Portland is truly a one-of-a-kind city with many things to love. But if you ask us, the coolest thing about Portland is its pooch-positive attitude!
That’s right – Portland isn’t just a great city for humans, it’s also one of the best cities in the US for dogs too! From dog parks to pet-friendly eateries, Portland offers a ton of things to do with your dog.
We’ve assembled a few of the best dog-friendly activities in Portland so that you can battle barker boredom and provide your dog with the kind of canine enrichment she needs to live a full life!
Check ‘em out!
9 Great Dog-Friendly Activities in Portland
Ready to explore the City of Roses with Rover? We’ve got you covered! Check out nine of our favorite dog-friendly activities Portland has to offer. We’ve rounded up options for just about every kind of canine!
1. Take your pet to an off-leash dog park.
Did you know that Portland has the highest dog-park-to-human ratio in the country? That means you should have no trouble finding a great off-leash dog park for some flooftastic fun.
Just understand that not all dogs are well-suited for these kinds of parks. Reactive dogs, for example, don’t typically thrive in these kinds of chaotic canine spots. But if your pooch is well-behaved, adequately socialized, and gets along well with other woofers, few things are as fun as a romp at the dog park!
Just be sure to employ good dog-park etiquette during your visit. This means picking up your pup’s poop, leaving treats and food at home (you don’t want problems with resource guarding), and preventing your pooch from annoying other dogs or people.
Oh, one more thing: Make sure you’re ready for muddy mutt mitts. Portland gets its share of precipitation, which can make dog-park visits messy. Bring a good dog towel and consider picking up a paw washer for easy-peasy pet cleanup.
2. Rest and recuperate at a Rover-friendly hotel.
Why not extend your day of dog-friendly activities in Portand into the night?
How? Stay at a pooch-welcoming hotel!
Spending a night at a hotel with your hound lets you pack more dog–friendly activities into your schedule, whether it’s enjoying a nightcap together at a barkin’ bar or seeing the sun rise over the mountains. It’s also a chance to truly relax with your ruff rather than worrying about commuting home after your doggy day of fun.
Hotel stays are best suited for housetrained, confident canines with manners. These pups will typically have no issue adjusting to the sudden change in scenery. On the other hand, hotel stays aren’t recommended for puppers with pottying problems, big-time barkers, or those who can be destructive. Anxious doggos may also struggle with staying away from home, finding the experience incredibly stressful.
See which of these sleep spots would work for you and your woofer.
Ace Hotel Portland
About: Pups weighing less than 25 pounds are permitted to stay the night at this hotel for a flat fee of $25 a night, though special arrangements can potentially be made if your dog exceeds this weight limit. Your pooch must be kenneled or leashed at all times beyond your room and never left alone.
Address: 1022 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland, OR 97205
Phone Number: (503) 228-2277
Website: https://acehotel.com/portland/
Special Notes:
- Check-in is after 4:00 PM, and check-out is noon
- You’ll have to sign a waiver at check-in, stating that you’ll pay for doggo damages or extra cleanings needed
- Front desk provides a “Pet in Room” sign to pooch parents to flag the presence of your pooch to the cleaning crew
Dossier
About: Big or small, your sniffer is welcome to stay at this hotel for a $50 per stay fee. Every pooch is treated like royalty upon check-in, receiving a pet bed, bowls, a toy, and most importantly, a treat! The hotel also offers pet parents a list of local pet business and resources to make their visit easier.
Address: 750 SW Alder Street, Portland, Oregon 97205
Phone Number: (503) 294-9000
Website: https://www.provenancehotels.com/dossier-hotel/hotel
Special Notes:
- Check-in at 4:00 PM, and check-out at noon
- Valet parking is available for $55 per day
- Limit of 2 dogs per room
Woodlark Hotel
About: Dogs of all sizes are allowed to stay at this luxurious stop free of charge. Located in downtown Portland, you’ll be right in the heart of the action in a super walkable area that’s perfect for squeezing in early morning walkies with your woofer.
Address: 813 SW Alder Street, Portland, Oregon 97205
Phone Number: (503) 548-2559
Website: https://woodlarkhotel.com
Special Notes:
- Check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out time is at noon
- Dogs cannot be left alone in rooms
- All canines must be leashed or kenneled in common areas
- Any room damages will be charged to the card on file
- Dogs aren’t allowed in some areas serving food and beverages around the property
- A “Pet in Room” sign must be hung from your door to alert staff to your pup’s presence for safety
3. Belly up to the bar with your barker.
The only thing better than enjoying a cold one after a long day is enjoying that drink alongside your doggo! So, consider bringing your pet to one of Portland’s numerous dog-friendly bars. Whether you want beer, wine, or spirits, there’s certainly a place that’ll suit you and your pooch perfectly.
Most dog-friendly bars require pets and their parents to sit outside, but some of the really dog-friendly spots feature covered seating to help protect you and your pooch from the rain. Some even offer complimentary water bowls and feature a dog-safe menu.
Just remember: Alcoholic drinks and dogs don’t mix. Alcohol is toxic to dogs, as are many of the things in these kinds of tasty beverages. But don’t despair – you can whip up some non-alcoholic dog beer if you want to give your floof something festive!
4. Wolf down some food with your woofer.
Few things are as exciting to dogs as the sights, sounds, and – most importantly – smells of a pet-friendly restaurant visit. Portland has a ton of restaurants that allow pets to visit, and some even offer dog-friendly menu items.
Just be sure that your dog is a good canine candidate for a restaurant visit. Some dogs are too hyper, reactive, or poorly behaved for these kinds of activities. And even if your little gal is an angel, be sure to keep her leashed during your visit to prevent her from bothering other guests.
It’s typically a good idea to wear your pooch out a bit before a doggo diner dinner date, so consider hitting the pet park first. Also, you may want to bring a long-lasting chew or treat to help keep her happy and occupied while you’re focusing on your food.
5. Spoil your sweet one at a dog bakery.
Humans aren’t the only ones who like to indulge! Dogs love tasty treats too!
While too many everyday treats can pack on pupper pudge, the occasional treat for your goodest girl is A-OK if her tummy can handle it, and there’s nowhere better to score the freshest sniffer snacks than at a dog-friendly bakery. Cookies, cakes, and doggy donuts are just the tip of the flavor iceberg at these scrumptious stops!
As with all new foods, start small when serving your dog a baked item. Most of the time, these mutt-friendly eats are fine in appropriate portions, but too much at once can leave your sniffer with a sour stomach. Pay close attention to ingredient lists as well, as you want to avoid your dog’s known allergies or intolerances.
Head over to one of these dog bakeries and serve up some mutt memories your dog’ll gobble up!
Hip Hound
About: After a cool canine cake for your barker’s big day? Just want a crunchy treat to make her day extra special? Then you need to check out this dog-friendly bakery dishing out incredibly creative cakes shapes. You can also get mini cupcakes for individual bites of goodness in flavors that’ll leave your mutt’s mouth watering, like peanut butter bacon.
Address: 610 NW 23rd Avenue, Portland, OR 97210
Phone Number: (503) 841-5410
Website: https://hiphoundshop.com/
Special Notes:
- Open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Baked goods are made daily, but you’ll want to order cakes in advance
Bring! Treats for Dogs
About: Pup Tarts, bundt cakes, and EmPAWnadas are just some of the delicious doggo goodies you’ll find at this dog bakery and shop, known for coming up with creative canine spins on human favorites. The real star of their menu is the custom cake option, letting you grab your woof something memorable for her big day (or just because!)
Address: 431 SW Harvey Milk Street, Portland, OR 97204
Website: https://bringtreats.dog/
Special Notes:
- Open 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday to Saturday and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Sunday
- Holds a seasonal stand on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Sellwood Moreland Farmers Market from May to September
- Custom cakes must be ordered in advance via the online form
6. Shop with your furry fashionista at a mutt-friendly store or market.
Shopping may seem like a human-only activity, but you can certainly bring your sniffer along for the excursion. It’s more than just a woofer workout to walk around shops, too! She’ll buzz from nose to tail as each new aisle introduces her to a host of fresh sights, sounds, and smells, providing critical mental stimulation.
Shopping is best for friendly, well-behaved fur kiddos who won’t potty inside and have great loose leash walking skills. Senior pups and those with mobility concerns can also get in on the action. Just stick ‘em in a dog carrier purse or dog stroller for pain-free transport.
Get your shoppin’ fix with your Fido at one of these four-footer-friendly stops around the city.
NoPo Paws
About: This neighborhood pet supply shop offers more than big-brand buys with its assortment of locally made and holistic products. It’s especially great if you’re interested in increasing your pup’s protein intake with its selection of meaty training treats and small-batch raw foods.
Address: 2148 N Killingsworth Street, Portland OR 97217
Phone Number: (503) 477-8381
Website: https://www.shopnopopaws.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Closed Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years Day, and Independence Day
- Check their socials for sale events like Yappy Hour deals
For Paws
About: Visit this barkin’ boutique with your favorite fluffy shopper for treats, toys, food, and more. Your leashed woofer is more than welcome to come along and pick out her next favorite four-footer accessory, from leashes to sweaters to cozy beds.
Address: 3340 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
Phone Number: (503) 235-3204
Website: http://www.forpawspdx.com/
Special Notes:
- Open Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Located in a super walkable area
Sellwood Moreland Farmers Market
About: Browse fresh food finds, artistic touches, and canine goods at this dog-friendly seasonal farmer’s market. Well-behaved dogs can come along as long as they’re leashed at all times.
Address: 1650 SE Claybourne Street, Portland, OR 97202
Phone Number: (503) 341-9350
Website: http://www.morelandfarmersmarket.org/
Special Notes:
- Open Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM from May to October
- Can be crowded, so might not fit every floof’s comfort level
7. Explore city landmarks with your sniffer.
Touring Portland’s landmarks with your pooch is a great way to get to know your city with your best fur friend. You won’t be the only one learning, either, as your canine takes in her surroundings with her nose.
Sightseeing with your dog involves a lot of walking, so it’s best for active pups who can keep up, though if you pace yourself or shorten your route, it could work well with any woof. Just be sure you check the weather and respect posted rules since not every landmark lets pooches inside or on its grounds.
See if any of these pup-friendly Portland landmarks would make the best excursion for you and your doggo.
Skidmore Fountain
About: This historic fountain is one of many cool water features and sculptures dotting the city. Mapping them out and visiting those within walking distance of one another is a great way to spend a nice afternoon in the city with your sniffer. Think of it as a four-footed scavenger hunt!
Address: W Burnside Street & Ankeny, Portland, OR 97204
Website: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/article/117201
Special Notes:
- Small steps are perfect for a posing pooch
- Please don’t let your pooch swim in or piddle on the fountain
Pioneer Courthouse Square
About: This open square doesn’t offer much when an event isn’t in full swing, but it does have plenty of seating for kicking back with your canine and good book or coffee from one of the nearby businesses. You can also take in the gardens, arranged to make gorgeous overhead patterns as a homage to the city.
Address: 701 SW 6th Avenue, Portland, OR 97204
Phone Number: (503) 223-1613
Website: https://www.thesquarepdx.org/
Special Notes:
- Check the event schedule to ensure you won’t visit during anything too wild for woofers
- Some food carts are onsite for grabbing grub with your pup
The Wishing Tree
About: Leave a wish with your woof at this unique Portland attraction consisting of paper “wishes” hung on a tree. Fresh tags and a marker are stationed at the tree, letting you get in on the fun. Just remember to leave them for the next visitor!
Address: 2954 NE 7th Avenue, Portland, OR 97212
Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/portland-wishing-tree
Special Notes:
- “Open” 24 hours
- Please don’t let your dog “water” the tree or damage anyone’s wishes
8. Have a furry fashion shoot at an area park.
Portland has ample park space for pupper fun, whether you’re after a quick mountain escape or a stretch of greenery in an urban area. Parks are among the most versatile venues for dog-friendly activities, as you can do anything from bonding over a pooch picnic to bikejoring down paved paths.
Many Portland parks welcome your woof to visit, provided she’s leashed and you scoop her poop. Some do offer off-leash areas to explore, however, letting your Rover run free. These spaces aren’t always fenced, so check in advance or risk a runaway dog if your pup lacks reliable recall.
Pop into one of these Portland area pup-friendly parks with your pooch for four-footed fun.
South Park Blocks
About: This 12-block park brings a pop of greenery to the innards of the city, letting you get away from it all without traveling too far. There are paved paths to meander with your mutt, plus art pieces to pose your pooch with.
Address: SW Park Avenue from Salmon Street to Jackson Street, Portland, OR 97205
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/south-park-blocks
Special Notes:
- Open 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- All dogs must be leashed when visiting the park
Washington Park
About: More than 10,000 roses, 2,000 species of trees, and 15 miles of trails await at this popular Portland park that allows leashed doggos in select common areas. It’s home to tons of cool attractions, including the International Rose Test Garden, Hoyt Arboretum, and Oregon Zoo, though not all are dog-friendly, so research in advance to make sure you comply with canine rules.
Address: 4033 SW Canyon Road, Portland, OR 97221
Phone Number: (503) 319-0999
Website: https://explorewashingtonpark.org/
Special Notes:
- Open dail from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Free to enter, though there is a $2 hourly fee for parking
- Watch for trail closures, as they sometimes flood or have landslide conditions
9. Venture out on a pup-friendly trail.
The Pacific Northwest is an outdoor lover’s dream, and Portland sure delivers as a home to many mutt-friendly trails winding deep into urban areas and forests alike.
Hiking is a wonderful activity for most doggos, as it combines physical and mental exercise, plus you can adjust your day’s journey to your pup’s needs. Have a senior pooch or a puppy who tires quickly? Opt for a shorter, flatter trail. Got a bouncy adult barker with tons of energy? Take on a longer route with natural obstacles like rocks and logs for a challenge.
Preparing for a hound hike starts long before you reach the trail with planning a route that matches the abilities of you and your mutt. Word of woofer advice: Don’t overdo it! You don’t want to carry your dog back to the car. It’s also important to pack plenty of water to rehydrate you and Rover on-the-go in dog water bottles or canteens. Depending on your hiking itinerary, you may want to grab additional gear like a hiking harness or saddle bag.
Safety is your best friend when hiking, especially in an area with as much remote woodland and dangerous wildlife as Portland. Leash your doggo, ensure her tick prevention is up-to-date, and follow posted warnings and rules of all trails.
Add a little adventure into your life at one of these dog-friendly trails in the Portland area.
Powell Butte Nature Park
About: Leashed pups can take on the trails of this massive volcano park located a short drive east of the city. Keep your canine on the trail and be sure you pick the right path, as some also allow biking and horses, which can startle some sniffers. It’s also important to select the right length and difficulty level, as some of the park’s paths are downright difficult to navigate!
Address: 16160 SE Powell Boulevard, Portland, OR 97236
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/powell-butte-nature-park
Special Notes:
- Open 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM (may vary seasonally)
- Keep a camera handy, the views are incredible!
- Trails close when heavy snows are present
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
About: Wander to this conveniently located canine-friendly park that’s just 15 minutes from downtown. Over 8 miles of hiking trails wind through the patch of greenery, with each path offering varying difficulty. For a really easy route, check out the paved Trillium Trail.
Address: 11321 SW Terwilliger Boulevard, Portland, OR 97219
Phone Number: (800) 551-6949
Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=103
Special Notes:
- Open sunrise to sunset daily (exact hours vary seasonally)
- Natural, unpaved trails can get messy (expect to clean those paws before your ride home!)
- Some paths are for bikes or horses, so skip those with your sniffer
Forest Park
About: Check out this gargantuan spread of greenery with your leashed pooch and find easy routes for beginners and challenging treks for experienced trail birds. With a whopping 5,200 acres of space and 80 miles of trails, it’s the ultimate destination for hiking with your doggo in the area. Considering the size, it’s vital to do your research, as you don’t want to get lost or pick the wrong route!
Address: 2960 NW Upshur Street, Portland, OR 97210
Phone Number: (503) 823-7529
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/forest-park
Special Notes:
- Open sunrise to sunset
- Some trails are steep and receive little maintenance, so triple-check your maps and pay close attention to trailhead markings to stay on course
Dog-Friendly Activity Safety & Etiquette: The Dos and Don’ts of Dog Dates
Whether you’re headed to the dog park or a pooch-positive pub, it’s important that you and your dog behave in an appropriate manner. This will not only ensure everyone stays safe and has a good time, but it’ll also encourage these dog-friendly businesses and locations to continue welcoming canines.
Above all else, keep the following dog-etiquette tips in mind when going out and about:
- Pick up after your pet. Whether you’re visiting someplace dogs are expected to poop (such as a dog park) or somewhere that would be highly discouraged (such as a dog-friendly restaurant), always clean up after your doggo “goes” and dispose of poop properly.
- Make sure your pet’s vaccines are current. Taking your dog out and about is wonderful for your woofer’s brain, but it also exposes her to potential illness and disease. Minimally, this means making sure her rabies vaccination is up-to-date, but your vet may also recommend additional vaccines, such as for parvo and Bordetella.
- Keep the weather in mind. Portland is notoriously rainy, so be prepared. You needn’t always stay cooped up at home when the weather is wet, but you’ll want to be prepared. A dog raincoat and some barker booties can do wonders for keeping your pet dry and comfy.
- Double-check the location before you leave. Pet-friendly policies can change, and some locations hold busy activities that may overwhelm your pet. So, give your destination of choice a quick ring before heading out with your hound.
- Heading to a low-key location? Let your pet burn off some energy first. You don’t have to wear out your woofer if you’re heading to the dog park or a dog-friendly beach, but it’s a good idea to let her run around for a while if you’re going to a restaurant, bar, or retail shop. This will help foster better four-footed behavior and make her more manageable.
- Use a good pest-prevention plan. You don’t want your pooch picking up fleas or spreading them to other dogs when going to places that other pets play. So, be sure to use a good flea treatment and talk to your vet about a tick prevention strategy if you’re heading to an outdoor space.
As you can probably see by now, Portland is a great place for pets and their parents – including visitors and year-round residents. So get out there and see what the city has to offer you and your floof!
Are you familiar with the Portland area? Have you enjoyed any of the places or events discussed above? What great dog-friendly activities does the city offer that we missed?
Let us know in the comments below!
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