If your four-legged friend is your favorite adventure sidekick, any nice day makes a great adventure across Oregon. With mountains or waterways offering endless fun, you’re sure to enjoy the great views and even better company. Don’t miss these top spots to run wild, play hard, and soak up every sunny moment.
Bark Parks and Post-Play Treats
1. For a day of dog walks and swimming near Troutdale — about 17 miles east of Portland — you’ll find the Sandy River Delta. This trail network welcomes four-legged friends in its 1,400 acres of wooded trails and open meadows along the Sandy and Columbia rivers. Aim to visit early or midweek for the easiest parking, and check your destination for parking fees. At nearby Sugarpine Drive-In, known for its ice cream treats, order a towering scoop for yourself and a “pup cup” for your best buddy.
2. Enjoy off-road adventures in Bend, also known as DogTown USA. With more than 51 miles of urban trails and a dozen-plus off-leash areas in city parks and national forests, this pet-friendly oasis is a wonderland for your canine friend. Visit Rimrock Trail, also known as Good Dog Trail, for expansive off-leash hiking through junipers and sagebrush, or other dog-friendly hikes in the Bend area. Stop by The Best Doggie Bakery for a treat; it sets up at local farmers markets all summer long.
3. In Silverton your well-behaved, leashed dog may enjoy the botanical wonders at the 80-acre Oregon Garden. There’s even a dedicated Pet-Friendly Garden just for them. Grab snacky treats at the nearby, locally owned Silver Paws, then round out the day with a splash of adventure at Independence Dog Park, a grassy 2-acre pocket with easy access to the Willamette River for a refreshing cool-off.
4. The Oregon Coast is a wide-open, off-leash adventure. The 363-mile stretch of pristine beaches, rocky headlands and coastal forests is open to all. Be sure to look up regulations at your destination, however, as there are a few exceptions where your dog will need a leash on the beach or may not be allowed on the sand during certain seasons to protect wildlife. After an exhilarating beach run, pick up frozen “pup cups” from Astoria’s Frite & Scoop, baked goods at Shaggy Dog Bakery in Bay City and cookies from Woof’s in Brookings.
Wining and Dining With Pups
5. You can tell that Portland loves dogs. The Tin Shed Garden Cafe welcomes them with open arms — there’s even a playful collage and creatively named menu items like the Fetch and the Roll Over. Alongside a canine-friendly menu, the cafe sells doggie bandanas and donates proceeds to rescue efforts. For happy hour, make your way to Lucky Labrador, one of Portland’s oldest dog-friendly brewpubs with multiple locations. It’s also host of the annual fundraising dog-wash event Dogtoberfest.
6. Hit the road for hikes in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Then refuel in Hood River at Ferment Brewing Company, where you can relax with a farmhouse beer and a giant pretzel on a pet-friendly plaza overlooking the Columbia River. Make a night of it at the Lightwell Hotel + Spa — a stylish, canine-friendly stay right in the heart of downtown where there’s also a rooftop bar. Continue 20 miles east of Hood River to The Dalles Riverfront Trail, a flat, paved 6.5-mile stretch ideal for walking or cycling, with big river views the whole way. Afterward, swing by Shannon’s Ice Cream for a refreshing treat — the shop serves classic scoops for you and a special dog-friendly gelato for your pup.
7. Pets and humans can kick back at one of Bend’s local breweries after a day of hiking, swimming and mountain biking. Dogs are often welcome to dine alfresco on the patio. Grab a pint and a pup patty at 10 Barrel Brewing Co., or head to Bend Brewing Company, where a grassy seating area stretches alongside the Deschutes River. For a truly paw-some treat, check out Hungry Hound — the state’s only food truck just for dogs. Try its Quarter Hounder with Cheese or the Bark B-Q Platter at Second Saturdays: Paws & Pints, a monthly gathering for Bend’s dog-loving community.
8. Yes, you can absolutely take your dog wine tasting in the Willamette Valley. Sip pinot with your pup at pet-friendly estates including Remy Wines in Dayton, Van Duzer Vineyards in Dallas and Cória Estates in Salem. Then linger over farm-to-table fare on patios often frequented by local wine dogs at hubs like Red Hills Market, Golden Valley Brewery & Restaurant, La Rambla Restaurant & Bar, and the Joel Palmer House. Glamp the night away with Fido in a luxe Airstream at The Vintages Trailer Resort; the pet-friendly package includes a plush dog toy, a tennis ball, treats and more.
Dog-Approved Spots to Hike or Swim
9. To share stunning views in the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument in Southern Oregon, head for Grizzly Peak Trail. The 5.4-mile loop peaks at 5,922 feet, with panoramic views of the Cascade Range and the town of Ashland, providing the perfect photo backdrop for you and your pup.
10. Climb to spectacular views in the Mt. Hood National Forest on the Chinidere Mountain Trail. The 4.5-mile round-trip hike winds by vibrant wildflower meadows, passes serene lake vistas and rewards you with magnificent views of Mt. Hood. On clear days, you can even spot five glaciated volcanoes from the summit. At the finish, you and your canine friend can cool off with a refreshing dip in the emerald-green waters of Wahtum Lake.
11. Trek into Eastern Oregon’s largest wilderness area from the Wallowa Lake Trailhead near the artsy town of Joseph. Often called the Alps of Oregon, the towering snowcapped peaks, pristine glacial lakes and alpine tranquility ensure the hike of a lifetime for you and your furry companion.
12. Watch sailboats drift along the Columbia River as you and your pup stroll the 2.8-mile paved Hood River Waterfront Trail. Just beyond the Event Site — where windsurfers and kiteboarders launch into the water — you’ll find “The Spit,” Hood River’s most popular off-leash area. This 40-acre sandbar shifts with changing river levels, and the currents can be unpredictable. But if you stay mindful, your dog can safely sprint and splash through the gentle waves along the shoreline.
If You Go:
When traveling with your best furry pal, there are a few basic etiquette tips to ensure a stress-free trip for all: First, book your pet-friendly lodging in advance. Make sure to always dispose of pet waste properly. In public and park areas, follow leash regulations to keep your dog, potential wildlife, and delicate plants and flowers safe. And be mindful that not everyone wants to share their vacation with a four-legged bundle of hair and energy.
