I’ve written plenty of posts about Dog-friendly things to do in Portland, but nothing like this article here. I was pretty sure that I was hip to all of the dog-friendly spots and events in the Rose City, but when I decided to put together this list of 99 things to do with your dog in Portland, I learned about a ton of restaurants, events, and other places that I would never even have thought possible to bring a dog.
Further, I had also assumed that there were only a handful of covered and heated restaurant patios to go with a dog during the cold and rainy winter months. However, I discovered quite a few, so rest easy, you don’t have to leave your dog at home to go out to eat for half the year!
So, whether you live in Portland or are just visiting, bring this list along with you to discover a world of fun activities to do with your dog.
Other posts you might like if you’re in Portland or in Oregon:
Our Favorite Portland Parks to Visit with a Dog
Dog-Friendly Portland, Oregon: Our Favorite Places to Sit, Stay, and Play
Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Hotels in Oregon
A Complete Itinerary to Dog-Friendly Wineries in the Willamette Valley
Wanna jump ahead to a specific category? Click below:
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- The best Portland parks to take your dog
- Portland, the dog park capital of the US
- Where to eat with your dog in Portland
- Portland’s best dog-friendly bars
- Get caffeinated at these dog-friendly Portland coffee shops
- Enjoy Portland’s craft beer scene with your dog
- Seasonal events in Portland that allow dogs
- Fun miscellaneous activities to do with your dog in Portland
- Where to shop with your dog in Portland
- Dog-friendly hotels in Portland
- Dog-friendly activities just outside of Portland
Parks
Portland has over 10,000 acres of public parks and green spaces for its residents, including one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. Like many great park systems in the United States, the Olmsted Brothers are responsible for much of the development. With some 280 parks throughout the city, you don’t have to walk far to enjoy natural areas with your dog.
1. Forest Park
With over 70 miles of well-tended trails, Forest Park is one of the country’s largest public parks. The labeled trails offer plenty of options for hikers, trail runners, and casual walkers, with limited options for mountain bikers. The park is so large that it’s not rare to enjoy a trail and not see a soul, despite the fact that the park is accessible directly from NW neighborhoods.
2. International Rose Test Garden
If you fancy a picnic spot with a direct view of Mt. Hood, head to the International Rose Test Garden. Dogs are welcome to visit this 4.5-acre rose garden and join their humans on a walk among the 10,000 rose plants. The garden is free and open year-round from 7:30am to 9pm. June is the best time to visit for peak bloom.
3. Hoyt Arboretum
Inside Forest Park sits the 190-acre Hoyt Arboretum. All throughout the 12 miles of trails, visitors can find over 2,300 plant species from all over the world, 63 of which are vulnerable or endangered. The arboretum is open year round and free to the public.
4. Tryon Creek
I accidentally stumbled upon Tryon Creek when I attempted to join a few runners to run with adoptable dogs. No one showed, but I still managed to get my run in and discover a beautiful park. Just on the other side of Lewis and Clark College, the park contains 658-acres of second-growth forests and a network of trails that criss cross Tryon Creek.
5. Council Crest
At 1,071 feet, Council Crest park is said to be the highest point in Portland. For a challenge, start at Duniway Park and take the trail all the way up to Council Crest and let your dog run some more in the 2-acre off leash area. This is one of the best spots in Portland for a picnic, simply because of the spectacular view of the city and Mt. Hood.
6. Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
What was once a landfill became Portland’s first designated wildlife refuge in 1988, thanks to pressure from the Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy. In 2004, Oaks Bottom became the city’s first migratory bird park, with over 185 species of birds calling the area home. The one-mile trail around the shallow lake is a nice detour from the busy Springwater Trail.
7. Sellwood Riverfront Park
The large lawn just off the parking lot at Sellwood Riverfront Park is reserved for off-leash play. It makes a great destination walk if you’re coming along the Springwater Corridor. If your pup fancies a swim, hit the wooded waterfront trails for a bit more seclusion. The waterfront off the lawn isn’t meant to be for dogs!
8. Laurelhurst Park
You’d never guess Laurelhurst Park was surrounded by a few busy streets because it’s incredibly peaceful. There is a one-acre, off-leash dog area at the southern end of the park. The area is unfenced and located near a popular path for cyclists and other recreators, so just be sure your pup has good recall!
9. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
What started as a site covered in brush, blackberries, and the remnants of a Shakespeare theater constructed by nearby Reed College students, the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden was converted to an almost 10-acre botanical garden. Dogs are allowed on leash and the paths are free for all to enjoy every Monday and Tuesday and every day from Sept 2 through Feb 28th, otherwise admission costs $5.
10. Mt. Tabor
Rising above one of Portland’s most desirable neighborhoods, Mt. Tabor offers sublime hiking right in the city. One of several extinct volcanoes in the city, this 197-acre park has one of the very best views of downtown Portland. Trails wander along the sides of the park and up to the peak at 645 feet. Head to the large dog park on the south side of the park to let your dog play and get muddy.
11. Reed College Trails
I almost don’t want to include the Reed College Trails because they are a hidden gem. Nobody knows about them. A lovely wooded path following Crystal Springs bisects the length of the campus for just under a two-mile stretch. You forget you’re even on a campus as the flat trail passes a large lake, where you might be able to spot beaver activity if you’re lucky.
12. Powell Butte
Few make the trek to Powell Butte, located in deep SE Portland, but it’s worth it. With nine miles of hiking, mountain biking, or horseback riding trails on and around an extinct volcano, this is the city’s second largest park. Test your mountain knowledge on a clear day and name the five peaks in sight.
13. Kelley Point Park
A 104-acre park located on the peninsula where the Columbia and Willamette Rivers meet, Kelley Point Park is not often crowded thanks to its somewhat out of the way location. A leisurely 1.7-mile walk leads to a wood chip path and a sandy beach on the Willamette where your pup can splash and play.
Dog Parks
Supposedly, with its 33 designated off-leash areas, Portland takes the cake for the city with the most dog parks per capita of anywhere in the US. From neighborhood parks with dedicated space for off-leash play to huge fenced in parks, your pup will have no shortage of socializing. You can see a full list of Portland’s dog parks here.
14. Grant Park
With its tall pines and open space, you’d never believe this one-acre park is attached to a high school. A well-used and much adored Hollywood District park, dogs can freely run and play. The area is not fenced and surrounded mostly by low traffic roads, with a busier road further down the field.
15. Fernhill Park
Located at the corner of low-traffic roads, Fernhill Park has four spacious acres for off-leash play in this non-fenced area. Dogs love to chase balls and each other up and down the bowl-shaped hill. There is no water available at the park so be sure to pack some for your pooch.
16. Chimney Park
A bit of a destination dog park (but not really) Chimney Park boasts over 16 fully-fenced acres with walking trails to boot. Dog owners are notoriously attentive of their dogs and also willing to help with socialization practice. Due to its size, Chimney Park is also the perfect place to go to work on recall training.
17. Portland International Raceway
Dog have full freedom to the three-acre grass field at the Portland International Raceway (when there are no cars racing around, of course). Bring your rain boots because this place gets muddy, which means your dog will have no shortage of fun.
18. Ike Memorial Dog Park (Vancouver, WA)
Yes, this dog park is just over the bridge in Vancouver, WA, but it’s worth the trip. There’s a half-mile long wooded running trail and a separate fenced area for small dogs. No need to bring poop bags and then lug them around filled with poop during your run, for you’re never far from a trash can.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Portland
All throughout the city, Portland’s restaurants welcome dogs. Many hold fundraisers for animal rescue organizations, while others have specific doggy menus. There’s even several spots where you can enjoy year round outings with your pup.
Photo courtesy of Theresa Silveyra of @theresasilveyra
19. Food Cart Pods
Portland is famous for its abundance of food cart pods featuring fantastic food from all over the world, with prices lower than you’ll find in restaurants. The pods in NE and SE Portland attract more of the sit-down crowd and welcome dogs. Most have covered patios and, if you’re lucky, fire pits or heat sources to keep you warm in the colder months. Our favorite pods include Cartopia on Hawthorne and 12th, Pod 28 on 28th and Ash, or Mississippi Marketplace on Mississippi and Skidmore. For a full map of food cart pods, see here.
20. Tin Shed
With a heated and covered patio, Tin Shed accommodates dogs year round, rain or shine. Well known as one of the most dog-friendly restaurants in town, Tin Shed features a doggie menu that includes a dessert they can share with their human. Every Tuesday after 3PM is Doggie Love Night where dogs eat free as long as their human orders a regularly-priced item from the menu. The restaurant also supports local animal organizations through the sales of dog bandanas.
21. Por Que No
Portland’s iconic healthy Mexican restaurant has both a pet-friendly sidewalk patio and an enclosed patio, perfect for those rainy winter days. Come during happy hour and score deals on food and margaritas. We always opt for the Bryan’s bowl with a side of guacamole. Por Que No almost always has a long line, no matter the time of day, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait.
22. Bye and Bye
One of our favorite vegan restaurants in Portland, the Bye and Bye has two dog-friendly patios, one in the front and a covered one in the back (you can walk through the restaurant with your dog). There are always several great craft beers on tap and our go to dishes are the Eastern Bowl and the Samurai Bowl.
23. Dots Cafe
Just a short walk from our home in SE Portland, Dots Cafe was one of our go-to spots. They serve tons of vegan options and have several covered picnic tables outdoors that are dog-friendly.
24. The Ocean
A collection of micro-restaurants taking up a significant portion of the block, the Ocean is one of our favorite spots to go on a lovely summer evening. The restaurants share the outdoor seating and there is something for everyone, from vegan Indian at the Sudra to tacos from Uno Mas.
25. The Rambler
Another Mississippi spot with two great dog-friendly patios, including the covered back patio, the Rambler also features fire pits, bocce ball, and board games. They’ll occasionally host yappy hours to raise money for local animal organizations.
26. Tamale Boy
What began as a catering company, Tamale Boy evolved into two brick and mortar restaurants plus a food truck catering service. The Dekum location is equipped with a large patio complete with umbrellas and a fire pit. The food is insanely colorful and there are plenty of vegan options.
27. The Knock Back
With its covered and heated patio, The Knock Back is one of Portland’s few dog-friendly restaurants with year-round access. They offer great happy hour deals and food for all diets. Gather around the fire pit to feel extra cozy on a chilly day
28. The Station
We have yet to visit, but we’ve heard that The Station loves their dogs. The patio is dog-friendly year round and visiting dogs will be offered water, treats, a dog food menu, and bandanna. The restaurant has worked with the Oregon Humane Society to host Pints for Pups with live music and a dog gear raffle.
29. Pizza Jerk
Pizza Jerk serves East Coast-style pizza with a Portland twist, including plenty of vegan options. Dogs are more than welcome on the 100-seat patio and to help their humans decide on which toppings to get for their pies.
30. Portland Mercado
One of our favorite little food centers in Portland, Portland Mercado is a food cart pod with a greater purpose. The project is an incubator and economic development tool spurred by non-profit Hacienda CDC that provides affordable retail space for Latino businesses to launch and grow. If you’re thinking that all you’ll find here are tacos and burritos, think again. In addition to fabulous Mexican food, there’s carts serving Cuban, Puerto Rican, Colombian food and more.
31. Ruby Jewel
Artisan ice cream maker Ruby Jewel crafts handmade flavors using local ingredients. There’s always at least a couple vegan options and dogs are welcome at the outdoor seating. Look out for special doggy treats hopefully coming in the next year. If they’re anything like the ice cream, your pup will pull you to the nearest location!
32. 22 Below
With locations in Portland, Eugene, and Salem, you’re never too far away from your favorite rolled ice cream joint. Wait, what? Rolled ice cream? 22 Below uses a method of making ice cream that comes from Thailand. They make everything from scratch to order, pour the liquid base onto a frozen pan, mix in ingredients, spread it out, and then scrape it into a rolled shape, like a fruit roll up! Among the many flavors of ice cream (including several vegan options), 22 Below also serves up a special ice cream for dogs, using bananas and coconut milk as the base with optional add-ons like bacon or peanut butter.
Dog Friendly Bars in Portland
From year-round covered patios to doggy events, and happy hour at the dog park, Portland’s dog-loving bars turn it up a notch when it comes to our furry companions.
33. Victoria Bar
Part of the Bye & Bye family of restaurants, Victoria Bar offers lots of great cocktails, beer, and vegan (but not all vegan) eats. Go for Taco Thursday to try the jackfruit “El Pastor” tacos and enjoy it on the beautiful, quiet patio that will make you forget that you’re in a city. The bar holds plenty of dog-friendly events like a celebration of their Frenchie, Beth’s adoptaversary to raise funds for the Pacific NW Bulldog Rescue, or, get this, an 80s dog prom called Total Eclipse of the Bark.
34. Prost
Portland’s authentic German bierhaus, Prost has a great patio that welcomes dogs in its corner Mississippi location that backs the food cart pod. Join the bar for its annual Oktoberfest celebration that includes a biergarten, live music, and classic German food. Kids and dogs welcome to the event!
35. White Owl Social Club
Voted Portland’s best patio in 2016 and 2017, White Owl Social Club even has a special entrance for dogs. The bar recently eliminated all beef and lamb from their menus, replacing it with a vegan patty loved by meat eaters and vegans alike. Every Wednesday is Yappy Hour, when humans coming with dogs are treated to drink specials and the pups are given treats. The bar also hosts show and tell for adoptable dogs, and quite possibly the best dog event in all of Portland: Sit, Stay, and Slay a drag show with dogs that raises money for Family Dogs New Life.
36. Hi-Wheel Fizzy Wine Co.
Makers of carbonated citrus-based fizzy wine welcome dogs to their spacious and tranquil patio in the Woodlawn neighborhood in NE Portland. Hi-Wheel products are all vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO and offer flavors like blackberry habanero, blueberry mint, and peach cobbler.
37. Martha’s Cafe
The former Washington High School building is now a music venue and home to Martha’s Cafe, a dog-friendly patio that overlooks the dog park. The cafe is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has a full bar, and 24 beers on tap. Enjoy your meal while your pup entertains herself with the other fur kids.
38. Patton Maryland
This North Portland BBQ joint welcomes furry friends to their amazing backyard patios. One of Patton Maryland’s seating areas is more like a backyard with grass, a firepit, and Adirondack chairs. Dogs are always greeted with a water bowl to stay hydrated and vegans have plenty of options, even with all the smokers and brisket abound.
39. Growler’s Taproom
A cozy tap house with two SE Portland locations, Growler’s Taproom has 40 taps pouring craft beer, cider, and kombucha. Both locations have covered and “soon to be heated” patios, and you’re welcome to bring your dog inside when you order. Come on Wednesday for Wag Wednesday where dog-toting patrons receive 10% off their bill.
40. Landmark Saloon
The backyard patio at Landmark Saloon is a great way to enjoy a beer or cocktail on a nice Portland afternoon, or even a rainy one! Much of the patio has covered seating. Get cozy by the fire pit or challenge your friend to a game of corn hole.
41. Hawthorne Hophouse
From the front, it may look like Hawthorne Hophouse wouldn’t be the most dog-friendly place, but both locations have great secluded patios to the side that are perfect for anyone visiting with dogs who tend to become overly excited by passing people. Each location has a rotating list of 24 taps of craft beer and hard cider. Go during happy hour to score a few deals on drinks and food.
42. Barrio
Located at Portland Mercado (see #30 above), Barrio deserves its own shout out for its pet-friendliness. The owner loves dogs and welcomes furry friends inside the bottle shop and taproom. They even threw a Cinco de Mayo birthday party for their pal White Eyed Rowdy a lab with vitiligo, featuring pet photographer Lindsey Hile (see #76 below), tarot card readings, and vegan ice cream pops. On Thursdays, Barrio hosts live music, and it’s not rare for musicians to bring their dogs along.
Coffee Shops
Plenty of coffee shops throughout Portland welcome dogs on outside patios, but these are a bit different from the rest!
43. Java Hound Coffee Bar
Located inside Hip Hound (see #89 below), a boutique pet store, Java Hound coffee bar allows you to “get a cup with your pup.” The cafe serves local coffees, teas, and pastries, as well as special drink for your dog made from goat milk topped with treats. Every Thursday from 5-7pm, the store hosts Yappy Hour which includes beer and wine tastings and bites for humans and pups alike.
44. Elevator Cafe & Commons
Whether you need a pick me up in the morning or a glass of wine to wind down, Elevator Cafe has got you covered. Located inside a warehouse in Portland’s growing central east side, Elevator welcomes pups as long as they get along with other dogs and stay on leash.
Dog Friendly Breweries in Portland
Dogs and beer go together like…well, dogs and beer! Portland’s beer scene is constantly growing and there are new breweries popping up all the time. We love taking our bikes and the trailer to go on a pup crawl to visit some of our favorite breweries in the city.
45. Breakside Brewing
Breakside pours some of the most exquisite beers in the state, and we’d even argue the entire US. With some of the most creative and dedicated brewers in the industry , Breakside never disappoints. Specializing in IPAs, the Wanderlust and the What Rough Beast New England-Style IPA are both must-try pours. The sidewalk tables welcome dogs and the staff love ogling at your furry friend. They even have treats at the ready for four-legged visitors.
46. Gigantic Brewing
Among our top five favorite Portland breweries, Gigantic has a great beer garden open during the warmer months, and dogs are more than welcome. This brewery has vowed to remain small, producing seasonal beers that are usually brewed but just one time, ever. So you, know, you’d better visit regularly if you want to try them all. Darn.
47. Lucky Labrador
With four locations throughout the city, you’re never far from Portland’s original dog-friendly brewery. The Quimby and Hawthorne locations have covered patios allowing for yappy hour with your pooch all year long. Check out Dogtoberfest, the city’s largest and longest-running dog wash fundraiser.
48. Hopworks
Back home in Portland, Hopworks was our go to brewery because it was within walking distance from our house. We love the bike and dog-friendliness throughout all brewery locations. When we feel like a longer trip, we head to the Bike Bar on N. Williams because the outdoor seating area is divine in the summer. Another reason to love HUB (as it’s known locally) is because they make their beer with sustainability in mind.
49. Base Camp Brewing
The brewery made for the outdoor lover, Base Camp offers a healthy selection of regular and seasonal beers. The huge outdoor patio is covered and heated most of the year (city codes only allow a certain number of days for heated tents) and the fire pits at most tables make the space toasty warm. Order food from one of the two food carts located adjacent to the brewery to complete your outing.
50. Lompoc Fifth Quadrant
This classic Portland brewery has a covered and heated dog-friendly patio to keep you warm and dry in the winter months. Head to Lompoc for happy hour to get discounts on beer and indulge in their high quality gastro pub food.
51. Coalition Brewing
We love Coalition Brewing so much that we held our going away party there before leaving for our bike trip. The little brewery has grown since our party and now has a large outdoor seating area that welcomes dogs. When the rains come, they pop up a tent to keep everyone happy and dry. They regularly collaborate with local businesses, like for the fundraiser they held for Chase Away K9 Cancer releasing their Dog Daze Hazy IPA.
52. Stormbreaker Brewing
With two locations and some of the best year-round patios in town, Stormbreaker is a great spot to go for some dog-friendly brews and grub. Both the Mississippi and St. John’s locations have covered and heated patios that welcome dogs. They always make sure the pups stay hydrated and provide treats if their humans are ok with it. They’re also planning to host fundraisers for four legged pals, starting with Pug Night in winter 2018.
53. Great Notion Brewing
Specializing in American sours and IPAs, Great Notion Brewing popped up on the scene after we left Portland, but it will be on the list of places to visit next time we’re in town. The cozy outdoor patio has lots of picnic tables to enjoy a beer and a meal with your pooch.
Seasonal Activities to do with Your Dog in Portland
Portlanders love to include their dogs in seasonal events, so from winter to summer and everything in between, there is always some sort of fun happening that you can enjoy with your dog.
54. Doggy Dash
Hosted by the Oregon Humane Society, the Doggy Dash is a fun day of running and playing with your pup. Dashers can choose between a 1.2 or 2.4 mile course around Portland’s waterfront. Activities include contests, pet portraits, dog birthday cakes, animal massage, and paw print art. OHS works with TriMet to allow dogs on Max Trains until 2pm. Funds raised by the event go towards fighting animal cruelty, healing injured pets, and adoption.
54. Portland International Beer Fest
Portland’s only dog-friendly beer festival, the International Beer Fest, welcomes your pooch (but leave the human kids at home). Held in the North Park Blocks this June festival showcases hard-to-find beers and ciders from all over the world. Cost to enter is free, ticket prices vary depending on how much you drink.
56. Cider Summit
The Cider Summit is the region’s largest cider summit featuring over 150 ciders from around the world. The June event takes place at Fields Neighborhood Park in NW Portland and welcomes well-behaved dogs on leash. In addition to cider tastings, plenty of food vendors will be on site, as well as music, AND a dog lounge!
57. Family Dogs Fun Walk and 5k Run
Family Dogs New Life (a very special place to us) has been hosting the Family Dogs Fun Walk since 2009. Choose between the one-mile walk or the 5km loop route. The fundraiser is held at the end of July in Mt. Tabor Park. Registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt.
58. Sunday Parkways
Each summer, from May to September, the City of Portland closes down the streets to car traffic in one neighborhood for a day each month and opens the roads to active recreators for Sunday Parkways. Modeled after Colombia’s Ciclovía the goal is to get people outdoors and active. It’s a great way to test your new dog bike trailer and see how you like biking with your pup.
59. Movies in the Park
Every summer, parks throughout Portland host free movies that welcome dogs. Over the course of 12 weeks, moviegoers can catch some 40 movies. Arrive before dusk and bring a picnic dinner and a blanket to enjoy classics like The Sandlot or Ghostbusters.
60. The Big Float
Each summer, the Human Access Project hosts the Big Float, to raise money for the organization. The intent of the event is to celebrate the Willamette River as a recreational source and inspire people to advocate for its preservation and health development. Gather your floating vessel, whether an inflatable tube, kayak, canoe, or paddle board and march down the Esplanade as a parade to the put-in spot. The after party at Tom McCall Bowl Beach features a music barge, beer and wine, food carts, and kids’ activities.
61. Kruger’s Farm (Sauvie Island)
This Sauvie Island farm welcomes dogs on leashes including the pumpkin patch, hay rides, and the beer porch. Kruger’s is a 150-acre working farm with a farm store selling canning items and locally-grown produce. The beer porch is open Friday-Sunday (weather permitting) and serves beer, wine, and cider, BBQ, and roasted corn.
62. Vaux’s Swifts
Each September, the Vaux’s Swifts use the Chapman Elementary School chimney to roost during their fall migration to Central and South America. One population has been known to be returning since the 1980s. Arrive early and grab a spot on the school lawn and watch and listen as thousands of birds fly overhead in a truly spectacular show of nature.
63. Bella’s Organic Corn Maze
From the end of August to the end of October, Bella’s Organic opens their gigantic corn maze, which is dog-friendly. Find your way through the 2.7 miles of pathways over the seven-acre course. Entry costs $13 for adults.
64. Lights and Leashes Dog Walk Night at Winter Wonderland
During the holiday season, the Portland International Raceway hosts Winter Wonderland, the largest Christmas light show in the Northwest. Bring your pup to the Lights and Leashes Dog Walk Night, usually around the first week of December. If you’re feeling festive, dress up your pup and enter the pet holiday costume contest. Bring a bag of dog food to be donated to one of their canine non profit partners. From 5:30 to 9:30pm, admission is $6 per person.
65. Peacock Lane
From December 15th-31st the residents of Peacock Lane in SE Portland put on an incredible neighborhood Christmas light show. The homes go all out, displaying thousands of lights, nativity scenes, Christmas trees, and replicas of Santa. The street is closed to cars for at least three nights and dogs are welcome. Keep in mind that this event can be very crowded, so this is best for dogs who are comfortable in tight spaces.
Miscellaneous Things to Do with Your Dog in Portland
66. Secrets of Portlandia Free Walking Tour
Every day from April 15 through October 31, Erik’s Free Tour meets every day at 11am in front of Pioneer Courthouse Square. No need to reserve, just show up and bring your dog. Laugh as Erik tells of Portland’s history and alternative subcultures in a comical presentation.
67. Taste Portland Tours – Food Cart Tasting
You and your dog can visit 10 of Portland’s best food carts on the Taste Portland Tour Food Cart Tour. Local experts provide an insider’s view into the culture and history of each food cart as you eat the food they serve. All diets welcome, just be sure to mention your needs in advance.
Check out the reviews and book a tour here.
68. Poet’s Beach
After years of hard work and advocacy, Poet’s Beach officially opened in 2017, providing Portlanders a dedicated space to enjoy the Willamette River without worry of other river traffic or users. The path to the sandy beach in the South Waterfront is lined with children’s poems for the Willamette River and native Chinook words. Dogs can enjoy the river access with endless fetch or swimming in hot summer months.
69. SuPortland Jantzen Beach Shop
Explore the north Portland harbor on paddle board to peek inside houseboats and check out the nature. SuPortland rents paddle boards every day of the week with reservation and welcomes your pup. No doggy life jacket? No worries. You can rent one for $5.
70. Sauvie Island
Just a short drive north of Portland, Sauvie Island is the largest island in the Columbia River and one of the largest islands in the U.S. Located where the Columbia and Willamette Rivers and Multnomah Channel meet, the island serves as a wildlife refuge in the north and a agricultural mecca in the south. Head to one of the island’s many beaches (keep a close eye on your pup as the shelf drops suddenly in some places) or walk along one of the many nature trails. Just keep in mind you’ll need a parking permit to park in any of the natural areas, which you can pick up in several locations.
71. Frisbee Golf at Pier Park
Located in the St. John’s area of North Portland, Pier Park is home to one of the best urban disc golf courses in the country. The 18-basket course winds through Douglas Firs and Red Cedars with plenty of elevation change to make for an interesting game.
72. Celebrate Gotcha Day with Sugah’s
Gretchen “the Dog Baker” makes gourmet treats and dog cakes using all natural and human grade ingredients. Sugah’s is the one to call if you want to throw a birthday party for your pup. Her cakes are free from soy, corn, rice, wheat, and white flour. Popular flavors include chicken bacon, peanut butter, and salmon sweet potato.
73. The Grotto
Dogs are welcome on the first level of the Grotto’s 62-acre Catholic shrine and botanical garden. They may not go inside buildings, but are free to explore the garden and the plaza (on leash). In July the Grotto hosts a Blessing of the Animals among other events. Cost of admission is $7.
74. East Bank Esplanade
Bike, walk, or run along the Willamette River trail with your pup! With a variety of options thanks to all the bridges (hey, Portland isn’t called Bridgetown for nothing!), pick and choose your distance and destination. Popular loops include the four-mile Hawthorne to Steel bridge loop. Continue on to Tilikum Crossing, Portland’s newest pedestrian, transit, and bike only bridge, to add two miles to the loop.
75. Springwater Corridor
The 21-mile Springwater Corridor begins just before the Ross Island Bridge and continues through to Boring, Oregon. The trail winds through wildlife areas, estuaries, and parks. Detours can take you to Bob’s Red Mill, which has an outdoor patio and
