Dog Mountain Loop Hike

Overview

This hike starts at the Dog Mountain Trailhead but takes a gentler loop using the Augspurger Trail to reach the summit. Breaks in the tree cover on this western slope of Dog Mountain offer views over the small lakes of the Collins Creek basin to Wind Mountain. This loop is known for prime wildflower viewing in May and June, when the upper slopes erupt in a blazing carpet of blooming balsamroot, with lupine and paintbrush in accompaniment. However, hikes in the summer and fall are rewarding as well; in winter, there is often snow on the summit but the route is uncrowded and wind sculpted ice formations can be a surprise treat. Be prepared for freezing, flesh-penetrating winds, however! This hike is extremely popular and the parking area fills early. To avoid frustration, even on weekdays, try to arrive before 8:00 a.m. or after 5:00 p.m. between March and July. There's a weekend permit system in place between March 31st and July 1st. The Augspurger Trail #4407 starts climbing immediately out of the parking lot. Poison oak lines the trail as you head up into Douglas-fir woods and then a mixed forest that includes oak and big-leaf maple. At a scree slope, you'll get a vista down to Grant Lake and across the Columbia River to Shellrock Mountain. From the next scree slope, a woodland dotted with small lakes can be seen below, while Wind Mountain looms behind. Pass a couple more openings with similar views. Trailside, there are wildflowers galore, especially cryptantha, white western groundsel, thread-leaf phacelia, ball-head cluster lily, and nine-leaf desert-parsley. Then come to deeper Douglas-fir woods with Oregon grape, fringe-cup, star flower, and hazel in the understory. The trail rises consistently in this long traverse. Cross another open scree slope, and then reenter the woods to make two switchbacks. After you round the nose of the ridge, you'll come to the junction with the Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail. Turn right, and cross small meadows of balsamroot, larkspur, and white western groundsel. The trail re

Trail Stats

Photos

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