About Dog Mountain Trail System Permits
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 $5.0 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.
How to Get There
From Stevenson, WA: Travel east on Washington State Route 14 (SR-14) for 10 miles. At milepost 53.7, there is a large sign and parking lot for the Dog Mountain Trailhead, which accesses both Dog Mountain and Augspurger Trails. 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 towards the Bridge of the Gods across the Columbia River. After crossing bridge, turn right (east) onto Washington SR-14 and travel 12 miles. At milepost 53.7, there is a large sign and parking lot for the Dog Mountain Trailhead, which accesses both Dog Mountain and Augspurger Trails.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Dog Mountain Trail System Permits
Heading to Dog Mountain Trail System Permits? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Dog Mountain Trail System Permits?
No central reservation system listed for Dog Mountain Trail System Permits. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273800) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Dog Mountain Trail System Permits?
From Stevenson, WA: Travel east on Washington State Route 14 (SR-14) for 10 miles. At milepost 53.7, there is a large sign and parking lot for the Dog Mountain Trailhead, which accesses both Dog Mountain and Augspurger Trails. 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 towards the Bridge of the Gods ac…
How do I contact Dog Mountain Trail System Permits?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-308-1700 or email: lhaukness@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources
