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 possibly another 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
- 6 (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. The 2026 permit situation has not yet been announced on the website.
As of late January, campsites are available at Beacon Rock campground, where leaders will be staying, as well as nearby campgrounds.
Trailhead 9 a.m.
Dog Mountain Loop (Columbia River)
-
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)?