Dog River Trail #675(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate one-way or out-and-back trail in Mount Hood National Forest. The trail is popular with mountain bikers, who also maintain the trail and appear to keep several bridges intact. Being on the eastside of Mt. Hood the forest is a lovely mix of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine as well as Maple, which adds fall color.

This trail goes by Clinger Spring near the Surveyor's Ridge South Trailhead.

There is a great view of Mt. Hood from a rocky outcropping 1.1 miles south of where the trail crosses Dog River.

Getting Started

This trail can be started at the Dog River West Trailhead, Surveyor's Ridge South Trailhead or Zigzag Trailhead.

For the Dog River West Trailhead drive south on Highway 35 from the town of Hood River. The trailhead is on the east side of the highway past milepost 78 and before Highway 35 crosses the East Fork of Hood River. There is a large pull-out parking lot that may have a port-a-potty.

Starting or ending the hike on the Zigzag trail instead of Surveyor's Ridge South adds ~1300 ft of elevation gain or loss along tight switchbacks.

Taking Children

Appropriate for older children given the distance and elevation gain/loss.