Dog Creek

Dog Creek is a short spur trail in the William O. Douglas Wilderness that branches off the Richmond Mine Trail and follows its namesake creek into a quiet basin below the Rattlesnake Peaks. At 5,671 feet, the high point puts you well into subalpine territory on the east side of the Cascades, with views that feel far more remote than the 1.4-mile walk would suggest.

The trail sees very few visitors. Trip reports are sparse, and the ones that exist describe genuine solitude in a pocket of wilderness that most hikers pass through on longer routes connecting Mount Aix, Nelson Ridge, and Richmond Mine. For experienced hikers, Dog Creek works as a short detour on a much bigger day or as a standalone walk for anyone already camped in the area.

A recent wildfire has significantly impacted this trail. A 2025 trip report describes the route as difficult to follow through burned terrain. The access road is rough and remote, ending at a small pullout that fits four vehicles and a horse trailer. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. This is not a beginner-friendly destination due to the road access and current trail conditions, but for solitude seekers comfortable with route-finding, it rewards with alpine scenery and near-total quiet.