Gorge

Provides access to : Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 which accesses Mark O Hatfield Wilderness to the south, and the state of Washington to the north across the Columbia River.

The trailhead is located at the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks, OR the largest city adjacent to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). This site is also the lowest elevation on the PCT. The trailhead includes a parking area and restroom that is currently open to the public.

One of the premier areas for early spring wildflower viewing in the eastern Columbia River Gorge, Catherine Creek Recreation Area is popular each spring before it dries up by mid summer. The trailhead and parking north of Old Highway 8 are the access point to a network of multi-use biker/hiker/equestrian trails. The site was once a ranch before being acquired by the Forest Service to protect native plants, the unique arch formation, and other sensitive resources after the creation of the National Scenic Area.

Bear right to start the Catherine Creek Loop Trail , which is gradually being improved by the Forest Service and the Washington Trails Association. Take a slight left to follow Old Atwood Road, a route popular with mountain bikers.

The harder-to-follow Bitterroot Trail #4422 also leads west, eventually connecting to the Coyote Wall Area . This route began as a user-created trail, and has never been officially "built" by the Forest Service, so it is easy to get lost.

The agency agreed to maintain some of the trails created by users after a 2012 planning effort. Each year more trail improvements are implemented, and in 2019 a new bridge was constructed over Catherine Creek and a new kiosk was built in 2020. Other area trails are being decommissioned to protect native plants, so do your best to stay on marked trails and avoid areas and respect signs that mark areas under restoration.

A massive formation of columnar basalt, Coyote Wall is one of the Columbia River Gorge's most recognizable features from all directions. Known around the Gorge as "The Syncline", local amateur geologists enjoy debating its proper geological classification over a craft brew.

From Coyote Wall Trailhead, bikers, hikers, and riders can access a 30+ mile network trails with an open feel and breath-taking views. Trails include:

Bitterroot Trail #4422 (Ca2)

Coyote Wall Trail #4428 (Co1)

Labyrinth Trail #4423 (Co7)

Little Maui Trail #4425 (Co5)

Little Moab Trail #4424 (Co3)

Old Ranch Road Trail #4426 (Co4)

Raptor Trail 4424 (Ca1)

Upper Labyrinth Trail #4424 (Co8)

Mountain bikers love the range of mountain biking challenges which reward those who climb the trails with amazing panoramas of the Gorge! Naturalists can appreciate the diverse population of rare and sensitive plants found here. The thin, fragile soils were created by Missoula floods, and the habitat remains important for wildlife species.

Please avoid the area directly below Coyote Wall to the west, as it is private land. Trails in the area have been gradually rehabilitated in recent years according to a long-term site management plan, so user-created trails that once damaged natural resources are being decomissioned. New signs make it easy to stay on official trails, but use maps with caution as most are now out of date. (This planning map shows temporary names used during the planning process to label approved trails.) Today's signs do not match the shorthand codes, but they do make it easy to stay on official trails. Please respect signs indicating decommissioned trails and sensitive areas under restoration.

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 2025 is April 26 - June 15 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.

Herman Creek Trailhead is the access point for a number of trails including Herman Creek Trail #406 (elevation gain 3,835'), and Gorge Trail #400 .

Herman Creek Trail provides loop opportunities with Pacific Crest Trail , Gorton Creek Trail , and Nick Eaton Ridge . The Herman Creek Trail is a total of 11.2 miles long, including sections that extend into Mt. Hood National Forest. The trail enters the Mark O Hatfield Wilderness from the junction with Gorton Creek Trail #408.

Restroom facilities are located in the trailhead area. There is capacity for 10-12 cars.