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    Dog Mountain Trail

    4.7 (32 reviews)

    Dog Mountain Trail Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Dog Mountain Trail

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    Quinn A.

    Minus one star for things that have nothing to do with the natural beauty of this place. Parking, crowds... you know. But if you go off season, like we did, you can avoid those annoyances. No green meadows, no delicate emerging flowers, the hike in late fall is a snapshot of nature getting ready to settle down for the winter. But check out my photos. The sun coming through the clouds is picture perfect. We knew it would be cold, but we weren't expecting the frost on the ground. And when we crossed the high, open areas the wind cut through like an icy knife. But so what! We had the trail to ourselves and the parking lot was empty. It was a great workout, an incredible view, and a great day spent outside.

    A dog heading down Dog Mountain
    Michael S.

    Love Dog Mountain! My dog loves it, too! It's a win-win with easy access and beautiful views ... which also makes Dog Mountain very popular ... especially during "Wild Flower Season" in the Spring. Parking Permits Year-round, visitors are required to pay for parking. Daily Northwest Forest Passes are $5 and can be paid onsite (cash only in park envelopes). Annual passes are $30 plus other agency passes are valid, too. Hiking Permits From March 31 - July 1, a "hiking" permit is required for each person. Permits are included in the $2 roundtrip Skamania County shuttle on high season weekends or 165 ($1.50) are available daily online. Check out the website for information on hiking permits. Hiking permits do not guarantee parking. Note people get tickets and towed for parking on Hwy 14. Trails There are two trailheads at the parking lot: * Dog Mountain Trail: 6.9 mile loop with 2,820 ft elevation gain * Augspurger Trail: 12.6 mile total with 4767 feet elevation gain Combine the two trails into a loop by taking the Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail (1.5 miles) on either the way up or the way down for a change of scenery. Both trails feature old-growth forests and rock fields with some panoramic views of the Columbia River. Of course, plan accordingly for gear, water, etc. depending on how much of the trail you choose to climb. The elevation gains are real and harder for me on the way down than on the way up. Dogs are welcome at Dog Mountain ... as long as they are on a leash and under parent control. My puppy never seems to wear out when we are there, but definitely passes out on the way home. For both of us, Dog Mountain Trail is a wonderful nature escape for some exercise with some breathtaking views sprinkled in along the way.

    Watch out for poison oak!!!
    Bryan I.

    Most hikes in the Columbia Gorge offer picturesque views of cascading waterfalls or scenic overlooks, but If you're into flowers, Dog Mountain is the only hike you'll want to do! The entire SW face of the mountain above the treeline is FILLED with wildflowers from ~May to June. Here are some tips if you are thinking about going: - BRING LOTS OF WATER (minimum 1.5-2L per person) since there is no water at the trailhead, and wear sunscreen (the top 1/3 has little shade. - WATCH OUT for tons of POISON OAK on the lower 2/3 of the trail! If you don't know what it looks like, read the information board or ask someone. Merely touching the oily leaves can cause a severe rash that easily spreads. - Plan for the hike to last 3-6 hours depending on your speed and which trails you take (the main trail is 3mi to the top, or a shorter, steeper, and less pretty option will save you 0.3mi, or the Augspurger trail is 6.7mi to the top) - Bring a first aid kid for cuts, scrapes, bee stings, or sprained ankles. - It can be WINDY at the top, so if you plan to hang out up there, consider bringing a light jacket. - There is are 2 restrooms located at the trailhead. - Consider bringing hiking poles for extra balance coming down the steep slopes, or to make it easier going up. *NOTE: There is a $5 fee per car for parking. CAUTION: paying in cash is risky! I did so this weekend and still got a $55 parking ticket (I think the ranger pocketed the money), and since I paid in cash, I had no proof I put it in the envelope. Therefore I strongly recommend paying with a check, or better yet buying the $5 ONLINE day pass so you have proof you paid (or if you plan on doing a lot of hiking, buy the Northwest Forest Pass ($30) for a year's worth of unlimited parking at trailheads)

    Dog mountain trail!
    Roger M.

    If you're looking for a spring time hike in the Columbia River Gorge, I recommend Google "Oregon wildflowers" and find out where the blooms are. The report this week took me to Dog Mountain. This is a strenuous hike with a phenomenal wildflower display on the top. I recommend hike the loop counterclockwise. Climb the steepest part first because it is rather difficult and slippery going down. It's about a 2 mile climb straight up--2,700 feet of elevation gain. Then, you have about a mile of walking the trail plastered with wildflowers on a ridge line above the Columbia River. Spectacular scenery for panoramic smart phone shots and close-ups using a digital SLR camera--many wild flower varieties. It is about 3 1/2 miles to the bottom. Overall 6 1/2 miles. Tough hike. Check out my photos. Note we parked in the lot (mile marker 53 on Route 14 east of Stevenson) on a Friday at 8:30 AM and the lot was nearly full. When we finished, vehicles were lined up along Rt 14. You will need a Northwest Forest Pass or Senior Pass.

    Johnny T.

    I'd much prefer to call this trail "Doge Mountain": so steep very tired many wildflowers such views wowww The number of parking spots has drastically shrunk (75 spots vs. the 200 they had last year). A sign informed us the parking lot was already full, so we settled for shuttle service in the overflow parking area. The shuttle runs every 40 minutes and drops passengers off at the trail head. It's $1/person for each way. Bring exact change, the driver can't break your bills! *Important* - The last shuttle leaves the trail head at 4:15pm. It's a time constraint for hikers who arrive later in the day, or like to take it slow and enjoy the views (like myself). Still, I wouldn't advise missing the final bus. It's a looong way back to the shuttle parking lot. You'll still need to pay the customary $5 for your parking pass if you're blessed enough to find a spot at the trail head. This hike is rated difficult (and boy, they really mean it) and involves ~3,000 feet of elevation within 3 miles. The first 20 minutes were the toughest as my legs had to adapt to the shock of inclining so rapidly. You'll definitely want to rest at the switchbacks! For the most optimal trek up Le Doge, I'd recommend the following: *Good hiking shoes - To traverse the incline/rocks and avoid rolling your ankle. *Electrolytes - I drank an entire liter of water during the hike, but had to supplement with a Gatorade afterward to ward off the exhaustion. *Hiking Poles - This was IMMENSELY helpful with easing the strain to my muscles *Blanket - For sitting on the summit and basking in your gorgeous victory. *Camera - To gloat to your friends on Instagram (#dogmountain, bitches). The new parking situation is a bummer. Get there early so you won't have to sprint down from the summit. The grandeur of wildflowers are worth it despite the setbacks. I'd be happy to hike it doggy style again.

    Summit views!
    Briana T.

    Being from the PNW it's in my blood to love hiking and man is this hike worth it! My mom, friend and I took the shuttle bus ($2 per person) which was great because it also includes the price of a permit to hike on the weekends (only applicable April-June). It's a pretty steady upwards climb with minimal flat or downgrades on the way up. You're hiking through the forest for the majority of your trip, which is absolutely lovely. After about 2 miles you'll hit a "false summit" with some great views of the gorge. The next 1.8(ish) miles to the top is quite the trek but once you reach the real summit the wildflowers and views are absolutely stunning! Will definitely do again but earlier in April or May.

    Adrienne M.

    Absolutely a must-hike! The hike is hard as it is quite an incline all 3 miles uphill, but I promise you it is worth it. Go in the Spring time, late April to May and you will be rewarded with hillsides showered in wildflowers. If you don't like crowds go early! The parking lot fills fast. Consider a sunrise hike. Another perk to going early is avoiding the heat. Pros: wildflowers in the spring, phenomenal views of the gorge, great ass and calves Cons: gets crowded, discover pass required

    Wildflowers and Wind Mountain in the back.
    Anna K.

    This hike is as brutal as it is beautiful. I think something like 3 people had to be airlifted from the summit over the summer. The 2800ft elevation gain is not for the faint of heart. Take it slow! Bring hiking poles and good shoes. Wildflower season is the star and is what makes this hike worth doing.

    Jiro C.

    WOW what a GORGEOUS hike! Definitely very different scenery from Southern California and I am so glad I chose this hike! I will tell you though that this hike is quite steep and it is almost all incline to the summit. Not many switchbacks either. Just straight up climb. So if you don't like to sweat a lot, don't do this one cuz you will be sweating a lot! On the positive note, it's only around 3 miles to the summit so the huffin & puffin won't last too long. But trust me, the climb is definitely worth it because the reward up top is so breathtaking! I got to the trailhead at around 12:30pm or so on a Friday and this place was packed! There is a small parking lot at the trailhead and several places to park along the Lewis and Clark Hwy. No luck in finding parking at the lot so I ended up parking about 0.5 miles away from the trailhead. Not too bad, but it was a bit scary walking on the side of a highway when there are giant trucks flying right next to you & it's super windy. A Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass is required to park, or you can pay $5 at the trailhead. Pit toilets are available by the trailhead. Enough of the parking & toilet mumbo jumbo (although important!). So it seems like there are several ways to get to Dog Mountain: #1) The really long route starting from the left side. I did hear from fellow hikers that this route has a more gentle grade (easier for the knees when going down). #2) Veering towards the right along the wooden post after going about 0.5 miles up the Dog Mountain trail. I guess this one is the more scenic and newer trail with a gentler climb. #3) Going along the left side of the wooden post after going 0.5 miles up Dog Mountain. This is the "old trail" and is shortest but steepest. I chose route #3 to go up and route #2 to come down Dog Mountain so I can enjoy a loop. I will tell you....yes, taking the "old trail" is steep. According to the Strava segment, the average grade from the trailhead to near the summit (dunno why the Strava segment ends slightly before the summit) is 21%. If you do not like to do a lot of steep climbing, this route may not be your best option. As long as you are somewhat fit and have some experience going uphill for several miles, it is definitely do-able if you pace yourself and rest when you need to. The terrain is not technical at all so your footing will be good throughout the climb. Really really well maintained trail. The first 2 miles or so is in the forest so you will be able to enjoy shade! Just don't wear winter tights like me when it's over 70 degrees....and don't forget your hat like me so there is nothing to catch your sweat...luckily I had a bandana in my backpack so I wrapped that around my head rambo style. Once you get out to the exposed section of the hike, you will be able to enjoy the fantastic view of the gorge and wild flowers!! There is a view point before the summit (I believe the viewpoint is called "puppy dog") where you can relax for a bit and take some pictures. From this point though, it was extremely windy and cold! Not sure if it is always like this, but it's a good idea to have a long sleeve in your backpack when doing this hike. Especially if you plan on staying at the summit for a while since it will feel extremely cold with sweaty clothing in the wind. It's just a short stretch from the viewpoint to the summit and you will be going along the ridge. Enjoy the beautiful wild flowers and gorgeous view of the gorge as you complete the final stretch and by the time you know it, you will be there!! The views at the summit is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and is a large enough area where many people were enjoying a snack or lunch. The same ole sandwich is going to taste so much better up here! Well, I didn't have a sandwich with me so I spent a few minutes taking pictures and talking to nearby hikers :P You can also see the top of Mt Hood from the summit! Coming down route #2 (the "scenic trail") felt slightly longer than route #3 but did feel less steep. There was a wooden bench at maybe around halfway down the scenic trail where you can enjoy some breathtaking views. I was expecting a little more scenery along this trail though since this is supposed to be the more scenic one. Still very beautiful with lots of green and shade! I took about 2.5 liters of water and ended up drinking 1.5 liters. Total round trip of about 6 miles (including the initial 0.5 miles from where I parked to the trailhead) with 2,756 ft of elevation gain. Took me around 2 hours 45 minutes with roughly 30 minutes for pictures and "I am out of breath" breaks. Highly highly recommend this hike! Hopefully I can take my wonderful dog with me next time so he can conquer Dog Mountain as well!

    View from top
    Gina G.

    Steep-Steep-Steep. Great view totally worth it!! Sore everywhere!! Need day pass or NW pass- REI Not a lot of parking get there early. Its windy on top and chilly, layer up. Only a restroom at parking site. Bring lots of water. Fun day! Takes 4 to 5 hours for somewhat experienced hikers

    Mist in the trees near the summit
    Don B.

    Dog Mountain has a bit of a notorious reputation in these parts. Most of my friends refer to it with an air of trepidation or exhaustion. "Oh man we hiked Dog Mountain yesterday. I'm wrecked today." or "Oh man we hiked Dog Mountain yesterday and there were way too many fucking people on the trail!" I guess after years of hearing that I had more than a few reservations about this hike. But now that I'm in much better shape than I have been for the past, say, ten years, and am training for a large summer climb, I figured it's time to try this dog out. In early April this trail is not crowded at all. We counted a sum total of one other car in the parking lot when we parked, and saw exactly six people (in one group) on the trail. I'm guessing this is because while it was 55 and drizzling at the trailhead, it was much worse up top. To get up top, you can choose one of three ways - the West trail, which is the longest and most mellow (relative) of the three. The East trail splits part way up, one route goes straight up (as someone wrote on the sign, it's the "Way of the Samurai"), and the other is more scenic (but still steeper than the Western route). We went up the West trail, which has a lot of great viewpoints on the way up. About 3 miles in, the Augsperger Mountain trail breaks off to the West (another 4.7 miles to Augsperger) and the Dog Mountain trail continues up another .9 miles to the spot where the East trail merges. Another .1 mile up is the summit. In early April, there aren't really any wildflowers in the alpine meadows at the top. Our view was a wall of gray, with high winds and sideways rain/sleet. Not the most hospitable place on the planet. There are a few windbreaks up top if you crawl into the trees, and we found a place to post up for a quick lunch. The cold and wet didn't allow us to stay long. As the clouds broke here and there, we caught a few views, and could tell that on a clear day the vistas must be stunning. We were grateful to have thought to bring rain pants, warm dry clothes, hats and waterproof shells. The full loop is something in the 7 mile range and the elevation gain is 2800 feet. This should not be your first hike of the year. Even the "mellow" route still gets you up 2800 feet, but the grade is just a little more merciful than the straight up way (which I still have yet to check out). The short, steep route is all trees until you get to the top, so while quicker and more punishing, it sounds like it's less entertaining. Bring water... lots of it. And at least a Kind bar or some type of snack/energy. And if you go early season, be prepared for the weather to be much harsher up top than it is at the trailhead. But that goes without saying for early spring hiking in Oregon. I will definitely come back for the flowers in May. I can tell that it will be epic on a nice day. As long as I can do it on a weekday. Crowds on trails just annoy the hell out of me.

    Yen N.

    I went here 2 days ago and I'm still in pain....It hurts so good! Dog mountain trailhead is very easy to find, just off of milepost 53 along Highway 14. Loop is about 7 miles, that's 3.8 miles with 2800 elevation gain. It can be very windy at the top.

    Flowers :)

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    Does anyone know if the flowers are in bloom yet since we're having such an early season?

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    Ask the Community - Dog Mountain Trail

    Review Highlights - Dog Mountain Trail

    I've done a bit of hiking around the gorge and this was by far the hardest hike I've done yet.

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    Dog Creek Falls - Dog Creek Falls

    Dog Creek Falls

    4.5(2 reviews)
    10.9 mi

    My wife and I set out for an adventure from East Vancouver, heading to Dog Creek Falls, which we…read morereached in about an hour. The falls are conveniently located right off the highway, with ample parking available. In fact, we had the place to ourselves for the first 25 minutes or so. From the parking lot, it's just a short, easy walk--about 100 yards--to the falls. The waterfall is absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear water cascading into a serene, picturesque setting that feels tucked away from the world.

    A small waterfall...especially if compared to the endless supply of spectacular falls along the…read moreColumbia Gorge. There's a nice sign for Dog Creek easily seen when traveling along the 14. If you're heading west you might not see the turnoff to the parking area until you pass it. There's a decent amount of parking available, but no toilet or trash bins. Dog Creek is sweet and in a peaceful setting. The falls are easily seen from the highway, but a very short path leads from the lot to the water. A small and simple single drop falls comes down from the canyon, however we took the drone up and could see there's quite a bit more to the river and falls higher up...we did not attempt to venture up there though. There's a small pool at the base of the falls and great shade. I could see it be a nice place for families to picnic and kiddos to splash around in the summer. In an area full of fabulous hikes and sites Dog Creek Falls might not stand out, but it's a easy place to stop off the highway and quickly enjoy a falls with the fam.

    Photos
    Dog Creek Falls - Looking back at the creek from the falls.

    Looking back at the creek from the falls.

    Dog Creek Falls - Looking back towards highway 14 from the falls.

    Looking back towards highway 14 from the falls.

    Dog Creek Falls - Dog Creek Falls (wide angle)

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    Dog Creek Falls (wide angle)

    Mosier Creek Falls - Wildflower time

    Mosier Creek Falls

    4.3(8 reviews)
    15.4 mi

    Best time for this hike is end of April and May when the wildflowers are in bloom and cover the…read morehillsides with purple widow's grass, yellow balsam root, blue lupine and lavendar bachelor buttons. It's my favorite time to be in this area! Best place to park is right before the Mosier Creek Bridge as you leave the tiny two block downtown area. As you begin the hike you come to the cemetery of the founding father's of this charming town. Continue for another 10 minutes to the falls and the swimming hole below. The falls are small, not like the 7 popular falls you see along the Old Historic Highway by Multnomah Falls, but still lovely. Continue on and up where views of the Columbia River from this vantage point are breathtaking. The river widens In this area and slight turns as it makes it's way through Mosier and onto Rowena making for a beautiful vista to take in and photo ops. Unlike at Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Preserve, dogs are allowed on these trails.

    Pretty fun trail with a variety of sites!…read more There's a small parking area right in town just on the other side of the bridge from where the trail begins. You can make a very short hike of it and just go to the falls. Or you can continue on from there and complete the approximately 3 mile out and back with a small loop at the top...I recommend the latter. There's nice signage at the start explaining some trail details. You'll pass by a cool, tiny cemetery and venture on to the falls. Mosier Falls was a bit more substantial than I'd expected, set in a pretty canyon with an overlook for your viewing pleasure. Should you wish to continue on the trail...and you really should...you'll start up the side of the hill on switchbacks and stairs to the top. Tiny flowers popping up were blanketing the entire hillside, and I'm guessing it'll be quite a show in couple of weeks. After zigging and zagging multiple times you'll reach the top and come to an overview with spectacular views of the gorge. There's a bench there should you need a little rest or just wish to sit and take in the view for a bit. From the viewpoint you'll see the dirt trail continue on. It meanders further down to the end of the line...a short loop that offers even more gorge views. The trail is quite narrow and fairly unshaded most of the way and there are regular signs warning hikers of private property lines. We enjoyed it on a Saturday morning, along with quite a few other hikers. It's a decent workout, a pretty waterfall, and some beautiful gorge views...not too shabby!

    Photos
    Mosier Creek Falls
    Mosier Creek Falls
    Mosier Creek Falls - Mosier Creek Falls - Feb 2024

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    Mosier Creek Falls - Feb 2024

    Falls Creek Falls - Icy cold, gorgeous

    Falls Creek Falls

    4.9(18 reviews)
    11.3 mi

    This review is for Lower Falls Creek Trail which was a ~3.2 miles round trip that took ~1.5 hours…read moreto complete. Just 50 mins away from Multnomah Falls; we decided to cross the Bridge Of The Gods into Washington! There was a $3 toll fee at the bridge (class 1 vehicle). Trail was narrow for the most part where you will need to stop to let others pass. Overall, not too difficult with a stunning waterfall at the end! Required to drive on dirt road to reach the trailhead. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/O3n5GA00KA4

    Great out and back at approximately 3 miles RT. The falls are so spectacular, a much longer trek…read morewould be perfectly acceptable! The trail itself is pretty narrow at times, we had to pull off often to let others through from the opposite direction. The environment is lovely, beautiful trees and the wonderful sounds of rushing water. When you approach the falls it's pretty jaw-dropping. From a distance, peeking through the trees the anticipation of what's coming is energizing. Once you arrive there are large boulders and layers to climb around to get different views (warning, some spots slippery). Although you can't possibly see the top areas of the falls fully, what you get to see is simply gorgeous. A beautiful pool and forest surroundings, along with a waterfall of spectacular height with a plethora of refreshing spray...what more could you want?! I've taken in quite a few falls in the area and so far this one takes the cake. Definitely worth a trek to see in person, as pictures do not do it justice. Would LOVE to see this hike and falls snow-covered too!

    Photos
    Falls Creek Falls
    Falls Creek Falls
    Falls Creek Falls

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    Catherine Creek Trail

    Catherine Creek Trail

    4.5(10 reviews)
    16.7 mi

    A simple yet beautiful trail that is fully paved and meanders down towards the river providing…read morevast, expansive views of the magnificent Columbia River. If you visit during wildflower season, it's even more beautiful with colorful wildflowers covering the fields. This trail is one of the few ADA accessible, which I really appreciate. While I do not use a wheelchair, I do have a disability and my legs can not handle the dirt and rock trails that are uneven. So having a paved path means that I can enjoy the gorgeous nature in this area. Wildflower season ranges from end of March to June, but every year is different based on the weather. This year (2022) was a very cold and rainy spring which delayed and prolonged the season. In April the hills were covered in yellow balsomroot and then blue lupine. End of May and heading into June, the next wave of flowers brings shades of blue from the delicate cornflowers with California poppies providing vibrant pops of orange Along the way. It's stunning! Wildflower season is my favorite season! Along the path there are many benches for those wanting to just relax and chill; some in the shade, some in the sun. There are also placards providing info on the area, the wildflowers, and the importance of pollination. The Catherine Creek paved trail is south of the parking area, which is a gravel section along Highway 8. Cross the street, the access is just past the porta potty. If you want the Catherine Creek Arch trail, it is on the same side as the parking, just head up the hill on the dirt trail. It's an easy 1.5 mile paved path that does have some declines and inclines as you make your way down, around, and then back up. If you head clockwise, you can see the creek to your left. If you decide to go off the paved path down to the creek, know there is a lot of poison oak and ticks. I stayed on the path, which is clear and well maintained. Note for wheelchair users - the path is wide and paved, but there are some areas where it slopes down and then makes it way back up. Another great thing about Catherine Creek Trail and Catherine Creek Arch Loop is that parking is free, no day pass required. The parking area is on the smaller side and on weekends, especially during wildflower time, it does get crowded. I went midweek and there was plenty of parking and I only came across two people on the path. Great for people of all ages and skills. For expert hikers, do the Catherine Arch first then finish with Catherine Creek.

    The trailhead was pretty busy Saturday afternoon, but there's a decent amount of parking along Old…read moreHwy 8 at the head. There are trails on both sides of the Hwy...according to the trail map only two above 8 and one below within Catherine Creek, but another trail leads towards Coyote Wall. We only took one uphill loop this day. The trails are quite narrow and the footing mostly uneven and rocky. The views are stunning throughout, and the flowers are emerging. As the trails wind mostly through the open ridge there is almost no shade...sunblock sunblock! It's an enjoyable spot for a hike for sure, although for me not quite AS pretty as the nearby Labyrinth Trail. We will definitely return to complete the other trails...good times.

    Photos
    Catherine Creek Trail - Such an interesting and beautiful landscape, no matter the season.

    Such an interesting and beautiful landscape, no matter the season.

    Catherine Creek Trail
    Catherine Creek Trail

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    Latourell Falls

    Latourell Falls

    4.8(164 reviews)
    26.9 mi

    Latourell Falls was the first waterfall that my wife, her mom, and I stopped by, at 8:00 am. There…read moreis a parking paved angled parking lot with 30 spots. There are stairs from the lot, giving a complete view of the falls, requires going up 60 steps with 8 intermediate landings. My 85 year old mother in law was able to do with help and frequent stops. One can walk down a path (about a 3 minute walk) to get to the base of the waterfall, which is what I did by myself. The sound (and smell) of the water was so nice: could have stayed here much longer but we had other waterfalls to see. Notes: - named after Joseph "Frenchy" Latourell, a 19th-century settler. - 224 feet high

    Latourell Falls is the second biggest one is the Columbia Scenic Driveway. There's a parking lot…read moreand road side parking available. There are two paths from the lot, one through stairs to an observation deck, and another one down the trail to the bottom of the fall. The trail is short 2 minutes walk on even path. Dress properly for wet and misty weather, and have proper shoes. The prime location is corner spot right in front of the fall. The pathway continues thru an old bridge. You can actually walk behind the waterfall following the path, the unique aspect of the waterfall. When we arrived at the fall, parking lot was full, so we parked on the side of the road. The trail was little wet, so we walked carefully to the prime spot. The fall looked stunning. The water flow was much stronger than other falls. Some visitors were brave to walk all the way to the back of the fall. This was my favorite fall among all of them in the area.

    Photos
    Latourell Falls - Lower water fall.

    Lower water fall.

    Latourell Falls
    Latourell Falls

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    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Picnic tables

    Hamilton Mountain Trail

    5.0(10 reviews)
    8.6 mi

    When researching hiking trails to add to our vacation itinerary, I chose Hamilton Mountain Trail…read morebecause of the waterfalls..Pool of The Winds, Hardy Falls, & Rodney Falls and also, because it was located across the way from Beacon Rock. It was perfect weather for our hike on September 3, 2021 & it took my hubby & I almost 2 hours to hike up to the Pool of The Winds waterfall & back down. We did make multiple stops along the trail to take pictures/videos & to catch our breath. :)) While, I don't consider myself an avid hiker, I do consider myself in pretty good shape BUT I did NOT feel in good shape a few times during our hike up Hamilton Mountain! Going straight up that mountain is no joke! No worries though, I pulled through & made my way up that mountain & back down w/out any assistance...barely! :)) There are a few spots where the climb is very steep & slippery so be mindful of your steps. For sure having actual hiking boots would have served me better than the running shoes, I had on. Okay, so enough of my "out of shape" info..let's move on to the awesomeness of Hamilton Mountain Trail. As you are climbing up the trail, you're surrounded by huge trees & everything around you is so still & just peaceful. There is a small bench for sitting along the way & if you keep going pass that, you eventually come to an open clearing and the waterfalls. The waterfalls themselves are just so awesome! Mother Nature really is displaying her best work when you're standing right next to a waterfall! The Pool of The Winds waterfall was my favorite & there's a bridge right beneath it that is the perfect picture backdrop. I also wanted to add that it wasn't crowded at all during our visit & we did go on a Saturday around 2:30pm. Lastly, there was plenty of parking & a restroom at the beginning of the trail head. Hope this info helps! ~Rebecca out

    We hiked Beacon Rock the day before, and this trail is right across the street. In fact, you can…read moreget a good view of Beacon Rock through the trees from the Upper Parking Lot. The hike to Rodney Falls and Pool of the Winds seemed do-able, and we had a short amount of time, so we thought we could knock it out. As we started out, we learned that it had a pretty steep incline, and was a bit of a butt burner on the way up. I'm not an avid hiker, so let's just say I had a bit of a rough time (gasp) with lots of stops for photos (read: to catch my breathe). There are tons of trees for shade, with a few sun spots here and there. Just as I thought I couldn't hike another step, a fellow hiker offered encouragement, letting me know it was just a few minutes farther. And boy was it worth it. Pool of the Winds is a gorgeous falls with a clear pool of mountain water. And there are several spots to get good views of Rodney Falls and to continue on the hike if you choose (I did not!). Easy time going down. Quite a few people had hiking poles, to make it easier on the knees. I'd call this a success! (even with sore legs for a day or two afterward).

    Photos
    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Columbia River

    Columbia River

    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Bathrooms

    Bathrooms

    Hamilton Mountain Trail - Columbia River

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    Columbia River

    Dog Mountain Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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