Best Dog Friendly Hikes Washington

Best Dog Friendly Hikes Washington – Considered one of the best hikes in Washington State, Mount Ellinor is also dog friendly! Photo courtesy of The Outdoor Society

Filled with fantastic trails and all the trees, shrubs and sunshine a dog could hope for, heading to Hood Canal on the Olympic Peninsula for a walk with your pooch is the perfect way to spend the day. Whether you want to hike in the mountains or explore dense forests along wild rivers, a trip along Olympic’s Hood Canal is perfect for two or four legs.

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But first – how do you know if a trail is dog friendly? The easiest way to find out is to see where the ride is. If the course is in the Olympic National Park, you cannot have a dog on the course. If the trail is in the Olympic National Forest, DNR land, or a state park, chances are good that the trail is actually dog friendly. It is important to note that although the trails may be dog friendly, you are still responsible for keeping them on a leash and picking them up. There are no dog-specific trails and not all are dog-friendly while hiking, so keep that in mind when hiking with your pet.

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We start with the easiest and most accessible trail near Hoodsport and off Highway 101. Skokomish Park on Lake Cushman is a dog-friendly destination that’s perfect for dogs and their owners who also want to stretch their legs. day camping by the stunning lake. The park has washing areas and trails for pets, but please note that dogs must be on a leash in public areas. Skokomish Park also has a breed restriction for those who own Pit Bulls, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Dobermans or breeds that include wolves and/or coyotes, but all other dogs are welcome.

Lake Cushman and Skokomish Park offer outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages, including camping! Photo courtesy of The Outdoor Society

Three incredibly popular dog trails can also be found in the Lake Cushman area. Two of which are high, while the third is more for those who have dogs that don’t do well on rocky and high ground. The easiest of the three is the Upper Big Creek Loop Trail, a complete loop that crosses scenic creeks, passes beautiful waterfalls, and has all the ferns and canes a dog could imagine. At 4.2 miles in a loop and with plenty of places to stop and rest, this trail is great year-round because it only climbs 800 feet. The trail is well-marked, easy to follow, and a favorite with two- and four-legged people.

West of Big Creek is the Mount Rose Trail, which is recommended for those looking for something more challenging. Located in the Olympic National Forest and Mount Skokomish Wilderness, Mount Rose showcases the stunning beauty of Cushman Lake while also featuring Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount Saint Helens. At approximately 6.5 miles round trip and 3,500 feet of elevation gain, this trail is sure to amaze you and your dog. Your dog will enjoy the smells, the walks and the land, and you will enjoy the view. For dogs and travelers with sensitive feet, a less rocky trail to and from the summit is found during the summit. This route will add miles but has shorter sections. Don’t expect to find water this way from June to October.

Boulder River — Washington Trails Association

The overlooked, dog-friendly trails of the South Fork Skokomish are wild and pretty easy! Photo courtesy of The Outdoor Society

Finally, in the Lake Cushman area we found the Mount Ellinor Trail. Considered a must-climb mountain in Washington state and home to some of the best views in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Ellinor will become a favorite. There are two main ways to hike Mount Ellinor, starting from the top or bottom trail. The lower trail starts out much easier than the upper trail, but is about six miles round trip, while the upper trail is only a 3.5 mile hike. No matter where you start, you’ll be hiking this trail, with the uphill trail gaining 2,400 feet in 1.7 miles and the downhill trail gaining 3,300 feet in 3 miles. The game can be challenging for you and your dog, but the ride is great and the rewards are second to none. Although your dog may not notice the beauty, you will have the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Washington State.

Another classic hike is the Lower Lena Beach Trail, which is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Photo courtesy of The Outdoor Society

The South Fork of the Skokomish Trail is a perfect opportunity to wander through the architecture and trail to yourself. Located near Hoodsport, this trail crosses several creeks for nearly four miles to the border of Olympic National Park. Note that the road is closed to vehicles for five miles before reaching the highway between October and April due to wildlife closures.

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Those looking for something close to Highway 101 should head to Dosewallips State Park, just north of Hoodsport. Dosewallips has many hiking options, one favorite is the well-maintained and frequented Donkey Steam trail. At just 3.5 miles with 400 feet of elevation gain, this trail features wild and spectacular scenery along the river. With waterfalls, bridge crossings, ferns and river views, this family- and dog-friendly trip will have everyone in the crew begging for more adventure. If you really need more miles, consider going to nearby Lake Lena with Hamma Hamma!

Nominated for Best South Sound Summer Camps, Nisqually Reach Nature Center (NRNC) hosts several summer camps on Luhr Beach. These camps are designed to connect students in grades 2-7 with nature through […]

When we think of the good times, we always think of physical endurance, strength, and pain-free comfort… Of the three national parks in Washington, I think Mount (Mt.) Rainier National Park is the toughest. to visit with a dog. My Trusty Pup and I visited during Christmas 2021 and were limited in what trails we could ride due to the amount of snow and because many trails in Mt./Mount Rainier National Park are dog friendly. We’re still finding places to hike and play in the snow, but it would be nice to already have a list of dog-friendly trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Read on to see if I think Mount Rainier is the most dog-friendly of Washington’s three national parks.

Want to know what I think of other national parks? We’ve put together a guide to the best dog-friendly national parks.

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The North Cascades and Olympic National Parks are bordered by National Forests/National Recreation Areas and are more dog friendly. Read on to see which trails you can bring your dog on.

Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links, which means that at no cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click and make a purchase.

Located outside the (closed) Longmire Visitor Center in Mt. Rainier. Make Mt. Rainier Dog Friendly? Yes and no.

Mount Rainier National Park (MRNP) is home to Washington State’s highest mountain at over 14,000 feet. It is actually a volcano and has a large amount of snow every year. National Park Mt. I wouldn’t consider Rainier to be very park dog friendly because unlike the Redwoods, Olympic, or Congaree, there aren’t many trails or paths for your dog to join you on.

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However, many, many cabins are dog-friendly in the surrounding towns of Packwood and Ashford, and there are more than any other forest area in the state. You may find it easiest to take the puppy for a walk and drive around Longmire and leave it at the kennel as you go.

As with any park or trail, you and your dogs should be friendly with the BARK Rangers. Dogs must be on a lead, carry plenty of water and pick up and pick up after your dog. I’ve linked each hike to the Washington Trails Association’s trail page. Be sure to read the instructions, notes and trip reports carefully to assess whether this trip is suitable for you and your dog’s fitness level.

Before each trip to see if the trip is dog friendly and available in winter. You can also check out the Mt Rainier National Park, Find Green Trails Map

Check out that view from the Pup Trust at Mount National Park. Rainier – Longmire. You don’t want to be afraid.