Columbia River Gorge NSA Dog Mountain Hikes Hike 48 Length: 7 mile loop, give or take Elevation Change: 2800' gain Season: Spring thru Fall with occasional winter opportunities Difficulty:    Difficult due to steepness of trail Permit:   NW Forest Pass Required Features: An excellent hike up a fairly steep mostly forested mountain to the open vistas of the top.  In season (late May thru June) the floral displays are among the best. The trail head parking lot is very large for a hiking area, which attests to the popularity of this hike. There are three basic ways to climb Dog Mtn, and this narrative is going to share the loop. If you start out on the Augspurger Trail near the middle of the parking lot, you will find an easier climb but a steeper descent. Whatever way you choose, you will find this a spectacular hike for sure. A Virtual Hike in the Columbia River Gorge NSA All for the love of hiking!