The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area will release Dog Mountain Trail System permits on March 13 at www.recreation.gov.  Permits will be required on weekends from April 27 through June 16, including Memorial Day on Monday, May 27.  The permit system was put in place in 2018 to ensure public safety near the Dog Mountain Trailhead and adjacent Highway 14 during peak wildflower season.  A permit is included when visitors take the free Dog Mountain shuttle from the Skamania County Fairgrounds in Stevenson.  Seats are available on a first come, first served basis.  Each permit is good for one individual on the day it is issued.  The shuttle runs about every half hour from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends and Memorial Day.  Additional information about shuttle operations can be found at https://www.ridecatbus.org/dog-mountain-shuttle/.  Anyone using the parking lot at the Dog Mountain Trailhead will need to reserve one permit for each vehicle at www.recreation.gov. There is a $2.00 non-refundable administrative fee.  The permit is only valid for the date reserved and does not guarantee a parking space at Dog Mountain Trailhead.  Those using the parking area must also pay $5 per day and vehicle, with annual passes such as the Northwest Forest Pass and other interagency senior, military, and Every Kid in a Park passes accepted as alternate forms of payment.