The U.S. Forest Service is introducing a new permit system at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Starting this spring, hikers visiting the trail system on the weekend during peak season—from March 31 to July 1—will be required to purchase a permit in advance.
This move by the USFS comes as a response to safety concerns along State Route 14. The Dog Mountain Trail System, which includes the Dog Mountain Trail (#147 and #147C), the Dog-Augspurger Tie Trail (#147A) and the lower portion of Augspurger Trail (#4407), has always been a haven for wildflower viewers on the Washington side of the Gorge, and its popularity has only increased in recent years. Because of this surge in popularity, the lot at the trailhead fills up quickly during wildflower season, forcing hikers to park and walk along the narrow shoulder of SR 14. This creates a hazardous situation for pedestrians and motorists alike.
The USFS also expects the fire-related trail closures on the Oregon side of the Gorge to push more hikers onto Washington’s trail systems this summer. While they want to encourage visitors to use these trails, they also want to keep them safe and prevent overcrowding.
There are two ways for hikers to obtain permits. One is to utilize the shuttle service operated by Skamania County on weekends from March 31 to July 1. Seats will be available on a first come, first served basis, and will cost $1 per trip or $2 roundtrip. Bus drivers will then provide hiking permits (valid for one individual on the day it is issued) to passengers upon arrival at Dog Mountain Trailhead.
The other way to reserve a permit is though the national online reservation system, www.recreation.gov. There will be 165 permits available per day, and each non-refundable permit will cost $1.50. However, parking at the trailhead is limited and a permit does not ensure a parking spot.
“We’re hoping this new approach will offer a win-win by encouraging visitors to use the county shuttle service while also making SR 14 safer for visitors,” said Skamania County Commissioner Chair Tom Lannen when asked about the new permit system.
For more information, call 541-308-1700 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/crgnsa/hikedogmountain.
