Back in 1992 while on a mountain biking trip, Patrick Kruse saw a friend giving her dog a drink of water out of a plastic bag.
This paddle-gear expert and lifelong dog lover had an inspiration: What if he could make a collapsible water bowl that would make life easier for dogs and their humans on their outdoor adventures? Two years later his company, Ruffwear, was officially born. Today the Ruffwear team — most with at least one or two of their own happy pups — is based in Bend, just minutes from the base of Mt. Bachelor.
From dog life jackets to backpacks, jackets, leashes, collars and more, Ruffwear has developed thousands of products over the years, refining as they go through testing in the elements by their trusted team of Adventure Dogs — both employees’ dogs and a group of external product testers.
The high desert, mountains, lakes and rivers in their backyard make for the ultimate testing lab. “If we have a winter-jacket prototype that needs to be put through the paces, our dogs are always willing to participate in some real-world testing,” says Susan Strible, Ruffwear’s former director of marketing.
Here are some of the Adventure Dogs’ top trails and dog-friendly spots for their humans to refuel in and around Bend.
Get on the Trail Around Bend and Sunriver
Dog parks and trails cover the landscapes around Bend — inviting your four-legged friend to splash around in local waterways, hike under sunny skies and frolic in forests of ponderosa pine.
Bend has nine off-leash areas in city parks across the city. One of the most popular is the fenced Riverbend Dog Park, where dogs can easily access the water and go swimming across from the Old Mill District shopping center.
The South Canyon Reach area of the Deschutes River Trail is a great stretch of river that can be accessed easily around Bend. The trail, which welcomes leashed dogs, begins in the Old Mill District and follows a paved path south before entering a quiet forest of ponderosa pine, crossing the Deschutes River and returning through a rocky canyon.
In the summertime, shade and water are important. A favorite is the Tumalo Falls Loop in the lush Deschutes National Forest, which starts at the Tumalo Falls Day-Use Area and leads to Happy Valley. Spend several hours on the full 7-mile loop or a few hours for the main, out-and-back trail surrounded by Douglas firs.
In the winter, Horse Ridge and Horse Butte, just south of Bend, are good to access when you’re trying to avoid the snow. It’s usually relatively dry, with soft sand that’s easy on the paws, and the views are a nice reward.
Find more trail details on the Bend Park & Recreation District’s urban trails map, and check out recommendations by Dogpac, a nonprofit that helps create off-leash areas in the city and across Central Oregon.
Head Outdoors for Year-Round Adventure in the Cascades
Four seasons of outdoor fun await in the Cascade Range — and in the Sno-Parks at their doorstep.
Between July 15 and September 15, the Green Lakes Trail is busy and requires dogs on-leash — though they can go off-leash while swimming. It earns acclaim for its soft trail surface, accessibility to water along the way and an easy stream crossing. Be sure to grab your Central Cascades Wilderness Permit if hiking the Green Lakes Trail between June 15 and Oct. 15.
Dogs are allowed off-leash — as long as they’re under voice command — at Wanoga and Skyliners sno-parks in the Deschutes National Forest between November and April. Trails are shared with sledders and tubers, but snowmobiles are prohibited in the snow-play areas.
Rimrock Trail, also known as Good Dog Trail, is a favorite among locals. The off-leash area is on the way to Mt. Bachelor, with riverfront access, and can be strung together as a 5-mile loop or walked for a shorter stretch.
West of Sisters, in the heart of the Cascade Range, the 24-mile McKenzie River National Recreation Trail offers plenty of dog-friendly hiking through old-growth forests and along the shores of its namesake waterway. There are lava patches along the trail, especially around Tamolitch Falls, so Ruffwear’s dog boots come in handy.
Kick Back on Pooch-Friendly Patios
When it’s time to refresh with a pint and some grub, dog-friendly pubs welcome your furry family members on their sun-kissed patios.
Dozens of breweries call Bend home, and a few are beloved for more than what’s on draft. Bring your pup to the spacious lawn at GoodLife Brewing Company, one of two locations from 10 Barrel Brewing Co., the veteran Crux Fermentation Project and McMenamins Old St. Francis School at the southern edge of downtown.
Farther south you’ll find water bowls on the patio at the homegrown Sunriver Brewing Co. and laid-back vibes to pair with hearty pub fare at Village Bar & Grill.
Wherever you wind up, be sure to obey local leash laws, which are generally posted at trailheads and parking areas. Bring plenty of pet-waste bags, and discard any pet waste in trash cans along the trail or at the trailhead.
