Dog Mountain Trail System Permits
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
Springtime wildflower blooms and stunning views make Dog Mountain one of the most popular hiking areas in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Visitors will enjoy panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood towering to the south. The popular Dog Mountain - Augspurger Loop is a strenuous 6.8-mile hike that climbs 2,828 feet. Approximate hiking time is four to six hours. The area provides opportunities for several shorter hikes as well. Visitors may experience crowded conditions along the trail on weekends during the wildflower season.
A Dog Mountain Trail System Vehicle Reservation is required Saturday, April 29 through Monday, June 19 (weekends only), Monday, Memorial Day (May 29) and Monday, Juneteenth (June 19). Permit reservations are required per vehicle, for one day of use. The permit is only valid for the date reserved and does not guarantee a parking space at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Permits will be available online starting March 15. An additional batch of permits will be released three days prior to each permit date 10 a.m. EDT (7 a.m. PDT). The permit does not guarantee a parking space at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Permits are not required June 24, 2023 through April 21, 2024.
There is a non-refundable reservation fee per permit. If you decide not to use your permit, please cancel your reservation to make space for others. Dog Mountain Trailhead is a recreation fee site and a daily, per-vehicle recreation fee of $5 is charged for use of the trailhead facilities. This is in addition to the vehicle permit fee. Visitors can pay the recreation fee on-site or online at https://www.recreation.gov/sitepass/72635. Annual passes such as the Northwest Forest Pass and other interagency senior, military, and Every Kid Outdoors passes are accepted as alternate forms of payment.
Notifications and Alerts
Dog Mountain Trail System Permits have changed this year (2023) from a per person to a per vehicle permit. Please only obtain one permit per vehicle.
Need to Know
- YOUR TICKET TO HIKE
Please have your printed permit confirmation letter (or electronic verification) with you at all times and be prepared to show the permit confirmation upon request. Visitors with reserved permits can access Dog Mountain Trail System any time during the day of reservation.
- PARKING AND VISITOR SAFETY
There are approximately 70 parking spaces at the Dog Mountain Trailhead and they fill up on busy weekends. Park only in designated spaces and allow room for emergency vehicle and transit access. For your safety, please remember that walking along the railroad tracks is both dangerous and illegal. Parking along Washington State Route 14 (SR-14) to access the Dog Mountain Trailhead is discouraged and those parked illegally may be fined and towed. Please note: Reserving a Dog Mountain Trail System Permit in advance does not guarantee you a parking space at the trailhead.
- RECREATION PASS REQUIRED
A daily, per-vehicle fee of $5.00 is charged for use of the Dog Mountain Trailhead facilities. Visitors can pay the daily fee on-site or online at recreation.gov/pass. Annual passes such as the Northwest Forest Pass and other interagency senior, military, and Every Kid in a Park passes are accepted as alternate forms of payment. Note that this fee is in addition to the reservation fee charged to reserve a Dog Mountain Trail System permit
- TRANSIT
Columbia Area Transit (CAT) provides shuttle service from the Skamania County Fairgrounds gravel parking lot at 518 SW Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson, WA to the Dog Mountain Trailhead on weekends during the busy season. If you plan to access the trailhead via the shuttle service, they will provide you with a free daily permit for the Dog Mountain Trail System (and you do not need to purchase one through this site). Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed on the shuttle. Additional information about shuttle operations can be found at https://www.ridecatbus.org/dog-mountain-shuttle/
- RECREATE RESPONSIBLY
Visitors are encouraged to visit readysetgorge.com for information about recreating safely and responsibly in the Columbia River Gorge. Trails in the area may be difficult to follow and visitors should carry a paper map and compass and know how to use them. No water is available at the Dog Mountain Trailhead.
Booking Windows
A Dog Mountain Trail System Vehicle Reservation is required Saturday, April 29 through Monday, June 19 (weekends only), Monday, Memorial Day (May 29) and Monday, Juneteenth (June 19). Permit reservations are required per vehicle, for one day of use. The permit is only valid for the date reserved and does not guarantee a parking space at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Permits will be available online starting March 15. An additional batch of permits will be released three days prior to each permit date 10 a.m. EDT (7 a.m. PDT). The permit does not guarantee a parking space at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Permits are not required June 24, 2023 through April 21, 2024.
Changes and Cancellations
No refunds once tour starts. See Facility Rates for fees.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
902 WASCO AVE., SUITE 200 Hood River OR 97031
Phone Number
541-308-1700
