Dog Mountain in November

While hiking Hamilton Mountain, I received a text from my friend Young asking "We have a group hiking Dog Mountain tomorrow, want to join us?"  Hmmm......two days of hiking in a row.  Could my foot (and my body) hold up?  It might be pushing things a little.  But I hadn't hiked with Young for weeks and really wanted to reconnect with my friend.

You probably know what I decided!

"Let's go!"

So I spent that night hastily drying my boots, pack, and hiking clothes.  The next morning I re-loaded backpack and camera bag while waiting for Steve and Joel, part of the day's hiking group, to pick me up.  We met up with Young and her husband John at the Dog Mountain Trailhead, on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge.

Carpet of fallen leaves

Dog Mountain is an extremely steep trail, best known for it's amazing wildflower displays in the spring.  (Check out photos of the bloom here)  Without fail I hike it nearly every May, but have never even thought to visit any other time of the year.  Certainly not on a cloudy, gray, mid-November day.

Mossy forest

The trail began with a bang, shooting nearly straight up from the very beginning.  After slogging up it's relentless switchbacks for a long half mile, the trail comes to a junction where hikers have the choice of either taking the "difficult" or "more difficult" path.  From many trips up the mountain, we all knew that the "difficult" route was also much more scenic.

Snack break below the summit

Young along with the men - John, Steve and Joel - kept up a strong pace.  Not wanting to fall behind my photo breaks became few and far between.  But we all stopped for a snack break about a mile below Dog Mountain's summit and I snapped a couple quick shots of the surrounding forest.  Dense, moss-covered trees seemed to lean in, closing off any views of the sky. 

Coming down the Augsberger Trail

Not that views mattered much on this gloomy day.  As my group climbed the last few hundred feet to the first viewpoint, we discovered the river below cloaked in dense clouds.  Not much to see here.  I marveled at how different the famous flower meadows looked in late fall, the balsamroot stalks shriveled and brown.

Talus slope

Our group continued the steep climb to Dog Mountain's summit proper.  Although the initial plan was to eat lunch on top, strong cold winds made us reconsider.  Steve suggested we retrace our steps and take advantage of calmer winds at a lower elevation.  So the decision was made to follow the Augspurger Mtn Trail until we came upon a wind-sheltered area. 

Wonderful golden leaves

We found lunch spots to be few and far between.  Hungry and ready for a break, my group finally ended up sitting right on the trail.  Although on a busy spring day, this wouldn't have worked very well, today's hiker traffic was light enough that we only had to move out of the way twice.  Everyone pulled out their thermoses of hot tea - except for Joel who enjoyed a very delicious-smelling chicken tortilla soup (made my mouth water!)

The photo ops were many!

Then it was down, down, down the not-as-steep Augspurger path.  The men surged ahead, while Young and I took our time, occasionally stopping to admire the fall leaves (and take a few photos).  They were quite colorful!  I wasn't prepared to see such nice autumn foliage.  What an unexpected surprise.

One more leaf image

When we caught up to the men taking a break, I whipped out my camera and took as many photos of the bright orange and yellow hues as I could manage.

The guys take a break

Returning my camera to it's bag, Young and I continued to chase the guys downhill.  I marveled at the beauty of this nearly bare forest.  I'd only ever seen it in the spring, green with new growth and wildflowers popping out everywhere.  But this fall version was just as wonderful.

Colorful oak leaves

I passed a huge patch of golden oak leaves.

Looking down towards the Gorge

At one overlook, the clouds parted just enough to give me decent views of the Columbia River and steep cliffs of the Gorge.

Lone backlit leaf

This last little leaf appeared to be hanging on for dear life.

Young admires the colors

I caught Young admiring a brilliant yellow tree whose color appeared to light up the entire forest.

The Columbia River is in view

The last mile is always the toughest, and Young reminded me of our mantra - "Think of the beer!" The promise of our customary post-hike brewpub stop got me through the final downhill shuffle.  By now my sore toe was beginning to ache (two days of hiking in a row was a bit much I guess).

Beer time!

Beer tastes best after a long tough hike!  And it's even better when shared with good hiking buddies.  Thanks everyone for a great day in the woods.

Stats:  7 miles, 2900 feet elevation gain

Dog Mountain Morning

My choice of hikes this spring kind of look like a "Gorge's greatest hits."  There was Coyote Wall, Dalles Mountain Ranch, Memaloose Hills, and most recently, Eagle Creek.

Of course this list wouldn't be complete without a journey up the steep, wildflower-covered slopes of Dog Mountain.

Sun breaking through the forest

A humble hill on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, most of the year this trail doesn't get much love.  But when the balsamroot bloom in late May, hikers flock here in droves.

My friend the balsamroot

During peak bloom, vehicles pack into the small parking area, and cars line the side of Hwy 14 in either direction.  Then last year authorities downsized the parking area through a re-striping project, posted "no parking" signs along the highway, and vigorously enforced these new rules.  Hearing horror stories of the lot filling by early morning and huge crowds on the trail, despite the parking restrictions, I stayed away in 2016. 

Spectacular first view of the upper meadow

But Dog Mountain is one of my favorite spring hikes, and I'd missed visiting it's flower fields. This year I decided to go anyway.  The heck with the crowds and parking mess!

Prime bloom, baby!

Close monitoring of local hiking and wildflower Facebook pages gave me clues as to when peak bloom would occur.  Then I picked the closest Friday and made sure to leave my house bright and early.  My plan worked like a charm - pulling into the parking lot at 6:30 am, I was the 8th vehicle.

The balsamroot covered Dog Mountain's slopes

Since I've hiked "the Dog" dozens of times, I usually don't take many photo stops in the first half.  The path starts murderously steep, and stays that way much of the first mile, switchbacking through a mostly viewless forest.  I put my head down and slowly trudged up the incline.

Classic Columbia River view from Puppy Point

About halfway to the top views open up, and weary hikers are treated to a preview of the summit vistas.  The Columbia River stretches out below in a bright blue ribbon, perfectly framed by the steep cliffs of the Oregon side and Wind Mountain on the Washington side.

Looking towards the eastern Gorge

I was delighted to see cheery sunflower-yellow balsamroot flowers gracing the hillsides here.  About the time I reached this lower viewpoint, the moring sun burst through the trees, creating a great sunburst photo op.

My kind of sunshine

But even better stuff awaited on top!  So after a quick photo session and snack break, I continued my climb.

Steep trail winds through the upper meadows

The second portion of the trail climbed relentlessly.  It was a tough, grueling trek but again I took the "slow and steady" approach.  Before I knew it the forest began parting to reveal the stunning summit meadows.

Wind Mountain view

The upper meadows were in prime shape.  Covered with thousands of balsamroot flowers, the slopes were colored yellow.

Kaleidoscope of color

The trail cut a path through this wildflower paradise and I followed it an old lookout tower site.  Perched over the Gorge, it gave higher panoramic views of the river and Gorge cliffs below.  Nicknamed "Puppy Point" by the local hiking community it was a great place to soak in the iconic views of Wind Mountain and the Columbia River before the final half mile summit slog.

Looking back towards Puppy Point

As always, my pace always slows when I reach the lower summit meadows.  So. Many. Flowers.  I just want to capture it all!

Relaxing on the summit

It took quite awhile for me to cover the final distance to Dog Mountain's summit.  The morning light illuminated the flowers and Gorge below perfectly, and I was in photographic heaven.

Wind Mountain and the western Gorge

Finally, I joined about a dozen other people for a quick mid-morning snack and rest break on the very top.  Tiny buttercup-like flowers covered the meadows, and I spied the very tip of Mt Hood rising over the Oregon side.

Can you spot Mt St Helens?

As always, I take the Augspurger Mountain Trail back down.  Although longer, it's not as steep, and passes by more outstanding wildflower meadows.  And you get a bonus view of Mt St Helens.

Dewy phlox blooms

And, as expected, the upper Augspurger Trail did not disappoint! Not only balsamroot, but I also saw lavender phlox, deep purple larkspur, stunning orange Indian paintbrush, white prairie stars, and even a nice patch of chocolate tiger lilies.  Truly Mother Nature's kaleidoscope!

Soaking in the sun

Come, walk down the Augspurger Trail with me.  I'm going to cut out the commentary, and just let you all enjoy the next few photos.

The flower fields on Upper Augspurger Trail were fantastic too.

Yellows and purples

I never tire of this view!

Flowers in the sunlight

After leaving the lovely upper meadows, it was a quick downhill trek through peaceful green forests until the parking area came into view.  Now late morning, it was plum full.  I spotted a line of four vehicles circling the parking lot like vultures, waiting for open spaces.  A pickup truck spied me walking to my car, and patiently waited while I took off my boots and loaded my gear.

Indian Paintbrush

Waking up early paid off big time.  Not only did I get a parking spot, I also had the trails largely to myself and - bonus - wonderful morning light to boot.  And it was great to revisit one of my favorite spring wildflower spots!


Sharing with:  Through My Lens

Dog Mountain Tradition

"The flowers are calling and I must go."

Happy balsamroot

If you've followed my blog for awhile, you know come spring, there's one trail I never miss - the steep, but rewarding trek up Dog Mountain.  In late May, this humble peak's summit erupts in a  frenzy of yellow balsamroot flowers.

Gorgeous Columbia River view

However this year, everything's been blooming a month early.  The first weekend in May, I caught wind that flowers were in full blossom mode up on Dog Mtn.  Time for my yearly visit!  Since this trail is so popular during peak flower season, I made sure to arrive at the trailhead extra early.  Total success!  I was the 6th car in the parking lot that morning.

Calypso orchid

Beginning the steep climb, I had the trail all to myself.  Bumbling along, enjoying the solitude, I came upon a man with a camera, crouching over a patch of wildflowers.  A kindred spirit!  I struck up a conversation, and found out the guy was none other than Greg Lief - head of the Oregon Wildflowers website and Facebook page.

Breaking out into the main meadow

Along with being a wildflower expert, Greg's a fantastic photographer.  I tagged along after him, asking questions, and stopping to photograph some of the same flowers.  Since I've contributed photos to the Oregon Wildflowers Facebook page, Greg knew of my existence, and was happy to put a face with the name.

Classic Wind Mtn view

Greg and I leapfrogged along until arriving at the first viewpoint, about 1.5 miles and 1500' up from the trailhead.  Cheery, yellow balsamroot blooms covered the hillside.  Below was a killer view of Wind Mountain and the Columbia River.  The river was so calm that morning, the adjacent Gorge cliffs reflected perfectly it it's blue waters.

Lots of these guys!

But hard climbing awaited.  It was a steep, grueling 1500 additional feet to reach the summit.  I slogged along after Greg, but lost him after he dropped back to photograph some dainty, pink Calypso Orchids.

A hiker pauses to take it in

From the lower viewpoint to the summit meadows, the trail winds through dense woods.  The path is so steep in some places, travel is reduced to a crawl.  But, placing one foot in front of the other, I kept a constant (but slow) pace, and soon saw the forest opening up ahead of me.

Looking east towards Hood River

The entrance to the upper meadows is quite dramatic.  The forest suddenly parts, and - bam! - an enormous field of yellow flowers opens up before you.  Balsamroot blossoms stretch up the steep mountainside as far as the eye can see.

Indian Paintbrush

This was what I'd come for!  The camera was hastily unpacked, and I spent the better part of an hour inching up the trail, capturing as many gorgeous flowers as possible.

Bright purple Phlox

Although balsamroot was the predominant bloomer, there was also Indian Paintbrush, Phlox, and Larkspur mixed in.  I also saw small patches of dainty white flowers, which I couldn't identify.

On to the summit!

Before the final trek to Dog Mountain's very summit lies another Gorge overlook, nicknamed "Puppy Point."  I made a quick stop at this viewpoint and admired the amazing panorama.  The mighty Columbia unfurled below, green tree-lined forest ridges spread out on either side. 

Two bugs in an **ahem** moment

Then I slowly meandered up the rocky, dusty trail.  Lined by ever-present yellow balsamroot, distractions were many.  I saw a bug posing for me inside one flower, and had to stop for a capture.  It wasn't until I'd clicked the shutter a dozen times that I realized there were actually two bugs, and I'd likely interrupted an intimate moment. (Oopsie!)

The crowds have arrived!

Yes indeed, flower season on Dog Mountain brings out the hikers, and a sunny, Sunday morning just adds to their numbers.  By this time, the hordes had caught up to me, and I watched an endless conga-line of people trudge by on their final summit push.

Larkspur

But the wildflowers were so spectacular, I continued my photographic dawdling.  So much to capture!

Amazing summit panorama

It was late morning before I finally arrived Dog Mountain's summit.  By then, a crowd of at least forty people were gathered on top, spread amongst it's grassy meadows.  I found a spot to sit, broke out a snack, and enjoyed the stupendous views.

Nature's flower garden

The frustrating part about sharing this popular trail with so many is beauty like this brings out all types of people, even sadly, those I refer to as "the clueless hikers."  These are the folks who cut switchbacks, leave their toilet paper in the woods, and, my personal pet peeve, pick the wildflowers.  I saw a few people sporting balsamroot blossoms in their hair, and one dog who was decked out with a bouquet lining it's collar.  People - no matter how tempting they look, please DO NOT PICK WILDFLOWERS!  Leave them for all to enjoy!

(Okay - my rant is over)

My favorite - chocolate tiger lily

After a wonderful rest on top, I packed up and began my downhill trek.  By now, so many people were climbing up the trail, I felt like a salmon swimming upstream, trying to shimmy by.

Heading back down

Luckily, three main trails access Dog Mountain's summit, and for my return trip I always pick the lesser-used Augspurger Mountain Trail.  Although a bit longer in distance, this trail offers a gentler slope (better for the knees) and a nice change of scenery.

Western Groundsel

Contouring across Dog Mountain's steep sidehill, the crowds diminished, and I took some final shots of these truly wonderful flower fields.

Halfway trail sign

Then, the trail plunged back into dense woods.  As the day was now heating up, the tree's cool shade was a welcome relief.  I charged downhill, happy to see that my feet were holding up nicely.  I even passed a couple of folks! (And pre-surgery that never happened)

Cool, shady forest

I arrived back at my car to an overflowing parking lot, with crowds of people still heading up.  But my yearly trek now in the books, it was time to find a cool brewpub, and review the morning's photographic work.

Goodbye Dog Mountain.  See you again next year!


Sharing with:  Wednesday Around the World and Scenic Weekends