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Dog Mountain
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. During the peak spring wildflower season, a permit is required to park at the Dog Mtn Trailhead parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays. Permit season for 2024 is April 27 - June 16 and Memorial Day. If there are no permits available, hikers may take the FREE shuttle from Stevenson at the Skamania County Fairgrounds parking area 520 SW Rock Creek Drive and a hand stamp will serve as your hiking permit.
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.
The Dog Mountain fee site includes a gravel parking area, picnic table and vault toilet at the trailhead. 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. Park safely in a designated parking spot located in the parking area and allow room for emergency vehicle and transit access.
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.
Permit Info
During the peak spring wildflower season, a permit is required to park at the Dog Mtn Trailhead parking lot on Saturdays and Sundays. Permit season for 2024 is April 27 - June 16 and Memorial Day. If there are no permits available, hikers may take the FREE shuttle from Stevenson and a hand stamp will serve as your hiking permit.
Park only in designated spaces. There are about 70 spots and they fill quickly on weekends. Allow room for emergency vehicle and transit.
At a Glance
| Fees: | $5/vehicle/day |
|---|---|
| Permit Info: | Each hiker must carry a permit or digital proof of permit each year on Saturdays and Sundays & on Memorial Day during peak spring wildflower season. Details above in "permit info" section. |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Closest Towns: | East of Stevenson, Carson, and Home Valley, WA West of White Salmon, WA Across the river from Cascade Locks, OR |
| Water: | No |
| Restroom: | Vault Toilet (1) |
| Passes: | NW Forest Pass or valid federal recreation pass may be used in lieu of fee payment. Washington/Oregon state passes NOT accepted. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
General Information
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.
Activities
Day Hiking
Dog Mountain Trail 147 is one of the most popular, but also most strenuous hikes in the Gorge. Be prepared for steep grades and potentially dramatic weather changes as you approach the summit.
Areas for Day Hiking at Dog Mountain
Viewing Plants
The high meadow near the Dog Mountain summit is blanketed with Balsamroot and Indian paintbrushes peaks in May and June, and can be seen until mid-July. Accessed via Dog Mountain Trail or by creating a loop with Augsburger and the Augsburger-Tie Trail.
Viewing Scenery
Dog Mountain Summit offers outstanding panoramas of the Columbia River Gorge and, on a clear day, one can see numerous Cascade volcanic peaks, including Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. From Augsburger Trail, there are several impressive west-facing viewpoints of Wind Mountain and the Columbia River.
Areas for Viewing Scenery at Dog Mountain
Picnicking
2 picnic tables on site
| No. of Sites | 2 |
| Reservation Info | None |
| No. of Accessible sites | 2 |
Alerts & Warnings
- Microwave Tower Fire Closure/Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail Reopens
- Prescribed Fire Notice for Fall Burning
- Klickitat Mile One Overnight Use & Large Boat Launch Prohibition
- Concept Development for Mosier to The Dalles Trail Underway
- Drones prohibited in wilderness and select recreation sites
- Guard against car theft
- Check road and weather conditions
Related Information
Highlights
Location