Where to Hike with your Dog or Cat: Washington State Parks and more
Hiking with dogs (and cats, and even rabbits or other pets) has become wildly popular in Washington state. It’s a huge attraction to those coming from out of state, too, whether they are moving or simply visiting.
With a plethora of fantastic and stunning places to see and explore, there’s really no question why.
Most Washington state parks are pet friendly, so you don’t have to look far for a great place to go.
While I haven’t yet had the pleasure to visit every state park yet, here are some of my favorites so far.
Flaming Geyser State Park
This 503-acre park has so much variety to offer for hiking and exploring, and many fields to run and play! On a quiet morning, it’s also great for kitty cats!
Dash Point State Park
Set on the Puget Sound, this 431-acre park has a campground for overnight adventures as well as beach access. When the tides are out, there is so much sandy beach to explore, along with a few different trails to wander.
Nolte State Park
A little smaller but no less fun, Nolte State Park is a 107-acre park with a few smaller trails and a lovely lake for your pup to play in on a hot summer’s day.
Deception Pass State Park
While I haven’t had the pleasure of photographing any pups at this state park (yet!) it’s a fantastic one for a day of fun! Spread over 3,854-acres, there’s a little something for everyone. Coves and cliffs, beach and trails, camping and so much more. Even tide pools (be sure to keep the dogs out to protect them)!
What about National Parks?
There are four national parks in Washington State, and the general rule is dogs can go where cars can go. So no trails and not into buildings, either. But there are some areas and exceptions where your dog’s can enjoy even the national parks in our state.
Olympic National Park
One of my favorite places to visit and a family vacation staple, the Olympic National Park has SO much to offer, and even a few areas our furry friends can explore, too!
Pets are allowed on these trails:
Peabody Creek Trail (Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles)
Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek (1/2 mile)
The beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations (Kalaloch area)
Madison Falls Trail (Elwha)
Spruce Railroad Trail (North shore of Lake Crescent)
July Creek Loop Trail (North shore of Lake Quinault)
As with all National Parks, they are not permitted in public buildings, on interpretive walks, or in the wilderness.
North Cascades National Park
While pets are allowed to enter the park, their adventure activities are limited to only the Pacific Crest Trail. They are also allowed on a leash within the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas, as well, for a little more exploring.
Mount Rainier National Park
Similar to North Cascades National Park, dogs are allowed only on the Pacific Crest Trail portion of the park. If you’re camping in the park, you’re welcome to bring your dogs along but they must stay within the campground on a 6-ft nonretractable leash.
Lewis and Clark National Park
The most flexible for dogs, this national park consists of a collection of historical sites and state parks across both Washington and Oregon, and dogs are allowed not only on all trails but within the parade grounds of the fort! However, they are prohibited inside all public buildings including the fort replica rooms and the Visitor Center (carpeted areas beyond the restroom foyer).
What other areas can we explore?
National Forests
Generally, dogs and other pets are allowed on U.S. Forest Service Trails with a couple of exceptions. The wildly popular yet very fragile Enchantments trail and the Ingalls Lake Trail are two such areas. Most other trails are fine but as always your pets should be safely on leash.
Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR lands)
With 1,100 miles of trails, DNR lands are a great option for your dog or other pets to explore and enjoy. Always be sure to check any posted signs however to see if pets aren’t allowed.
Smaller Hikes, Trails or Parks
We are blessed with so much variety and well managed parks here in Washington State. And leashed dogs are welcome at pretty much all of them! Some of my personal favorites include Rattlesnake Lake in North Bend, Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Marymoore Park in Redmond (which also features a huge off-leash dog park).
Just because dogs are allowed doesn’t mean it’s dog-friendly
Always consider that just because an area allows dogs, doesn’t mean it’s necessarily dog-friendly.
A few things to consider when deciding if a trail or location is dog-friendly and the right fit for you and your dog (or other pet):
Is it a high traffic trail?
This might be overwhelming for your dog (and definitely is for any other critters you may consider bringing) and so perhaps an early morning hike would be best for that location, or simply looking at alternative options.
What’s the terrain like?
Is there a lot of elevation gain, which might be hard on their joints? Are there streams/rivers to cross and your pet is afraid of water? What about boulders or other obstacles? Things that may be simple enough for us as humans can pose a challenge for some dogs when it comes to hiking.
How long is the trail?
For puppies and senior dogs, long hikes can be more than exhausting but also damaging to their joints and ligaments. Cats and other small animals don’t have the endurance of adult dogs, either. Consider using a backpack if you really want to bring your smaller animals/puppies along, or a different trail all together.
Wherever your adventure takes you and your dog, always be sure to practice B.A.R.K.:
Bag your pet’s poop
Always wear a leash
Respect wildlife and the eco-systems
Know where you can go
And most importantly, have fun!
If you share on social media, I’d love if you tagged me @MarieWulframPhotography so I can see the wonderful adventures you get up to!
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