How to Visit The Dog Mountain Wildflowers at The Columbia River Gorge
With steep trails and beautiful wildflowers, Dog Mountain is one of the most challenging yet rewarding springtime hikes in the Columbia River Gorge.
Located just over 9 miles east of Stevenson, Washington, the hike features over 2,800 feet of leg-burning elevation gain, where hikers are ultimately rewarded for their efforts with a mountaintop vista surrounded by a wildflower explosion of balsamroot, Indian paintbrush, lupin, and more.
May is known as the best time of year to hike the mountain when the flowers are at peak bloom.
However, due to the significant rise in springtime visitors, the U.S. Forest Service decided to implement a permit system in 2018 to manage the increased use.
Before the system was in place, heavy weekend traffic frequently caused the parking lot to overflow and caused for hazardous conditions on State Route 14.
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Skip the Permit and Ride the Dog Mountain Shuttle for Free!
With the permit system, hikers heading to Dog Mountain on the weekends are required to have a permit from April 26 – June 15.
With only 90 permits available per day through the online reservation system, access to the trail can be tricky for many.
Luckily, hikers can skip the permit hassle by riding the Columbia Area Transit Dog Mountain Shuttle for free from the Skamania County Fairgrounds, which runs an average of every 30 minutes from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays during the permit season.
Best of all, riders get a free stamp which serves as their hiking permit for the day. Here’s the Dog Mountain Shuttle schedule for more information.
Portland/Vancouver Hikers Ride the Columbia Gorge Express
Hikers coming from the Portland/Vancouver area can catch the Columbia Gorge Express from the Gateway Transit Center.
The Express provides a stress-free and eco-friendly alternative to driving, allowing them to transfer to the Dog Mountain Shuttle at Thunder Island Brewing in Cascade Locks.
This portion of the journey will require a $40 unlimited-ride annual Gorge Pass. Here are some easy instructions for folks coming from the Portland/Vancouver area
The Dog Mountain Shuttle is Dog-Friendly!
For those traveling with their furry friends, the Dog Mountain Shuttle is dog friendly! Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the shuttle buses, as long as owners ensure their pets are under control at all times.
READ MORE: The Dog Mountain Trail in Washington
Sit Back and Toast a Day Well Spent!
After a rewarding day on the trail, treat yourself to some well-earned relaxation in the charming town of Stevenson.
Whether you’re craving a cold craft beer, a hearty meal or a scenic spot to unwind, you’ll find no shortage of excellent dining options, including the Red Bluff Tap House, Big River Grill, Walking Man Brewery, Clark and Lewie’s and the Skamania Lodge.
Because after all of that climbing and exploring, you’ve earned the chance to sit back, refuel and toast a day well spent!
More Places to See Around The Gorge:
