Dog Mountain in late October
The wildflowers are long gone, but the wind on the upper meadow is the real story this time of year.
Dog Mountain is famous for its balsamroot in May, and the permit system that comes with it. In late October there is no permit, the lot was half empty at eight, and the upper meadow had the Gorge to itself apart from the wind.
| Measured | |
|---|---|
| Distance | 7.4 mi loop |
| Elevation gain | 2,950 ft |
| Moving time | 3 h 40 min |
| Trail condition | Dry below 2,000 ft, muddy above |
What I would do differently
I went up the steeper Dog Mountain Trail and down the Augspurger connector. Going the other way round would have put the wind at my back on the exposed section. A light shell was enough; gloves would have been nicer.
Parking filled by ten on a Saturday even without the flower crowds. The pit toilet at the trailhead was open.