The Pacific Northwest is a paradise for outdoor-loving pups and pawrents, and Portland is no exception. Located by Mount Hood and both the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Oregon’s largest city has countless parks to explore with your pup.
But which park will be best for you and your woof?
We’ll help you decide below, by sharing the best dog parks in Portland! We’ll also explain how to pick a dog park that meets your needs and touch on dog park etiquette.
15 Best Dog Parks in Portland
Portland’s fur-friendly landscape includes urban hangouts and forested finds, providing something for every pet parent’s ideal outing with a pup. Without further ado, let’s explore the best dog parks in Portland and see which promises the perfect adventure.
1. Thousand Acres Dog Park
About: Encompassing more than 1,000 acres, this off-leash doggy oasis offers the ultimate day of outdoor fun with your floof through various terrain, including wooded trails and swimming areas. Just be sure to pack a towel and a seat cover for the ride home, as your four-footer may get filthy!
Area: Troutdale
Address: Thousand Acres Rd, Troutdale, OR 97060
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29976
Open Hours: Daily 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Size: 1000+ acres
Special Notes:
- Tucked within the Sandy River Delta (there’s no official website for the dog park itself)
- Dogs must be leashed along the Confluence Trail and near the bathrooms, parking lots, and picnic areas
- Dogs are not permitted to dig in the park
- Commercial dog walking within the park is forbidden
2. Sellwood Riverfront Park
About: A mix of grass, dirt, gravel, and more await at this riverside park, featuring a single off-leash area for dogs. There’s no special section for small pups or seniors, and it can get pretty busy on the weekend, so it may not be the right fit for every floof. But for big, active barkers, it’s a great spot!
Area: Sellwood Park
Address: SE Spokane Street and Oaks Parkway, Portland, OR 97202
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/sellwood-riverfront-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 1.5 acres
Special Notes:
- Unfenced, so only dogs with the best recall should visit this park
- Dogs can swim in the nearby river (we recommend a dog life vest to be safe!)
- Paved and unpaved paths available for leashed walks outside the off-leash area
- Pack water and plenty of poop bags, as none are available on site
3. Laurelhurst Park
About: Enjoy an off-leash outing with your four-footer in Laurelhurst Park’s designated dog area. Your sniffer’s welcome to explore the rest of the park’s paths too; just be sure he’s leashed.
Area: Laurelhurst
Address: SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd and Stark Street, Portland, OR 97214
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/laurelhurst-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Size: More than1 acre
Special Notes:
- The off-leash area is unfenced, requiring visiting dogs to have excellent recall and manners
- No separate space for small, timid, or senior dogs
- Pack poop bags and water, as none are provided
- Grass and dirt terrain can get muddy in Portland’s infamous rains (pack a towel and anticipate a post-park bath!)
4. Wallace Park
About: Found at the northeast corner of the park, the Wallace Park off-leash area is fenced, but there’s only a single play area for pups. This means it might not be the right fit for shy, small, or elderly doggos. The mulch terrain can get messy in the rain, so pack a towel and anticipate a bath after your visit in wet weather.
Area: Northwest District
Address: NW 25th Avenue and Raleigh Street, Portland, OR 97210
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/wallace-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: Unknown
Special Notes:
- Fencing is being updated in June 2023
- Double-gated entry for added safety
- A fresh water source for sniffers is available near the dog park, but bring a bowl to give your sniffer a sip
- Nearby trees offer great shade in the summer
5. Mount Tabor Park
About: You’ll find an off-leash dog area in the southern portion of Mount Tabor Park, consisting of a partially-fenced grass patch that can get muddy in Portland’s frequent rain. Because it’s not entirely secure, dogs must have an excellent recall to be trusted in the space.
Area: Mt. Tabor
Address: SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street, Portland, OR 97215
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/mt-tabor-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Size: 4 acres
Special Notes:
- Heavily wooded, so be sure to check for ticks after a day of fun
- Fresh water available for four-legged visitors
- Plenty of trails to venture down for leashed treks
6. Hillsdale Park
About: The entire northern portion of this 5-acre park is dedicated to off-leash canine play. While offering heaps of four-footed fun, the open grassy field is unfenced, so only obedient barkers with excellent manners should be trusted to explore it untethered.
Area: Hillsdale
Address: SW 27th Avenue and Hillsdale Highway, Portland, OR 97201
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/hillsdale-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 2 acres
Special Notes:
- A single area for dogs big and small
- The wood chip paths and grass playing field can get muddy
- No drinking water or poop bags are provided
7. Sandy’s Dog Park at Chimney Park
About: Covering a large swath of space, this dog park is fully fenced and open, letting your canine zip around while remaining safer than Portland’s other unfenced zones. The chain link fencing entirely encloses the area with a double-gated entry for added security, though the average height is a big short if your barker’s a jumper.
Area: Saint Johns
Address: 9360 N Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR 97203
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/chimney-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 5 acres
Special Notes:
- The terrain is grass and dirt
- A few picnic tables for seating
- Pooper scoopers make pickup a bit easier
- The rest of the 18-acre park boasts trails for leashed walks with your doggo
- Fresh water is available for floofs
8. Fernhill Park
About: Tucked in the northeast area of the park, this dog-friendly space is unfenced, so it’s best for barkers with strong recall and obedience. It’s a popular pupper hangout with lots of open space, perfect for rounds of fetch or getting out dog zoomies.
Area: Concordia
Address: NE 37th Avenue and Ainsworth Street, Portland, OR 97211
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/fernhill-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 4 acres
Special Notes:
- Full park of hills, paths, and grassy patches to explore with your leashed pup
- No water is available for doggos; be sure to bring your own
- Busy road nearby, so your dog needs excellent training to stay at your side and respond to commands
9. Gabriel Park
About: The fenced off-leash area of this 89-acre park is a mixture of grass and dirt with an open setup that lets you keep a close eye on your canine as he runs around with new fur friends. Check out nearby hiking trails for leashed exploration, a space that makes a great plan B for days when the pupper park’s packed.
Area: Maplewood
Address: SW 45th Avenue and Vermont Street, Portland, OR 97219
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/gabriel-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 1.5 acres
Special Notes:
- Single-gate entrance
- Fully fenced with chain link of average height
- No separate area for small, old, or shy dogs
- Plenty of shade and seating for pet parents
10. Lents Park
About: Dogs with a great recall can romp around the off-leash grassy area of Lents Park, but since it’s unfenced, it’s not right for every Rover. Be sure to pack a leash, as dogs must be tethered outside the designated doggo space.
Area: Lents
Address: SE 92nd Avenue and Holgate Blvd, Portland, OR 97266
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/lents-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 2 acres
Special Notes:
- Mature trees offer lots of shade
- No water or poop bags are provided, so be sure to pack your own
- No parking lot or separate area for small dogs to enjoy
11. The Fields Park
About: Large and small dog sections await at this recent addition to Portland’s dog park scene, featuring an underground drainage system to handle the city’s frequent rain. You can also find a dog water fountain for hound hydration and benches for resting your feet as your Rover buzzes around with new buddies.
Area: Pearl District
Address: 1099 NW Overton St, Portland, OR 97209
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/fields-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 8000 square feet
Special Notes:
- Double-gated entry for a safer flow of Fidos
- Entirely fenced with metal panels
- The decomposed granite play surface is less muddy than some parks but not completely mess-free
- Waste stations allow for easier cleanup
12. Luuwit View Park
About: If you’re after a fenced dog park, head to Luuwit View Park, where the off-leash area is fully enclosed with an average-height chain link. This grassy patch is great for most active pooches looking for space to sniff and zoom, but the fence isn’t tall enough if your pup’s a jumper.
Area: Argay Terrace
Address: NE 127th Avenue and NE Fremont Street, Portland, OR 97230
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/luuwit-view-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: About an acre
Special Notes:
- No separate area for small dogs and seniors
- Several paths weave throughout the rest of the 16-acre park, but canines must be leashed here
- Gravel and grass terrain
- Plenty of seating with benches and plastic chairs
- Water for woofs and waste cleanup available on site
13. Normandale Park
About: Located in the central portion of the park, the off-leash area for dogs has three separate spaces for pupperinos of different sizes, allowing for safe, comfortable play for all visitors. However, the chain link-fenced park fills up quickly on the weekends, so plan accordingly!
Area: Normandale Park
Address: NE 57th Avenue and Halsey Street, Portland, OR 97213
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/normandale-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 1.5 acres
Special Notes:
- Fresh water and poop bags available (we still recommend packing extra bags!)
- Mostly dirt, so it can get super muddy
- Log obstacles for doggos to climb
- Several trails to explore with your leashed doggo before or after off-leash play
- Well-shaded by trees
14. Ash Avenue Dog Park
About: Located nine miles southwest of the city, this dog park is worth the drive if you want to escape the urban hustle. While on the smaller side, it has a hose for rinsing your pooch’s paws after a visit, play equipment for pups, and is accessible for pet parents with wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
Area: Tigard
Address: 12770 SW Ash Avenue, Tigard, OR 97223
Website: https://www.tigard-or.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/96/396
Open Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Size: 0.29 acres
Special Notes:
- Fully fenced by chain link and features a double-gated entry
- Wood fiber playing terrain
- Visiting dogs must be current on rabies and other vaccines
- Puppies under 6 months not permitted
- Limited seating for pet parents
- Drinking fountains for humans and hounds
15. Brentwood Park
About: This fully fenced fur fun zone has play structures for sniffers to scale, including tire tunnels and platforms. The fencing is a mix of chain link and metal and wood, which seems to work for most dogs, but if you have an escape artist, we’d visit this place in person to determine if it’s a good match.
Area: Brentwood-Darlington
Address: SE 60th Avenue and Duke Street, Portland, OR 97206
Website: https://www.portland.gov/parks/brentwood-park
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Size: 0.5 acre
Special Notes:
- Dog park is in the southeast corner of the park
- Dirt and wood chip terrain that can get muddy
- No private space for small dogs or senior sniffers
Things to Look for in a Potential Dog Park
Finding the right dog park for your pupperino takes some homework, but if you know what to look for, you can make the task much easier. For best results, we recommend visiting a potential park without your woof to get a better feel for a space.
When researching a dog park, always note the following:
- Fencing style and height: Fencing should be at least six feet high for large dogs. The fencing design is just as important, as a vertically slatted fence can have gaps that small pups can skip through. Similarly, some canines can climb chain link. Look for a park with fencing that can contain your dog, as you know him and his antics best.
- Fence condition: The tallest fence in the world won’t do you any good if it’s in rough shape. While you can scan reviews for fencing information, visiting the park yourself is best to ensure the fencing is escape-proof. We recommend walking the perimeter for any escapable points, especially if your dog’s a known Houndini.
- Cleanliness: A poorly maintained dog park isn’t just a bummer; it can be dangerous! A buildup of poop and overflowing trash cans are recipes for bacterial overgrowth. Some parks in sketchier areas may even have needles lying around, risking you and your woof’s safety!
- Separate spaces for different dogs: Separate areas for small, old, or timid dogs are essential in keeping your canine safe if they fall into any of those categories. Having younger, rowdier Rovers around risks accidental injury and can be frightening for some floofs.
- Park rules: Every dog park has a unique set of regulations, covering anything from banning food in the doggy areas to barring certain breeds from entry. Knowing these is a must, especially if you have a bully breed.
- Public versus private setup: While most dog parks are public, some private play places charge a fee for entry, usually annually. This membership often requires you to submit paperwork from your vet, verifying vaccine information and sometimes your dog’s spay or neuter status.
- Park hours: Many dog parks are open from dawn to dusk, but some have alternative hours or close during scheduled periods for maintenance. This is important if you anticipate visiting during “off” hours, such as early morning or late at night.
- Lighting: Good lighting is essential in keeping everyone safe if you plan to visit early morning or evening. Good lighting also makes it easier to find toys and scoop poop.
Dog Park Manners 101
Even if you’re a dog park regular, brushing up on dog park etiquette is always a good idea, as you don’t want to ostracize yourself from other pet parents accidentally. It’s best to be prepared with your pooch!
At the dog park, remember to:
- Watch your dog: The dog park isn’t your doggy daycare. Continually monitor your pup as he plays and prevent him from escaping, pestering other dogs, or jumping on pet parents.
- Scoop poop: Always clean up your mutt’s droppings right away. Unscooped poop is a health hazard and just plain old gross.
- Fill in holes: Other than being eyesores, holes are injury risks to humans and dogs alike. Don’t let your doggo dig at the park; if he does, repair the damage promptly to prevent falls.
- Treat others respectfully: Don’t correct other people’s pups, and be friendly with fellow fur parents. If there is an issue with another dog being a bully, kindly ask the owner to wrangle their woof.
- Keep your dog’s shots current: At a minimum, your dog should be up-to-date on rabies and distemper before a dog park outing, but other vaccines like Bordetella and canine influenza may also be recommended for your Rover. Ask your vet which shots your pup should have before visiting the local dog park, as every location is unique.
- Ensure your dog’s identification is up-to-date: Your dog should have an easy-to-read ID tag with your current contact information, but to make for an even safer outing, consider microchipping your mutt. Like ID tags, the loaded contact information should be checked periodically for accuracy and updated after every move.
- Follow the rules: Rules are in place to keep the dog park safe and running smoothly. They also apply to everyone. Rather than go rogue, obey regulations. Ignoring them tells other barker parents that you think you deserve special treatment, which isn’t ideal for making friends.
- Only visit with a healthy hound: Dog parks can be breeding grounds for serious sniffer sicknesses. If your dog has any signs of illness like vomiting, diarrhea, or coughing, skip the dog park until he feels better.
- Use flea and tick prevention: No one wants to come home with a canine covered in creepy crawlies that can spread illness or cause discomfort. Banish these buggers entirely with a great tick and flea treatment.
- Pack a leash and plenty of poop bags: Whether you’re visiting an off-leash area or not, most jurisdictions require dogs to be leashed in public places, so unless your floof is in the designated zone, he should be tethered. You should also bring more poop bags than you think you’d need, as nothing’s worse than being a bag short when your doggo does his business.
- Skip the trip if a dog park isn’t a good fit: Not every pup is a good fit for the dog park, and that’s okay! If you have a nervous pooch or one remotely dog-selective, stick to activities better aligned to his personality, like hiking on a long leash or conquering your DIY dog playground at home.
Hungry or thirsty? There are also a ton of great dog-friendly bars and dog-friendly restaurants in Portland!
Have you visited any of the best dog parks in Portland on our list? Is there one we missed that you and your dog frequent? Tell us about it in the comments. We’d love to hear about your Portland dog park outings!
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