Visiting Dog-Friendly Pacific Northwest With Your Pet

Dog-Friendly Escapades in the Pacific Northwest

Traveling with your dog can be an immensely rewarding adventure, and the Pacific Northwest is the perfect place to go. Whether you’re a mountain lover, beach addict, or you prefer the urban life, there’s a perfect outdoor paradise just for you and your pup. And when you want to put your feet up and relax indoors, you’ll always find a welcoming haven at the end of the day.

Mountain Getaway

Leavenworth, WA, nestled in the Cascade foothills, is an enjoyable dog-friendly town modeled after a Bavarian village. Enjoy a leisurely summer walk; you’ll find water bowls outside of many businesses to satisfy your pet’s thirst. A Paw Above is a specialty pet store you won’t want to miss, where you’ll find an amazing selection of toys and treats.

Take a day hike on the Pacific Crest Trail nearby, which extends down the entire West Coast—through the Cascades and the Sierra Nevada mountains. Many segments of the trail are open to dogs, who must be kept on leashes 6’ or shorter. If you’re an adventurous duo, you might even backpack and spend the night on the trail. On day trips, you’ll pack out poop in a plastic bag; overnight hikers can bury it.

Icicle Village is a pet-friendly resort in town, which can host one or two dogs (up to 80 lbs) for a $20 fee per room. The breakfast buffet includes hot Belgian waffles, and the views are unbeatable. If you want to enjoy an Alpine spa day, look for a local Rover sitter to play the afternoon away with your dog.

Beach Adventure

Cannon Beach, OR, is a gorgeous coastal destination you’ll wonder why you haven’t visited before. Businesses around town offer many pet amenities, like outdoor tables where pets are welcome. Puppy Love by the Sea is a pet shop you’ll want to include on your tour, and McBee Cottages will even leave a pet bucket in your room as a gift for your pooch (filled with treats and helpful accessories, like a water bowl and doggy bags).

Once you’ve checked in, you’ll want to roam the beach. You’ll see the towering 235-foot Haystack Rock, surrounded by colorful tidepools and plenty of beach wildlife. Your dog will love frolicking and meeting friends as you go.

Steps away from Astoria, where much of the 1985 cult classic The Goonies was filmed, there’s plenty to do in the neighborhood. The town even celebrates Goonies Day each June 7. Beautiful Victorian-era homes and Fort Stevens State Park will give you incredible views on your daily walks.

Nearby, the Lewis and Clark visitor center offers a look into the past. If you want to go on a guided tour of their expedition sites or charter a whale-watching boat offshore, find a Rover playmate for your pup for the day.

City Delights

There’s no city in the world like Seattle, WA. Dogs are welcome on Seattle public transit, including ferries, buses, and the light rail. There are even indoor pet playgrounds located around the city! If your pup enjoys crowds, bring her along while you roam Pike Place Market—you’ll find treats aplenty to share.

If you and your pup are looking to be pampered, stay at Hotel Max a few blocks away. They go above and beyond the call of duty, even providing a custom dog tag with the hotel’s name and number—just in case anything happens.

While you’re downtown, be sure to see the Olympic Sculpture Park at the Seattle Art Museum. Run through the fountains at the Seattle Center, and make your way to the Elliott Bay Book Company, which welcomes pets (and might even reward Fido with a treat!). Around the corner is Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream, which you’ll definitely want to taste.

Health regulations technically ban pets from food-serving establishments within city limits, but you’ll have options all the same. After you dip into a coffee bar or craft brewery, many of which welcome dogs, explore green space by visiting one of Seattle’s many dog parks. You’ll find off-leash areas within many of the larger parks, as well.

University Village, northeast of downtown, is an outdoor shopping and dining venue you’ll both love. Shop for yourself and for your four-legged friend alike, whether you prefer rugged gear or designer selections.

Enjoy your getaway, and don’t forget to keep your dog on a leash except where designated. The joy of traveling is even better when you can do it with your best friend. As you find dog lovers and adventurous spirits around the region, you’ll come to understand what those from the Pacific Northwest have always known: It’s the places and people that make this part of the world truly unique.

Now that you’ve tackled Washington and Oregon, where else could you go together? Maybe it’s time to make your hound the modern-day Marco Polo and embark on a cross-country road trip!

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About The Author:  Written by Nat Smith, Rover.com community member. Rover is the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers.
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Photo Image Source:  Pixabay, IcicleVillage.com, Pike Place Market – Wikimedia Commons, by Prayitno from Los Angeles, USA