SW Washington, Columbia Gorge: 
— Length 6.0 miles, roundtrip — 
Elevation Gain 2,800 feet — 
Highest Point 2,948 feet (thanks to Sharon L.)
The slopes of Dog Mountain rise steep and rocky above the Columbia Gorge, exposed to hard wind, summer drought, and intense sun. Soil slips downhill and roots struggle to hold the mountain in place. Fire has long moved through the Gorge during dry seasons, while erosion and unstable ground repeatedly disturb the slopes.
After the last Ice Age, grasslands and flowering plants spread across these warm south-facing hillsides. Winter rain still sinks deep into the volcanic soil before spring sunlight quickly warms the earth. Each May, balsamroot, lupine, paintbrush, and phlox bloom across the open slopes. Forest competes constantly with these meadows, but the mountain’s harsh conditions prevent trees from fully taking over many of the flower fields.
