On the southern flank of the famous Dog Mountain there is a unique jagged backbone arête of rotten rock rising for 1900’ directly from the roadside. For those who are looking for a alpine-like challenge totally in a league of its own, then this may be the one for you. The highly exposed ravines and ridges along this backbone arête and the deep forest scramble for another 1000’ to the summit of Dog Mountain is an unusual Gorge adventure.

For Directions and Beta: see the Gorge Rock chapter in the Northwest Oregon Rock guidebook.

Services: Gas stations are available in either direction, east in Bingen, WA, or west in Stevenson, WA.

Amenities: Stevenson, WA has an extensive grocery store, trendy restaurant/pub, eateries, etc. Being the county seat it provides a cornerstone of businesses including the County Fair (think summer Blues Festival). Bingen/White Salmon also have grocery stores and restaurants.

Camping: Home Valley has a great little Skamania County campground facility (and park) with toilets, firepit, showers and baseball diamonds (in the main park), and fresh water.

Administrative Agency: Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 10600 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682

Seasonal Factors: Its a 12-month accessible rib system, but ascend it in the conditions (sun, rain, or snow) you prefer.

Climbing Precautions: This is steep exposed scrambling, with minor rotten 5th class, so a rope is a wise precaution in spots (refer to NWOR).

Road access: State Highway 14 is open all year. Park in one of several dirt pullouts near the rock rib system.

Additional Notes: Before venturing up this wild and woolly adventurous ridgeline, refer to the Dog Spine section in the NWOR book.

Dog Spine Photo Tour

Dead Deer Traverse The Cul-du-Sac ramp Top of the Cul-du-Sac ramp The team at Dog Rock Keith on the upper rib On the upper rib The skinny Upper Rib The last vertical Rock Step Somewhere on the upper rib

Sunny day on the upper rib Tree belay above Riley's Rest