Site Open

Dog Mountain Trailhead

Dog Mountain Day Use Area and Trailhead is the access point for two of the most scenic trails in the Gorge, Dog Mountain Trail #147 and Augspurger Trail #4407. These two trails form a popular loop hike, if you connect via the 1.5 mile Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail.

The area is most popular for its spring-blooming yellow balsamroot meadows, which occur at its upper meadows. Look for other wildflowers, such as white phantom orchids, Indian paintbrush and purple lupine, that add color to the mix.

Consider treating yourself to this hike on a weekday, as the lot tends to be full before 10 a.m. on weekends in the spring months.

Seasonal Permit Requirement: During the peak spring wildflower season, a permit is required to park at the Dog Mtn Trailhead parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays. If there are no permits available, hikers may take the FREE shuttle from Stevenson and a hand stamp will serve as your hiking permit.

Parking: Park only in designated spaces. There are about 70 spots and they fill quickly on weekends. Allow room for emergency vehicle and transit. For your safety, please remember that parking along Washington State Route 14 (SR-14) to access the Dog Mountain Trailhead is discouraged and visitors who park illegally may be fined and towed. Walking along the railroad tracks is both dangerous and illegal.

Trail Info: While Dog Mountain Trail tends to be the more popular route up, it is one of the most strenuous hikes in the Gorge due to its steep upward climb. It passes through an even-aged stand of old growth conifers, with an understory carpet of Oregon grape.

Those who choose to loop around via Augspurger Trail will not be disappointed by glimpses of the Columbia River meandering around Wind Mountain towards the western Gorge. Be prepared for potentially dramatic weather changes as you approach the summit.

Amenities: The Dog Mountain fee site includes a gravel parking area, picnic table and vault toilet at the trailhead.

Current Conditions

Site is open for day use. June 14th and 15th are the last weekend days this season for the Dog Mountain Wildflower Permits.
Obtain those permits through this link: https://www.recreation.gov/timed-entry/10091444
Or take the FREE shuttle from Skamania County Fairgrounds. Taking this shuttle counts as your permit to hike the trail

Dog Mountain Site

General Information

Day use only: open sunrise to sunset

Passes:

A federal recreation pass may be used in lieu of $5 day use fee payment at trailhead. Washington/Oregon state passes NOT accepted.

Seasonal Permits:

Each hiker must also carry a permit or digital proof of permit each year on Saturdays and Sundays & on Memorial Day during peak spring wildflower season.

During the peak spring wildflower season, a permit is required to park at the Dog Mtn Trailhead parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays. If there are no permits available, hikers may take the FREE shuttle from Stevenson and a hand stamp will serve as your hiking permit.

Day Use:
$5 per vehicle per day
$30 per annual

Day use fee payment options: Cash, Check or a valid Recreation Pass.

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 45.699196

Longitude: -121.708195

Directions

From Stevenson, WA: Travel east on Washington State Route 14 for 10 miles. At milepost 53.7 there is a large sign for the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Park in the pullout on the left.

From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to Cascade Locks exit #44. Follow the off ramp under the interstate and take the first right to the Bridge of the Gods across the Columbia River. At the stop sign, turn right (east) on Washington State Route 14 and travel 12 miles. At milepost 53.7 there is a large sign for the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Park in the pullout on the left.

Car Free Options & Parking Info:

The Columbia Area Transit (CAT) will be providing shuttle services on Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day to/from Stevenson, WA starting April 27 - June 16, 2024. The shuttle runs about every 30 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the days a permit is required. The pick-up/drop-off location is 520 SW Rock Creek Drive, Stevenson, WA. The last shuttle departing Stevenson is 1 p.m.

Park only in designated spaces. There are about 70 spots fill quickly on weekends. Allow room for emergency vehicle & transit. Parking is not permitted on SR 14; consider carpooling or visiting Dog Mountain during non-peak periods. Expect congestion on weekends and holidays.