1.2 hr
Overview
The hike up Wind Mountain is a switchbacking ascent to the summit of an unusual peak in the Columbia River Gorge just west of Dog Mountain. Like Shellrock Mountain across the river, it is a microdioritic intrusion into the Columbia River Basalts. In fact, the two may be part of the same structure carved in two by the Columbia River. A geologic monitoring station, which calibrated rock slides on Wind Mountain above Washington's Highway 14, used to stand on the upper slopes of Shellrock Mountain. Take note that parts of Wind Mountain's summit are sacred to Native Americans, so please pay attention to the signage at the top. The trail should be easy to spot on the south (right) side of the road, across from the turnout. (If you're parked at the quarry, it's about 200 yards farther on the road.) You may see some poison oak along the first hundred feet of trail. The route almost immediately turns eastward as it gains elevation steadily for a quarter mile or so on a rocky tread that transitions to a nice duff surface. Watch for a spur trail to the left just before the main trail turns southward. The spur descends sharply down to a great east-facing viewpoint on a cliff. Leash pets and take little ones by the hand, as there are vertical drop-offs on three sides. There are great views across the valley to Dog Mountain and Augspurger Mountain. Return to the main trail as it again starts climbing moderately steeply for the next mile or so. You will make long sweeping switchbacks across a talus slope and also get more views. Eventually the trail levels out in a forest with a high canopy. You are nearing the summit at this point. Continue another quarter mile, and you'll come across a large sign describing the cultural and historical significance of this mountain as a spirit quest site. The sign informs you that sections of the summit are closed to hikers: This archaeological site is extremely fragile. Just walking over it will damage important cultural features. Therefore, the USDA Forest Service has closed the sit
Trail Stats
0.0 km
361 m
581 m
0 m
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Photos
400px-WindMountainTrail2
400px-WindMountainTrail2
160px-WindMountain_LookingWest
160px-WindMountain_LookingWest
250px-Wind_Mountain_Spirit_Quest_Sign
250px-Wind_Mountain_Spirit_Quest_Sign
250px-WindMountainFromGreenleafPeek
250px-WindMountainFromGreenleafPeek
400px-P1070810a
400px-P1070810a