The U.S. Forest Service has made permits for those interested in hiking Dog Mountain on weekends from April 20 to June 16 this year available online at recreation.gov.  The permits are required as part of a partnership between Washington State Department of Transportation, Skamania County, and the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce to protect public safety.  It began last year as a response to growing safety concerns about congestion and accidents near the Dog Mountain Trailhead.  Permits will be required for all visitors to the Dog Mountain trail system on Saturdays and Sundays through peak wildflower season as a measure to prevent congestion at the trailhead by encouraging visitors to take a shuttle.  Permits can be obtained online, or shuttle riders who take the Skamania County West End Transit bus from the County Fairgrounds in Stevenson receive a free permit upon arrival at the trailhead.  Each hiker should carry a printed permit or electronic copy of their permit, as Forest Service employees will check for permits at the trailhead.