Oregon is a wonderfully pet-friendly state to visit with your dog in the United States. From its stunning coastline accessible to the public, including many off-leash beaches, to gorgeous waterfalls and hikes, through to delightfully dog-friendly cities such as Bend and Salem, there’s plenty of dog-friendly things to do in Oregon!
#1 Play Finders Keepers on Lincoln City Beaches
Recommended by Candice of CS Ginger
Lincoln City is a wonderful, quaint beach town and one of the best spots to explore along the dog-friendly Oregon Coast. Dogs are allowed on Lincoln City beaches as long as they remain under their owner’s control. Only dogs that will respond to their owner’s recall should ever be let off-leash.
Keep in mind that if you visit during certain wildlife nesting seasons, there may be some areas of the beach where pets won’t be allowed.
The Finders Keepers Program is a fun Lincoln City community tradition. Local artists handcraft hundreds of glass-blown floats, and the city then hides them in sneaky spots along the area beaches.
Spending time on the beach with your dog searching for a Finders Keepers float is one of the most fun things to do in Lincoln City! And best of all, finders keepers! If you discover a float, it’s yours to keep.
Overall, Lincoln City is a magical beach getaway for families and their pups!
#2 Gaze at Latourell Falls
Recommended by Elizabeth of Tall Adventure Fam
Latourell Falls is a stunning waterfall in the Columbia Gorge right outside of Portland. It is one of the many waterfalls along the Historic Columbia River Highway, and this is one you will not want to miss! Dogs must remain on leash while exploring this popular trail, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty all around.
Latourell Falls is the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge. The water thunders down 224 feet off of a cliff in a lush green forest. Latourell Falls is the perfect waterfall for you and your pup with whatever level of hiking you enjoy.
If you are looking for a quick bathroom stop, you can see the waterfall from the lookout not far from the parking lot. Your second option is to take a short 0.13 mile hike on a gravel trail to the base of the waterfall, where you and your pup can enjoy playing in the water.
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can continue across the bridge at the base of the waterfall and do the 2.4 mile unpaved loop that takes you above the waterfall. You will also get to see Upper Latourell Falls, which is 120 feet tall.
After exploring this amazing waterfall, you can continue up the Gorge and experience all of the waterfalls. Latourell Falls is located in Guy Talbot State Park, but you do not need a pass or permit to park and visit the waterfall.
#3 Take a Day Trip to Fruit Loop Hood River
Recommended by Alyssa of An Apple a Plane
Taking a day trip to Fruit Loop Hood River is a dog-friendly activity in Oregon! The Fruit Loop refers to a beautiful trail of farm stands and local businesses in the town of Hood River. Located conveniently one hour outside of Portland and through the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway, the loop is incredibly scenic.
Each locally-owned business determines rules about pets. Some properties do not allow furry friends because they run an operating farm. Therefore, it will be wise to research which farmstands do not allow animals prior to your visit.
As of December 2023, the following businesses allow friendly dogs on a leash: Mt. Hood Winery, Fox-Tail Cider and Distillery, Grateful Vineyards, Mt. View Orchards and Brewery, Hood Crest Winery and Distillers, and Old Trunk, Treats &tiques. At Montavon’s Berries, dogs are allowed on leash as long as they are not in the berry fields. Dogs are also allowed at the beautiful Panorama Point.
The following locations in the town of Hood River are also dog-friendly: Hood River Waterfront Trail, Mount Hood National Forest, and Pine Street Bakery.
#4 Follow the Cline Falls Walk
Recommended by Michelle C. of Roam Redmond Oregon
Cline Falls State Scenic Viewpoint is a picnic area with a short walk to a beautiful viewpoint on the Deschutes River. It’s just off the Mackenzie Highway, near Eagle Crest resort in Redmond, Oregon.
Dogs are permitted here on a leash. Parking at the Cline Falls Viewpoint parking lot, you can enjoy an easy 0.5 mile walk following the river. Continue under the Mackenzie Highway bridge to find the waterfalls.
There are minimal ups and downs so it’s an easy walk for dogs and humans alike. The falls drop down into a canyon, so you can’t see them until you’re close by and there are several viewpoints to admire them from. Continue further down the river toward some nearby houses, or return to the parking lot for a nice picnic.
#5 Visit Minto Brown Island Dog Park in Salem
Recommended by Michelle C. of Intentional Travelers
Minto Brown Island Park is a hidden gem of Salem Oregon. From open fields and overgrown orchards, to ponds and rivers, a playground, and even an expansive dog park, the Minto Park is an escape to nature within city limits, and a great dog-friendly place in Oregon.
The 30-acre dog park in the center of Minto has its own parking lot, dog-friendly water fountains, a loop trail, and a spacious field for running wild. It’s a great place to meet fellow dog owners and give your pet some socialization, too.
If you’re up for a long walk, you can take a new pathway from Minto Island all the way to Riverfront Park and downtown Salem.
Dogs are allowed off leash in the dog park but it’s important they stay leashed throughout the rest of the park, as there are areas of wildlife sanctuaries.
#6 Explore the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Recommended by Vanessa Shields of Traveling Ness
The Oregon Coast is one of the most breathtaking coasts in the country, but Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor might be at the top of the list for its beauty. The 12-mile stretch hugs a rugged coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean with mesmerizing viewpoints around every bend.
Even better, the trails and beaches throughout Samuel H. Boardman allow dogs as long as they are on a leash no more than 6 feet long. Keeping your dog on a leash is important for their safety as many of the trails are above cliffs with sheer drops. Very dog-friendly trails make for a great road trip destination to bring your furry companion.
Trails such as Arch Rock Viewpoint, Secret Beach Trail, Natural Bridges Viewpoint, and Lone Ranch Beach to Cape Ferrelo Loop are easy and scenic trails that are all under 2-miles. Perfect distances for your dog to tag along with you and enjoy time exploring the Southern Oregon coast. At each stop you’ll be greeted with numerous sea stacks and natural arch rock formations just off the shoreline offering plenty of photo opportunities.
The top accessible beaches for everyone, including dogs, are Whaleshead Beach and Lone Ranch Beach as they have long sandy beaches, restrooms, and picnic tables. As there are no facilities for food and water, make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your pooch on your dog-friendly road trip.
#7 Head to Cannon Beach
Recommended by Jessica Schmit of Uprooted Traveler
If you’re looking to have a fun getaway in Oregon with your furry best friend, the iconic beach town of Cannon Beach, boasting coastal forests, dramatic sea stacks, and a charming downtown, should absolutely be on your bucket list.
One of the most popular things to do in Cannon Beach is, of course, enjoy its namesake beach. Luckily, it’s quite dog-friendly—in fact, dogs are welcome both on leash or off-leash, so long as they’re under voice control of their owner.
Consider bringing some firewood right onto the sand and cuddling up with your pup around a campfire as the sun sets into the Pacific (just remember to check if there’s any fire restrictions in place!)—it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset on the West Coast.
Alternatively, if you’re looking to get your heart rate up, there’s plenty of excellent dog-friendly hiking trails nearby, including at the absolutely stunning Oswald West and Ecola State Parks. While there’s plenty of trails to explore, dogs must be on leashes that are six feet and under at all times in the state parks.
After exploring the beach and the lush forests in Cannon Beach, be sure to stop at Public Coast Brewing. This funky brewery serves up some excellent and unique brews and has a dog-friendly patio—in fact, the staff are known for passing out treats to pups here!
#8 Go Wine Tasting in the Willamette Valley
Recommended by Staci of Gator and Nuthin
With it’s rolling hills, scenic vineyards and dog friendly wineries the Willamette Valley is a great place for a wine tasting. It is a few hours from Portland and Eugene, making it an easy day trip or a weekend getaway. The region is tucked between the Cascade Mountains and Coast Range, which makes for a unique climate for cool climate grapes.
The Willamette Valley is world renowned for its Pinot Noir wines. This region also boasts a diverse range of other grape varieties including Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Riesling. Oregon’s winemakers are known for their dedication to sustainable practices and minimal intervention which allows the unique characteristics of the grapes and the terroir to shine through.
There are hundreds of wineries in the Willamette Valley, many that welcome well-behaved leashed dogs. However, it’s important to remember that not all tasting rooms allow dogs inside. Plan to enjoy sipping wine on the beautiful outdoor grounds. A few of our favorites are Bethel Heights Vineyard, Stoller Family Estate, Left Coast Estate, Failla Wines, and Critsom Vineyards.
#9 Visit Dog-Friendly Bend
Recommended by Heather of ArboursAbroad
Bend, Oregon is a dog lover’s paradise! According to the Bend Magazine, it’s believed that there is one dog per every three people in the city of Bend! That’s a lot of dogs, and as you might guess, most things to do in Bend are very dog friendly.
From sit down restaurants with water out for dogs, to patio seating at nearly every brewery in Bend welcoming furry friends, it’s easy to take your dog out for a little date.
In fact, I don’t think I’ve been to a brewery in Bend without seeing pups at the brewery too.
More than just taking your dog out for eating and drinking, Bend is the mecca for the great outdoors. Many people take their dogs to Phil’s Trailhead to mountain bike with their dogs, while others hit up the trails along the Deschutes River (dogs on a leash here), for easy hiking with their dogs.
And shoot, there are a number of off leash dog parks in town, some really small with river access, while others, like GoodDog!, offer multiple acres of off leash dog play!
#10 Spend the Day in Seaside
Recommended by Yesenia of The Sisters Who Voyage
Exploring Seaside, alongside your furry friend, is one of the best dog-friendly things you can do in Oregon. Especially since Seaside is on the smaller side, it makes the perfect day trip for you and your pup.
If your main goal is to visit the beach then you’re in luck as it is a dog friendly beach and does not require leashes as long as they are under your surveillance and you know you are responsible for them off leash and on leash. Since the beach can get pretty busy during peak season, It’s important to have a trained and friendly dog and to always keep an eye out for children and other dogs.
After you’re done playing in the sand, you can grab some delicious food and drinks at a nearby pet-friendly pub like Ruby’s Roadside Grill. One of the best parts about this grill is they have a small canine cuisine menu for your pup.
When you’re done chowing down, head on back towards the beach and take a stroll along the Seaside Promenade. While walking your dog, you will want to have them on a leash because it can get crowded with other bike riders, and walkers.
All in all, taking a trip out to Seaside with your pup is a great way to experience the coastal side of Oregon.
#11 Go Adventuring at Oregon Caves
Recommended by Laura of Hi Friends It’s Laura
Tucked away in the Siskiyou Mountains of Southern Oregon, Oregon Caves National Monument & Preserve offers an adventure for those traveling with their furry companions. While Fido may not be welcome inside the majestic marble caves, there’s plenty of dog-friendly fun to be had above ground.
Leashed up and ready to explore? Like many National Park Sites, leashed dogs are allowed on paved areas and roads, which limits the hiking trails your dog can go on. Oregon Caves is home to thousands of bats in its eponymous caves, so you should be extra careful about where you take Fido. Keep your dog leashed and pick up after him.
In Oregon Caves, enjoy the scenic forty-minute drive to the top and then walk on the paved Entrance Road, Cave Exit Road, and Nature Trails. There is much to explore in and around the visitor center at the top of the mountain. The nearby town of Cave Junction has several parks and patios to enjoy once you are done on the mountain.
Looking for a more challenging hike? The nearby Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest is very dog-friendly, as dogs are allowed on all trails. The Jeffrey Pine Loop near 8 Dollar Mountain in Illinois Valley is a 3.5 mile loop trail with lake views of this beautiful wilderness area. Hikes of all lengths and abilities can be found in the national forest.
#12 Hike at Smith Rock State Park
Recommended by Leigh Wilson of Campfires & Concierges
Smith Rock State Park is a beautiful place to hike near Bend Oregon. This park is just 30 minutes from Bend, with many things to do. The unique topography of Smith Rock and the Crooked River offers recreational opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, and fishing. Tent camping is also available.
The hiking trails at Smith Rock State Park are dog-friendly, but remember, this is the high desert, so make sure you have enough water for yourself and your dog. Hiking trails are rated like ski runs, from easy green trails to intermediate blue trails to difficult black trails.
Misery Ridge is one of the more popular trails, but it is steep and exposed to the sun, so it can get super hot mid-day. Alternatively, there are several nearby hikes with less elevation changes and more shade. The Rim Rock Trail and the River Trail are both rated as easy.
You May Also Like
- Dog-Friendly Portland
- Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the USA (including some in Oregon)
- Stunning Dog-Friendly Hikes in the USA
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.