Aimee Wade and Tim Batog report that many wildflowers are in bloom, both in the forest and meadows. The balsamroot at the lower viewpoint (app 1600 feet) is profuse but past peak. The balsamroot in the higher elevation meadows (between Puppy Point and the summit) is peaking now. In addition to the URL above, visit the Facebook group for other Dog Mountain photos and reports.
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<FONT COLOR=`RED`>CAVEAT</FONT>: As always, the poison oak (<I>Toxicodendron diversilobum</I>) is blooming profusely at lower elevation of both the Dog Mountain and Augspurger trails. If you are using the Dog Mountain trail, stay on the trail during the initial switchbacks (to the `More/Most Difficult` trail junction). Make sure that you know how to identify it! I recommend wearing long pants and having Tecnu waiting at the trailhead just in case.
Reports