Field trip: Spring Hiking Series: Olympic River Rambler
Spring Hiking Series: May Hikes - Dog Mountain Loop (Columbia River)
*** Trip initially open to Spring Hiking Students. Trip will open for registration to all Mountaineers 7 to 10 days prior to the hike date. *** Very popular view hike in peak flower season in the Columbia Gorge! Join us for this Saturday hike and consider staying in the area for Hamilton Mountain hike Friday and/or Eagle Creek hike Sunday. Note that permitting issues may be complicated.
Contacts
- Sat, May 16, 2026
- Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults, All Who Qualify
- Strenuous
- Challenging
- Mileage: 8.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,800 ft
- Pace: 800-1000'/hour ascending
- 4 (6 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Wed, Apr 15, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Thu, May 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
We will plan a counterclockwise loop, hiking up the Dog Mountain trail with several view stops, and returning on the Augspurger Mountain trail for a less steep descent.
As of 2025, weekends on Dog Mountain require a hiking permit as well as a parking reservation through recreation.gov. A shuttle bus was running on weekends for those without a parking permit. As of 2/27/26, the 2026 permit situation has not yet been announced on the website.
As of late February, campsites are available at Beacon Rock campground where leaders will be staying (60% full), as well as nearby campgrounds.
Trailhead 9 a.m.
Dog Mountain Loop (Columbia River)
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Green Trails Columbia River Gorge West No. 428S
Green Trails Hood River No. 430
Trails Illustrated Columbia River Gorge - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
10 Essentials
Permit(s)?