: Wallowa Lake by Nickie Bournias

12 Sunny Dog Spots in Oregon

You and your pooch will love these dog-friendly destinations all over the state.
June 26, 2015 (Updated August 1, 2023)

If your four-legged friend is your favorite adventure sidekick, spring and summer are the seasons to explore Oregon together. The days get gloriously long and sunny. And the water — rivers, ocean and lakes — is prime for sun basking, splashing and swimming. Ready to go? Don’t miss these top spots to roam, fetch, sit and play in the sunny weather.

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A beautiful golden doodle licking a cup of cream with dog treats.
Sugarpine. Photo by Josh Chang/Foundry 503

Bark Parks and Post-Play Treats

1. In Troutdale you’ll find the Sandy River Delta, a network of popular multiuse trails that welcomes four-legged friends for swimming or play 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. Visitors need to have a day-use pass or an annual pass (Northwest Forest Pass or Federal Interagency Pass). Sugarpine, a destination drive-in, is just across the road. Order a towering scoop for yourself and a “pup cup” for your best buddy. 

2. Get your pet set for 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. Check out 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 at local farmers markets all summer long.

3. While it’s not technically a dog park, you can’t beat the Oregon Coast for exhilarating, off-leash freedom. The 363-mile stretch of pristine beaches, rocky headlands and coastal forests is open to all. 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 and the sensitive intertidal areas designated as Marine Reserves. After a beach run, check out the baked goods at Shaggy Dog Bakery in Tillamook, frozen “pup cups” from Astoria’s Frite & Scoop, and cookies from Woof’s in Brookings and Gold Beach. 

4. Cruise through the verdant Willamette Valley to Minto-Brown Island Park near downtown Salem, the state capital. This 1,200-acre park has idyllic trails and a 30-acre off-leash area devoted to dogs. In nearby Silverton, the Oregon Garden offers 80 acres highlighting diverse botanical wonders. It welcomes leashed dogs and even has a small Pet-Friendly Garden. Add a splash of fun with a visit to Independence Dog Park, a 2-acre pocket with easy access to the Willamette River to cool off.

A good dog laying on a grassy ground near a vintage trailer.
Courtesy of The Vintages Trailer Resort

Wining and Dining With Pups

5. You might guess that Tin Shed in northeast Portland loves dogs just from looking at their brunch menu, which includes dishes like the Fetch and the Roll Over. On Tuesday nights, bring your pet to the patio and enjoy a free item from the dog menu for each human-friendly dish you order. For happy hour, head to Lucky Labrador, one of Portland’s oldest dog-friendly brewpubs with multiple locations, and host of the annual fundraising dog wash event Dogtoberfest.

6. Road trip through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to soak up sunny views with a wood-fired pie at Solstice Wood Fire Pizza. The pet-friendly patio is adjacent to the waterfront in Hood River and has prime outdoor seating on the Columbia River. Stay the night at historic Hood River Hotel — canine-friendly lodging downtown. Continue the adventure 20 miles east of Hood River along The Dalles Riverfront Trail, a flat, paved path for walkers and cyclists that stretches for 6.5 miles, with big river views. After your walk, treat your pup to a refreshing treat at Shannon’s Ice Cream. The shop serves tasty ice cream for both humans and dogs (locally made at Swell Gelato, which makes dog gelato). You can also find Swell Gelato at Jenny Marie’s Italian Ice + Frozen Custard, nearby.

7. After a day of hiking, swimming and mountain biking around Bend, most pets and their humans kick back at one of the local breweries, where dogs are welcome to dine alfresco. Try the patio and a pint at 10 Barrel Brewing Co., Cascade Lakes Brewing Co., GoodLife Brewing Company and Crux Fermentation Project, to name only a few. Arrive before the weekend crowds to Nancy P’s Cafe & Bakery, a local spot known for cinnamon rolls and “barkscotti” for fuzzy pals.

8. Yes, you can take your dog wine tasting in the Willamette Valley. Taste pinot with your pup on such pet-friendly patios as Keeler Estate Vineyard’s in Amity, Roots Wine Co.’s in Yamhill and Sokol Blosser Winery’s in Dayton. Then savor farm-to-table fare on outdoor patios often frequented by local wine dogs at hubs like Red Hills Market, Golden Valley Brewery & Restaurant or La Rambla Restaurant & Bar. Glamp the night away with Fido at a retro-luxe Airstream at The Vintages Trailer Resort.

Rosie! A dog runs happily on a beach.
Photo by Nickie Bournias

Dog-Approved Spots to Hike or Swim

9. Check out the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument on the popular Grizzly Peak Trail in Southern Oregon. 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 wildflower meadows, lake vistas and magnificent views of Mt. Hood. On clear days, you can spy five glaciated volcanoes from the summit. At the end, you and your canine friend can cool down in the emerald-green 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 glide along the Columbia River while your dog romps through waves at the Spit/Sandbar in Hood River. It’s one of the few off-leash riverfront areas in the Columbia River Gorge and has ample space for a game of water-soaked fetch. 

The view from atop Chinidere Mountain by Nickie Bournias

Travel Pet-iquette

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 — we’ve got some tips for that here. 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 of that not everyone wants to share their vacation with a four-legged bundle of hair and energy.

About The
Author

Kerry Newberry
Kerry Newberry is a Portland-based writer who covers food, wine, farms and travel for a variety of publications. Her work has appeared in Forbes, Fodor’s Travel, Edible Portland, Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) and more.

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