not pick the wildflowers! We were disappointed to see a few people disregarding the posted signage. We all have a responsibility to keep this special place beautiful for everyone.
What to pack for hiking Dog Mountain trail
There are a few things we always bring on a hike, no matter where we go or what time of year we are hiking. See the below recommended items for your Dog Mountain hike, including the items we collected in our Rockporch Locker for Day Hiking Gear.
- Navigation: we recommend using Alltrails+ to download the offline trail map (Get your first week of using Alltrails+ for FREE when you sign up using our link!)
- Permit*
- Comfortable hiking shoes and a hiking daypack
- Insulated water bottle and/or bladder for your Camelbak
- Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses
- Hiking layers (here is a great resource if you’re wondering what to wear hiking)
- Plenty of snacks: check out our favorite hiking snacks here!
*Don’t forget to pack your permit!
Be sure to download our FREE hiking packing list before your next trip and never leave another essential behind again!
You may also like…
- Best Hikes in Washington State
- Fantastic Columbia River Gorge Hikes
- Spectacular Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls
- Rowena Plateau Trail: Oregon Hiking Guide
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We want to hear from you!
Have you hiked the Dog Mountain trail? What was your experience like? Do you have more questions about planning your hike? Comment below and let us know!