Things to Do with Your Dog in Portland, OR
Portland, OR, is a city known for its lush greenery, vibrant arts scene, and dog-friendly culture. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there are many things to do with your dog in Portland. From beautiful parks to pet-friendly cafes, this city has a lot to offer. Let’s explore some of the best activities you can enjoy with your dog in Portland.
1. Visit Forest Park
An 8-mile-long area encompassing over 5,100 acres and 80 miles of trails to explore, Forest Park is one of the largest urban forests in the United States, all of which are dog friendly!
With its towering Douglas firs, big leaf maple, grand fir, red alder, Western red cedar and Western Hemlock trees, many of the trails are prime examples of what an old growth rainforest looked before urban development and all without leaving the Portland Metro area. The trails are also full of lush foliage, an abundance of ferns, and many native shrubs and plants. The forest is home to over 100 species of birds, 50 species of mammals, and 400 species of invertabrates as well as many beautiful streams and creeks. This is a fantastic place to take your dog for a hike especially on a hot summer day as you'll find a cool place to hike in the shade of the canopy with plenty of beautiful scenery.
It is worth noting that dogs must be leashed & pet owners must pick up and take out pet waste from the park as there are no trash receptacles on the many trails.
More information on Forest Park can be found at the links below:
Forest Park Conservancy: Maps, Directions and Trail Conditions
Portland.gov Parks & Recreation: Forest Park
2. Explore the Portland International Rose Test Garden
Located in Washington Park, the Portland International Rose Test Garden is a stunning attraction featuring over 10,000 rose bushes with over 650 varieties. It sits up high over the city offering breathtaking views of Portland Metro and Mount Hood.
The views are beautiful any time of year, but if you want to see the roses in bloom it's best to visit April through October with peak bloom happening in June (weather depending). Dogs are welcome on-leash, making it a great place for a peaceful stroll among the roses.
While you are there, explore the other dog friendly areas of Washington Park!
- Hoyt Arboretum
- Memorials & Statues
- Have lunch at one of the many picnic tables located throughout the park
- Children's Playground
Explore Washington Park Attractions & Amenities
3. Hike at Powell Butte Nature Park
If you are looking for something a little bit outside the main (i.e. busiest) parts of Portland, consider Powell Butte Nature Park. It is a beautiful 611-acre natural area with miles of hiking and biking trails that sits on top of an extinct cinder cone volcano with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. It is a great place to enjoy a leashed hike with your dog. You will both enjoy the fresh air and scenic vistas.
4. Stroll Along the Willamette River
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a 36.59-acre park in downtown Portland, offers scenic walking paths along the Willamette River with several water fountains for hot summer days. This area is perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog offering beautiful views of the river and the city skyline. There are also several parks and green spaces along the way where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Follow the Waterfront Park Trail south until you reach Taylor & SW Naito Parkway where you'll find Mill Ends Park in the middle of the median strip of SW Naito Parkway. As the smallest park in the world, it has a total area of 452 square inches.
If you are there on Saturday or Sunday between March and December, you can also visit the largest arts and crafts fair in the United States, the Portland Saturday Market (yes, it's open on Sunday too). A pet friendly, open air, free outdoor arts and crafts market in downtown Portland. The market is in its 50th year and features a diverse group of handmade products from local artists. It's a great place to find that beautiful reminder of your visit. All the vendors are carefully screened and must feature locally made, artisan-quality crafts and foods that they design, product and sell.
There are also many beautiful and interesting fountains to see with your pup, who might enjoy the cool mist on a hot summer day.
5. Visit Mt. Tabor Park
Among the over 200 parks in Portland, Mt. Tabor Park is a standout. A large, forested park located on top of an extinct volcanic cinder cone, it has 360-degree views of the surrounding areas including Mt Hood, Southeast Portland, the West Hills, and downtown Portland. The park offers beautiful views of the city, wooded trails, and open fields. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and the park’s varied terrain provides a great place for a walk or hike with your pup.
After you've had a fun hike or romp in Mt. Tabor Park, it's just a short drive back to SE Hawthorne and SE Belmont streets where you'll find many dog-friendly places to eat, drink and shop.
6. Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes
There are so many dog friendly restaurants, bars and cafes in Portland that it is almost impossible to narrow it down for this article. It really depends on what you are looking for because you are almost guaranteed to find a dog friendly place for almost any type of food or drink place. Portland is very well known for its dog-friendly dining scene. Many coffee houses are dog friendly in Portland and a lot will even let your pup inside. So many, in fact, that if you went in and asked if your pup is allowed inside, no one would think twice about. In fact, they may even feel badly if they have to say no.
Two of my favorites that let you pup inside are The Dragon Fly Coffee House. This is a standout not only for how dog friendly they are, but how cozy and friendly they are for humans too. A beloved NW neighborhood coffee house for over 15 years, they allow well mannered, leashed pups inside but also have a walk-up window warm summer days or when it's too crowded inside. Anna Bannanas in NW Portland is also a fan favorite with its quintessential laid back Portland vibe.
There are over 100 pet friendly bars and pubs in Portland! Too many to list, so check out this pre-filtered link on Bring Fido link for a complete list. Most tap houses that don't offer food also allow dogs inside, which is a great option for cold or rainy days.
7. Council Crest Park
Nestled in SW Portland, and reaching almost 1100 feet, Council Crest Park is the highest point in Portland. It offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, Willamette River, hiking through forests with Douglas fir and Western red cedar, picnic areas and an off-leash dog park. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams.
8. Take a Scenic Drive
For a change of pace, consider taking a scenic drive to nearby destinations like the Columbia River Gorge or the Oregon Coast where there are an abundance of dog friendly trails, towns, shops and beaches. These areas offer beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities for you and your dog to enjoy.
Tips and Recommendations
- Stay Hydrated: Always carry water for both you and your dog, especially during warmer months.
- Follow Local Regulations: Keep your dog leashed where required and clean up after your pet to keep public spaces enjoyable for everyone.
- Check for Updates: Regulations and dog-friendly hours at specific locations can change, so it’s always a good idea to check current policies before heading out.
Conclusion
Portland, OR, is one of the dog friendliest cities in the US. It offers a wide range of activities and places to explore with your dog. From scenic parks and beautiful gardens to dog-friendly restaurants and events, you and your furry friend will have plenty of adventures. Enjoy the dog-friendly atmosphere and make the most of your time in this vibrant city.