LAST DAY ➤ 50% Off AllTrails+

Dog Mountain Hike
Pacfiic Northwest Hikes

Dog Mountain Hike

  • 6.2 miles - Hard Effort
  • 3:30 Hours (Total)
  • 2,850 Total Feet of Climbing
  • Max Elevation of 2,949 feet
  • Leashed Dogs Allowed

what does this mean?

The Dog Mountain hike is short, steep, and offers great payoffs at every bend. Dog Mountain rises prominently above the Columbia River Gorge, giving hikers panoramic views of the Gorge, the Columbia River, and on a clear day the Cascades high peaks like Mt. Hood. In the late spring, the higher parts of Dog Mountain are covered in wildflowers, making for some great photo opportunities. If you're looking for a Columbia River Gorge hike that has the views, this is your move.

In this Guide:
  • Turn by Turn Hike Directions
  • Dog Mountain Trail Maps
  • How to Get to the Dog Mountain Hike
Quick Links:    Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Mar 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

Getting to the Dog Mountain Hike

Use this trailhead address: Dog Mountain Trail, WA-14, Cook, WA 98605.

This hike can be extremely popular, so make sure you arrive early.

You need a parking pass. I use the affordable National Parks Pass, which gets me in every park, monument, and national forest. Otherwise buy a Northwest Forest Pass at a ranger station, REI,  or in some local shops.

Gear for the Hike

I recommend hiking gear for Dog Mountain, but you could probably get away with fitness clothes too. Long pants will ensure that you don't brush your skin against poison oak. And bring some extra layers for the upper slopes, it can get windy and cold.

Top Spring 2023 Gear Picks

Osprey Waistpack

Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypack ( Amazon | Sirrus REI | Stratos REI )
Garmin Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ( Amazon | REI )
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles ( REI | Amazon  )
As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My March 2023 Top Gear Picks

Dog Mountain Trail Maps

Click Here To View

Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File

Free Nav Tools:  GaiaGPS - AllTrails - LAST DAY - 50% Off AllTrails+

Guides to Help You Navigate

How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)
Hiking With Gaia GPS For BeginnersHiking With Gaia GPS For Beginners
How-To Use Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints on GarminHow-To Use Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints on Garmin
How To Read a Topographic MapHow To Read a Topographic Map
Dog Mountain Hike 3d map
The hike climbs up from the Columbia River to Dog Mountain summit with some broad switchbacks. The prominence from the river is what gives this hike its great views.
Dog Mountain Hike elevation
The hike to Dog Mountain is steep. You basically go straight up. Many hikers use this to train for the bigger Cascades peaks.

Dog Mountain Hike Directions

Stay in Touch: Monthly Email - New YouTube Videos - Instagram

Dog Mountain Hike parking
The Dog Mountain hike parking lot is just east of milepost 53. There's also a large sign marking the parking lot.
Dog Mountain Trail sign
From the parking lot, take the Dog Mountain Trail. There are other trailheads, all signed. Just double check. A bathroom is just past this point.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
The trail climbs steadily. Pace yourself.
Dog Mountain Hike view
Almost immediately you start to get great views of the Columbia River Gorge. Take breaks and enjoy the view.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
At about 0.6 miles, the trail splits, hike to the right. Both trails go to the same place, and the right fork is easier.
closeup of the trail split sign
A closeup of the trail split sign. Hike to the right.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
At about 1.6 miles, after what will seem like a climb that lasts forever, you hike out of the trees to an open section.
Dog Mountain Hike views
Right after hiking out of the trees, there’s a bench on the right where you can take a break and enjoy the views.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
The higher you climb, the better the views become. After spending time at the bench, keep hiking up the trail.
Dog Mountain Hike trail split
At about 2.1 miles, the trail splits. Keep hiking to the right and uphill.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
The trail will eventually clear the tree line around 2.5 miles.
Dog Mountain Hike tree
Guess which way the wind comes from? If it’s a windy day, you’ll be feeling it by this point.
Dog Mountain Hike views
I love this part of the hike. You hug the ridge, with great views down to the river gorge.
Dog Mountain Hike rest area
At about 2.6 miles, there’s another area to relax and take in the views. Put on your extra layer here if it’s getting cool.
Dog Mountain Hike views
More great panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge open up on this stretch of the hike.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
The trail winds up towards the summit of Dog Mountain.
Cascades high peak
You’ll start to glimpse views of the Cascades high peaks.
Dog Mountain Hike trail junction
Just after 2.9 miles, there’s a trail junction. Hike straight.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
There’s a side trail into the woods. Keep hiking on the main trail.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
The trail winds up along the ridge of Dog Mountain.
Dog Mountain Hike trail
Just after 3 miles, hike the hard left. This turn is easy to miss, so keep your eyes open for it.
Dog Mountain Hike summit
This is the summit! There's no monument, just a small meadow to relax on.
views of the Cascades high peaks
You get great views of the Cascades high peaks.
Dog Mountain Hike views
These are the awesome views of the Columbia River Gorge that make the Dog Mountain hike worth the effort.
cris hazzard on dog mountain
Give yourself a pat on the back, you just burned a bazillion calories on this hike. Turn around and hike back down the way you came up.

Related Guides

Triple Falls HikeTriple Falls Hike
Punchbowl Falls HikePunchbowl Falls Hike
Pacfiic Northwest HikesPacfiic Northwest Hikes

Popular Guides

Backpacking For Beginners: Hiker → BackpackerBackpacking For Beginners: Hiker → Backpacker
Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?Hiking Boots or Shoes: Do I Really Need Hiking Boots?
When to Initiate a Backcountry Rescue (with Your Garmin InReach, PLB, or SPOT)When to Initiate a Backcountry Rescue (with Your Garmin InReach, PLB, or SPOT)
Garmin inReach FAQ: The Questions You Forgot to AskGarmin inReach FAQ: The Questions You Forgot to Ask

This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

Don't Miss Out

  • Monthly(ish) Email Newsletter - A list of new guides and important info for hikers.
  • YouTube - Subscribe for new video notifications. The best way to get notified every time a new guide goes up.
  • Instagram - I occasionally share pretty pictures from my hikes, broadcast live from the trail, and let you know about new guides.