Hike: Dog Mountain via Augspurger Trail, Cook, WA

Getting There

The Augspurger and Dog Mountain Trails share the same trailhead parking lot off Hwy 14. 

I took I-84 to Cascade Locks, then crossed the river and continued on WA-14 eastbound. It's 54 miles (87km) from Portland and 6.2 miles (10km) from the Carson turnoff/round-about. Being a mid-week hike, the parking lot was mostly empty, save a few cars. 

I parked by the Discover Pass sign and geared up. After a pit stop, I set out on the trail, remembering my hike from last November.

The Hike

Distance: 6.92 mi
Ascent: 2,743 ft
Total Time: 3h 46m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my second hike of the year and my first "real" hike: decent mileage and elevation gain. 

I was settling into my groove but was quickly jolted by something on the trail. It was a dead deer on the trail. Sorry for the graphic details: it was on its back with hind legs in the air. It was just leg bones, the flesh had been eaten off. My mind went from "holy shit, this is gruesome" to "I hope there isn't a cougar or other predator or scavenger watching me, ready to defend its meal." I hestitated, trying to gather the courage to proceed or return to the trailhead and take the Dog Mountain Trail instead. As I stepped over the carcass, hundreds of flies took flight. I tried not to look too closely and burn a horrible image in my mind. I noticed some poop and entrails near the body. 

I cleared the body and quickened my pace. I had to get out of there. When I reached a viewpoint of Wind Mountain about 3-4 mins up the trail, I texted James about who to contact. He got back to me and said to forward to Stasia to message our forest contact. I was just thinking about unsuspecting hikers coming across the scene and possibly having an animal encounter.

 

The weather was great. I kind of hoped to meet a hiker coming down the trail but never saw anyone. Too few people around. I was preparing my spiel about the deer.

 

Snapshots of the trail from when I was there for the WTA work party popped into my mind, helping me gauge my progress. I wasn't terrible energetic, taking more breaks than I'd expected to need. Thank goodness for my electrolytes, they kept me going.

I was having doubts but didn't want to turn back and have to go by the deer again. (shudder). It gave me some motivation to push myself.

I was relieved when I reached Augspurger-Dog Mountain Trail junction. I poked my head around the corner on the Augspurger Trail. I want to check it off the list sometime. It's a long one, 12.3 miles (~19.8km), 4507 feet (1373m), maybe a good conditioning hike for MSH or Mt Adams, etc.

 

As with other hikes I've done, I've compressed the next section in my mind. It's longer than I remembered and a little more elevation gain. I encountered a few downed trees over the trail.

 

I finally emerged from the trees and I could see to the Dog Mountain Trail. I was almost to the apex of my hike. The views were spectacular. The sun was still a bit high in the sky, the lighting still a bit bright. Someday I'll hike here when the wildflower are in bloom.

 

On my descent, I passed a hiker coming up to the summit.

 

I made sure to enjoy the views after the difficult ascent and trace of doubt. 

After Puppy Dog Point, I passed another solo hiker. I passed another couple in the trees, and a pair of hikers past the Hard/Very Hard routes. I thought about folks that hike late in the day. I wondered if they had the 10 essentials including a light source. 

I took a picture of the Mitchell Point. Awesome to see it from this side of the river. 

 

I was elated to have made it to the top and I was making good progress down (knees intact). 

I finally reached the lower section, the switchbacks. I inspected our trail work from last year. I tried to find that section that were excavated and filled in. It was invisible :)

  

Back at the parking lot, I counted the cars and matched them in my mind with the hikers I'd seen.

A successful day. I'm still pretty fit for the terrain and difficulty. It it motivation to resume my hiking frequency, balancing trail work with personal hikes.

Hike: Mitchell Point, Hood River, OR

Getting There

From Portland, it's about 57 miles (92km) east on I-84, about 5 miles (8 km) from Hood River. You have to take exit 58 from the eastbound lanes: there is no exit from the westbound lanes. 

The trailhead/tunnel parking lot is just up the hill. Parking is limited. When I went there on a weekend (or holiday), cars were parked illegally on the shoulder - please don't do that. Come back during the week or when early or late in the day. 

I waited until mid-afternoon to decide to go somewhere. I knew I didn't have time for any of my usual hikes. The weather was great in town and I hoped it would be like that all the way to Hood River. When I was getting close (I was parallel with Wind Mountain across the river), the cloud cover was pretty thick. The sunset was going to be nice but it was a bit chilly.

Fortunately, the parking lot was only about 1/2 full (5-6 cars). I didn't have any gear, just a jacket, fanny pack, hiking poles. No water, or snacks. Raw dogging. 

The Hike

Distance: 1.85 mi
Ascent: 892 ft
Total Time: 1h 27m 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my first hike of 2026 but not my first outdoor excursion. I've done a bunch of work parties with WTA and TKO but was finding motivation was still a bit elusive, a feeling that has lingered for several months.

Last time I stopped here, I didn't even have proper hiking boots and found my footwear was not appropriate for the steep terrain. This time I had a singular goal in mind: make it to the top!

Given the lack of cars in the parking lot, I figured I'd have the place to myself. I had just an hour or 1.5 hrs left before sunset.

The trail climbs about 900 feet (275m) in just under a mile (1.4km). I grinded up the switchback, crossed a couple of scree fields which lead me to the saddle. The trail climbs up to the service road for the power lines, before turning sharply back towards the river (north). The climb up the spine is kinda steep but not bad.

As I was ascending the last stretch I saw two people near the top. They disappeared out of view. I guessed they were enjoying the views. I continued upwards but wanted to give those folks some space. I peeked around the corner and saw them sitting. I backed up a bit and took some pictures.

After a few minutes I saw them coming back down. I pretended I was a bit surprised. I said hello and made a cringy (dad joke) comment: "What goes up must come down".. (ewwww, why?). LOL

I climbed up to where they were sitting and took a look. Not much further to go on the point before getting too sketchy. I was ready to start my descent but wanted those people to get a little further along so I wasn't crowding them.

I saw them stop to put on jackets so I hurried so I could pass. Unfortunately, they saw me coming down the hill and quickly started hiking again.. argh!

I stalled and walked really slowly but they kept stopping so I eventually caught up again.

As I crossed the last scree field, a bunch of softball to bowling ball sized rocks started to slide down right above were I was. Only my legs & ankles stopped them but they kind of piled up against me. Yikes. More rocks might have made me lose my footing and swept me down the scree field, or if they'd had started sliding higher up and picked up speed, it could have been more dangerous. Oof.

I made a noise in surprise then relief when nothing more happened. I looked up and noticed the couple had stopped. In fact, they'd stopped to make sure I was okay. I brushed off the danger and said "well, that was a bit spicy!" but thanked them.

Again, I adopted a slow pace so I wasn't right behind them on the trail. Back at the parking lot, one of them headed to the loo and the other putting their gear away. I should have thanked them again for waiting after the rock slide. 

 

Snowshoe: White River Canyon, Government Camp, OR

Getting There

It was the last day of the year. Being behind on my hiking goals, I wanted to squeeze in one more outing. I saw the weather was looking favorable in the Gorge and around Mt Hood. 

A couple people posted amazing pictures from Silver Star. One person on AllTrails reported the road (L-1200) was in terrible shape while another said the road was fine. As I was driving on Hwy 30/N Killingsworth toward the I-205 turn, I considered hiking Silver Star but my decision was made when I turned right onto the southbound lanes towards Troutdale. I was going to Mt Hood like I said I was, stick to the plan). 

White River Sno-Park, an old favorite, was my destination. I passed the Mirror Lake parking lot: full, as expected. I still go a late start but figured I'd still have plenty of time for my usual route to the end of the trail. I stopped at Government Camp for a pitstop. 

The road were pretty clear to the Hwy 35 turn and to White River. The parking lot was less than half full. I wondered how much snow there actually was on the ground up in the canyon. No matter, I wasn't going anywhere else. (Trillium Lake didn't look promising, too crowded, flat loop.)

The Hike

Length: 5.53 mi
Elev. gain: 1,640 ft
Moving time: 2:38:41
Avg pace: 28:43
Calories: 1,398
Total time: 3:14:42 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I got suited up with my snow boots and snowshoes, and powder baskets on my poles. The snow on the ground was well packed and there weren't any post holes. Despite the clear skies, the sno-park wasn't very busy compared to other times I've been here. 

Once I got passed that last sledding hill, I veered off into the middle of the canyon, to the right (north) of the trees. I crossed the creek before putting on my snow shoes. 

 

The clouds were amazing when I started the hike. I only encountered one other snow shoer on the trail. He had a light pack, no poles and looked like a cotton sweatshirt. ಠ_ಠ

The end of the trail was in sight but also looked far away. I was feeling good and had plenty of time (i.e. daylight). I made a mental note that I wanted to start heading back down by 2:30p. I had one hour to reach the end of the road.

I heard some voices far away. I could see the Palmer chairlift moving on the ridge but probably too far. I thought there might be some people looking from the rim near Timberline Lodge. Nope, it was at least one person (probably two having a conversation). on the a steep hillside to my left (southwest). They were probably climbing up to have some fresh turns on skis or snowboard. Short but sweet section. 

The clouds had moved out by the time I reached this point, 2pm. In fact, the air seemed "warm". I guessed it was around low 40s. The snow was getting pretty mushy in spots. I don't know what my packed weighed but played a factor. I saw some snow shoe tracks that were on the top of the snow, probably made when it was a lot cooler.

I also noted that the snow coverage was pretty minimal compared to previous visits, lots of rocks showing. 

I made it to my destination. The end of the road. This looks like an ancient glacial valley.

Here is my last picture of Mt Hood as I was winding my way back to the car. 3pm. 

I couldn't find a suitable route to climb into the trees for my descent so I returned the way I'd come. I'd seen a few sets of human-made tracks lower down coming from the trees. My biggest concern was creeks next to the small cliff. 

I saw a short section that looked promising. I was able to climb my way up and over the berm. The snow in the trees was softer than I'd expected. I thought the shade would have slowed the thaw. I found a couple of ski tracks. I followed some other snow-shoe tracks for awhile but ended up leaving the trees before that last sledding hill. I took my snow-shoes off where I'd put them on earlier, just before a creek crossing.

The direct sun was gone, just the blue light over everything. There were still lots of sledders having fun.

A little kid on a saucer zoomed by and skidded to a stop. They looked up and stared for a few beats before I waved and said "howdy". I'm sure I was a bit of a sight: sunglasses, trucker hat, big backpack with Garmin InReach & red MSHI patch. S&R? Mountain man? Astronaut? LOL.

Hike: Hamilton Mountain + Hardy Creek, N Bonneville, WA

Getting There

Just after Doetsch Ranch you'll see the Ranger Station on the north side of the road just before the Beacon Rock parking lot, then another road across from the bathrooms. The road winds up the hill for a bit.

It was late morning and the weather was slightly overcast but I expected some nice views from up above. By the time, I got to the Saddle, I could see sunshine on the frosted tops of the mountains on the Oregon side of the river. It was windy though and getting darker. 

The Hike

Length: 8.52 mi
Elev. gain: 2,234 ft
Moving time: 3:35:28
Total time: 4:08:57
Avg pace: 25:17
Calories: 1,898

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trail News

The front section of the Hamilton Mountain trail is closed from the trailhead to the powerlines/junction. There was a major landslide a couple weeks ago. 

This is a screen cap from WTA Ryan's video on the PortlandHiker's Facebook page.

This is not far from the parking lot. In the video, Ryan pans left, down the trail, and you can see the parking lot. No ETA on when the repairs will start. For now, you can hike through the campground and use the Hadley Grove Trail to get to the Hamilton Mountain Trail past/above the landslide.
 

 

 

 

It's been three weeks since my last hike. Even though I love the photos I'm getting when I do muster the energy to get out there, my motivation has been low. My chest has been weirdly tight for a few weeks. I know I'm in good enough shape to tackle these hikes. The forecast showed no rain and only mid-40s between Washougal and N Bonneville.

When I reached the first viewpoint, the sun was clearly shining brightly. This is also the point when I've gone past Rodney Falls and am feeling pretty warmed up. My tight chest didn't seem to be an issue.

I stopped to consider where the new trail segment will be created at the foot of Little Hamilton. I saw Ryan's and Stasia's orange flagging. Since this trail and state park is so important to me, I hope I can participate in this work. However, I'll be a bit sad that this section of the difficult switchbacks will be decommissioned. There are short, exposed viewpoints like the following three pictures below that will no longer be accessible (without "trespassing"?). 

  

 

Another user trail that will be decommissioned is the a steep gash up the side of Little Hamilton. I know it's just going to keep getting damaged. Today I hiked up it for the second time. It's a little sketchy, lol. Still a good way to get up there, for variety. Guess I'll get another year or so to enjoy this before work is started in 2027.

After my Lil' Ham detour, I continued up. For some reason, I asked a solo hiker coming down about the conditions at the top. In hindsight, I should have just waved/said hello and kept to myself. I find myself chatting with at least acknowledging people on the trail, given my time as a Hiking Steward. I need to be cognizant about taking to solo female hikers on the trail. 

When I reached the last set of switchbacks to the top, I found my first bit of lingering snow and ice. There wasn't enough to warrant microspikes but I had them just in case. At this point, I still hadn't decided if I was continuing to the Saddle or was just going to do an up-n-back. I would decide at the top. I crossed paths with a guy wearing shorts. Geez Louise.

At the top, I saw lots of boot and dog prints going to the Saddle. The snow wasn't hard and slippery. I was feeling good and I was glad I was doing my loop.

The Saddle was pretty windy and chilly. Not a good spot to stop and eat like I have on recent previous hikes here. I was going to stop anyway and get out my spectacles and tighten my R boot.

To my surprise, I reflexively looked over my right shoulder and saw someone. A trail runner in shorts and thin long sleeved top. They were wearing a small hydration pack. We exchanged a couple words but I lingered and watched them go by.

I thought about how some people take a calculated risk. I imagined encountering someone like that who and twisted an ankle or something. I was prepared. I thought about that rescue in Ape Cave with Ted, and that feeling of being unprepared. 

However one wants to justify bringing such a heavy pack on these hikes is fine by me. "Better to have it and no need it, than need it and not have it." Someone else might need what I have in my pack: first aid, food, clothing, hydration. The extra weight will help me get "more" in shape and reassurance in physical abilities for more remote hikes.

I didn't take any more photos after the one above. 

As I headed through Hadley Grove, I studied the sunlight on the Oregon mountains in view. I judged that I'd missed the best light from the perch atop Little Beacon Rock. For the first time in awhile, I skipped this side quest. My hips were hurting and I was glad to use what little energy I had left to get back to the car.

The trailhead parking lot was nearly empty but there were more cars than I expected since I'd only seen one family up by Rodney Falls. It was dark. I'd made the right call to skip Lil' Beacon.