This route tags the two iconic mountains, each in a different state, on the east end of Columbia River Gorge, with a swim across the Columbia River to link them. The trails are great and the swim adds some spice! As an added bonus, each of the two climbs involve a loop to a certain extent. The route starts at the Starvation Creek State Park. From there, the route begins with a stiff run up and down Mt. Defiance via the Mt. Defiance (loop) Trail, then a run along the abandoned highway to Viento State Park, where the swim across the Columbia River begins. From the other side of the river (now in Washington), a brief run along Hwy 14 deposits you at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. You finish the route with a climb up Dog Mountain, and a descent to complete the Dog Mountain (loop) Trail.
