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If we had to pick one kind of trip that almost always feels better with our furry friends, it’s Dog friendly road trips.
When you take a dog friendly west coast road trip, you’re not stuck to a rigid schedule. This means you can stop when your pup needs a break or to grab a quick lunch.
We have built this comprehensive guide for a road trip with dog down the West Coast, and we have covered lots of destinations.
Besides the beaches, you will find cliffs, forests, waterfalls, river walks, and a couple of winery stops where well-behaved pups are welcome.
Each stop includes the dog rules, what the ground feels like under paws, what to watch out for, and anything else that matters for people visiting with dogs.
We’ve confirmed leash rules, entry fees, and pet policies at every single spot, so you won’t show up somewhere only to find out dogs aren’t actually allowed past the gate.
Specific hotels are also included. Finding a place that truly welcomes your pup with a decent charge is very important when planning a dog friendly vacation.
Dog-Friendly West Coast Road Trip
California
1. San Francisco – Crissy Field & Fort Funston
San Francisco might be the most dog-friendly major city on the West Coast, and it’s not even close.
The city has more dogs than children, and you will see it in the culture. Our two go-to spots sit on opposite ends of the coastline.
Crissy Field, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, gives you a flat, easy waterfront walk with jaw-dropping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands.
Dogs can run off leash in designated areas along the beach, and the whole stretch from the Warming Hut to the bridge is pure magic on a clear morning.
On the city’s southwestern edge, you will find Fort Funston. It is an off-leash paradise built into sandy bluffs above the Pacific.
The main trail runs about a mile along the clifftop, with steep paths descending to the beach below.
Dogs absolutely lose their minds here; there’s room to sprint, sand dunes to explore, and usually dozens of other dogs to play with.
You should watch closely for erosion near cliff edges, and know that the parking lot fills up fast on weekends.
When it comes to safe, San Francisco dog friendly beaches, Baker Beach also deserves a mention.
Dogs are allowed off leash on the north end, and the Golden Gate views from the sand are out of this world.
The water is brutally cold, though, and rip currents are no joke. If your dog loves swimming, you’ll want to monitor them closely.
Where to stay: The Hotel Nikko San Francisco welcomes dogs up to 80 pounds with a pet fee of around $100 per stay. It’s centrally located in Union Square.
Best time to visit: September and October. San Francisco’s summer is famously foggy and cold; the real warm, clear days hit in early fall.
2. Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Most California state parks ban dogs from trails entirely, which is why we found Henry Cowell a welcome spot for dog lovers.
It’s tucked in the Santa Cruz Mountains about 75 miles south of San Francisco. We love that it lets leashed dogs join their owners on several trails.
These include the Meadow Trail, Graham Hill Trail, Powder Mill Fire Road, and the paved Pipeline Road.
The park also includes grasslands and riparian areas along the San Lorenzo River; this means you have a great variety with your furry friend.
Dogs must stay on a six-foot leash, and they aren’t allowed on the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, which is the park’s most popular trail. Day-use parking costs around $10.
Where to stay: The park’s Graham Hill Campground allows dogs at no extra fee.
For indoor comfort, the Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz accepts pets for an additional fee and sits on 300 hilltop acres.
Best time to visit: Late Spring through early fall for dry trails.
3. Santa Cruz – Its Beach
If you’re searching for dog friendly beaches Santa Cruz, Its Beach is one of the spots you shouldn’t plan to miss.
It’s located between Lighthouse Field and the boardwalk below West Cliff Drive, and we love that dogs are allowed off-leash here.
You’ll notice the vibe to be relaxed. Surfers, dogs, joggers, and families share a wide stretch of sand with tide pools at the edges.
To get the most from your trip, you can combine it with a walk along the coastal path for a solid couple of hours outdoors.
Parking along West Cliff Drive is limited and metered, and remember the beach can get packed on summer weekends.
Because Harbor seals may sometimes haul out nearby, we think it’s important to keep your dog under voice control if they have a strong prey drive.
Where to stay: The Dream Inn Santa Cruz sits right on the beach and allows dogs of any size for a nightly pet fee. Oceanfront balcony rooms are worth the splurge.
Best time to visit: September and October for warm weather, smaller crowds, and cleaner surf.
4. Carmel-by-the-Sea
There’s a good reason why Carmel regularly tops every list of best dog-friendly destinations in the whole of the United States.
In addition to tolerating our furry friends, this tiny coastal village south of Monterey actively courts them.
We love how the shops set out water bowls, restaurants offer dog menus, and how boutiques welcome four-legged companions.
The icing on the cake is Carmel Beach, which is a wide crescent of white sand at the foot of Ocean Avenue. They allow dogs off leash at this beach.
Mission Trail Park offers several miles of wooded trails for leashed dogs. The 17-Mile Drive between Carmel and Pacific Grove is eye-catching by car, with many dog-friendly pull-offs.
The only major downside is cost. Carmel is expensive! But if you want a dog friendly vacation to make your furbaby feel like a guest of honor, nowhere else on the West Coast comes close.
Where to stay: The Cypress Inn, co-founded by the late Doris Day, is legendary for its pet-friendliness. Dogs are welcome in the lobby, living room, and courtyard bar.
Best time to visit: April through June or September through November. Summers can be foggy along this stretch of coast.
5. Big Sur – Sand Dollar Beach & Redwood Trails
Big Sur is one of the most dramatic coastlines in the world, but it’s tricky with dogs. Most state parks here restrict dogs to campgrounds and paved roads.
The good news is that Sand Dollar Beach is managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of Los Padres National Forest. They welcome leashed dogs.
It’s a short, steep trail down to a broad crescent beach backed by towering cliffs, one of the few Big Sur beaches where your dog can touch sand. Day-use parking is around $10.
Kirk Creek Campground, perched on bluffs above the Pacific, is dog-friendly and offers some of the most beautiful tent camping on the coast.
Big Sur’s popularity means summer weekends are a traffic nightmare, and cell service is virtually nonexistent along most of Highway 1.
Where to stay: The Big Sur Lodge inside Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park accepts dogs in designated cottage rooms for an additional fee.
Best time to visit: April through May or late September through October. Avoid summer weekends unless you don’t mind the traffic.
6. Paso Robles Wine Country
Wine tasting with your dog might sound like something difficult to achieve, but we love how Paso Robles makes it easy for pet parents.
Over 70 tasting rooms welcome dogs, many offering water bowls, treats, shaded patios, and even vineyard access.
Tablas Creek Vineyard stood out for us because they’re organic, have free-roaming alpacas and sheep, and dogs on leash can join vineyard tours.
You’ll also love downtown Paso because they have dog-friendly restaurants, a scenic Riverwalk trail, and a couple of solid dog parks.
Something to make you smile is that the annual Wine 4 Paws event raises funds for local shelters and is worth timing your trip around.
Just a reminder that summer temperatures routinely hit triple digits, so don’t plan midday hikes from June through September.
This is one of our favorite dog friendly vacation ideas for couples who love wine and don’t want to leave their dog behind.
Where to stay: The Hotel Cheval is a boutique 16-room inn that welcomes dogs and greets them with treats from the local Brown Butter Cookie Company.
Best time to visit: March through May or October through November. Rolling green hills, comfortable temperatures, and far fewer crowds.
7. San Diego – Fiesta Island
San Diego has a lot going for it as a dog friendly beach destination, but Fiesta Island is one of the top gems.
This man-made island in Mission Bay is one of the largest fully off-leash dog areas in the country.
It has roughly 90 acres of open sand and calm bay water where your furry friend can run without restrictions.
On any given weekend, you’ll find hundreds of dogs swimming, playing fetch, and by and large living their best lives.
There is no shade and no amenities beyond a portable restroom. Plan to bring your own water and a pop-up canopy.
For a more structured experience, Dog Beach in Ocean Beach allows off-leash dogs on a designated stretch of sand with better restaurant access nearby.
If you’re looking for amazing dog friendly beaches in California, then we’re sure you’ll love the experience at San Diego.
Where to stay: The Kona Kai Resort & Spa on Shelter Island accepts up to two dogs for an additional fee and offers a dog-friendly restaurant menu.
Best time to visit: Year-round. San Diego’s weather is famously consistent. Spring and fall are ideal.
8. Joshua Tree & Pioneertown Mountains Preserve
Joshua Tree National Park isn’t exactly a dog paradise because dogs are banned from all unpaved trails.
But on the positive note, leashed dogs are allowed within 100 feet of paved roads, at all campgrounds and picnic areas, and on backcountry dirt roads.
Drive Park Boulevard through the park, pull off at Jumbo Rocks or Hidden Valley, and walk the dirt roads for a surreal desert experience.
Keys View, which is the park’s premier viewpoint overlooking the Coachella Valley, is paved and good for dogs.
For actual trail hiking, plan a drive to Pioneertown Mountains Preserve, about 20 minutes northwest of the park entrance.
This 25,500-acre Wildlands Conservancy property is free, open sunrise to sunset, and welcomes leashed dogs on all trails.
The Chaparrosa Spring Loop is 3.9 miles of boulder formations, blooming desert scrub, and sweeping views.
Once you’re done with morning activities, you can grab a nice lunch at Pappy & Harriet’s in Pioneertown. We love that their outdoor patio is dog-friendly and the barbecue is great.
For your dog’s safety, plan your visit between October and March only. Summer temperatures exceed 110°F, which is dangerous for dogs.
Where to stay: The Fairfield Inn & Suites Twentynine Palms welcomes pets and is minutes from the park’s north entrance.
If you want something unique, feel free to search for pet-friendly desert cabins on Airbnb in Joshua Tree and Yucca Valley.
Best time to visit: October through March.
9. Mammoth Lakes
If we had to pick one mountain destination on the entire West Coast for a dog friendly road trip, then Mammoth Lakes would be a top contender.
We love that this Eastern Sierra resort town sits at 7,880 feet and is surrounded by the Inyo National Forest, where dogs are allowed on virtually every trail.
Some of the destinations here include lakeside loops around Twin Lakes and Horseshoe Lake, the McLeod Lake trail, and longer treks to Rainbow Falls.
You can even take a ride up the Panorama Gondola in summer, where dogs ride free. Your dog can swim in most of the lakes and cool off in creeks along almost every trail.
The altitude is the main cause of concern before you travel. Dogs can get altitude sickness just like humans. Make sure to bring extra water and watch for lethargy on your first day.
Where to stay: The Mammoth Mountain Inn accepts dogs for around $50 per night per dog. It is a classic mountain lodge with trailhead proximity.
Best time to visit: Late June through September for hiking. Fall foliage along Highway 395 in October is something you don’t want to miss.
10. Donner Memorial State Park & Donner Lake
Donner Lake is one of California’s most dog-friendly lake destinations. Dogs are welcome on the Lakeside Interpretive Trail, the Zig Zag Trail through the forest, and along the lakeshore.
The water is clear, cold, and swimmable. The park also has historical significance as the site of the Donner Party’s winter camp, and the Pioneer Monument is an unexpectedly moving stop.
Beyond the park, the town of Truckee is within walking distance and dog-friendly with outdoor dining and pet supply shops.
The Truckee River Legacy Trail connects the town to several miles of paths. The Day-use parking is around $10.
Where to stay: The Cedar House Sport Hotel in Truckee is a modern, eco-friendly boutique hotel that welcomes dogs with beds, bowls, and treats.
Best time to visit: June through September for swimming and hiking. The lake is quieter midweek and in early June.
11. Avenue of the Giants – Humboldt Redwoods State Park
Driving to the Avenue of the Giants is one of those experiences that you should aim to have when taking a trip to the West Coast.
This 31-mile scenic road winds through Humboldt Redwoods State Park beneath some of the tallest trees on Earth, including the coast redwoods that tower over 350 feet.
Dogs on leash are allowed in picnic areas, campgrounds, and on fire roads, which gives you plenty of room to explore under the canopy.
The Founders Grove parking area puts you steps from the Dyerville Giant, the fallen redwood that was once the tallest tree in the world.
The fire roads are wide, shaded, and beautiful. This area is remote. You may want to fill your gas tank and expect a cell service outage.
Where to stay: The Benbow Historic Inn in Garberville is a Tudor-style lodge on the National Register of Historic Places that accepts dogs in select rooms.
Best time to visit: May through October. Summer days are warm and dry, which is unusual for this part of the coast. Foggy mornings among the redwoods are magical.
12. Huntington Dog Beach
Southern California is strict about dogs on beaches, which makes Huntington Dog Beach a genuine oasis.
This mile-long stretch between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street allows dogs off leash. We love it more because it doesn’t require any permit and you can go there any day.
It’s one of the few off leash dog friendly beaches in Southern California, and it draws a loyal crowd.
With plenty wash stations at the main entrance, you can rinse off before loading back into the car.
This is also the beach that hosts the annual Surf City Surf Dog competition every fall, which is exactly as joyful as it sounds.
Pacific City welcomes dogs on its patios. The beach gets extremely crowded on warm weekends. Plan to arrive early and be prepared for your dog to be surrounded by other dogs.
Where to stay: The Kimpton Shorebreak Resort is steps from the pier and accepts dogs of any size with no weight limit or pet fee.
Best time to visit: Year-round. Spring and fall offer the best mix of good weather and manageable crowds.
13. Castle Crags State Park
Castle Crags sits just south of Mount Shasta in Northern California, where granite spires shoot up over 6,000 feet from a base of dense forest.
Leashed dogs are allowed on several trails, including the Vista Point Trail. It is a 2.7-mile round trip that climbs through pine forest to a stunning viewpoint of the crags and Mount Shasta.
The Pacific Crest Trail also passes through and permits leashed dogs. The park has creekside campsites along the Sacramento River, and the river is swimmable in summer.
This is black bear and rattlesnake country, so keep your dog leashed and food secured. It’s one of those lesser-known dog friendly vacation spots that rewards the extra effort.
Where to stay: The park’s 76-site campground is dog-friendly and reservable through ReserveCalifornia.
The Best Western Tree House Motor Inn in Mount Shasta accepts pets and is about 15 minutes away.
Best time to visit: June through October.
Oregon
Oregon is arguably the most dog-friendly state on the West Coast. Nearly every beach is open to dogs.
Forest Service trails are overwhelmingly pet-welcoming, and towns like Bend and Portland have built their identities around being accessible to four-legged residents.
Traveling with pets in Oregon is simply easier than in most States. You get fewer restrictions, more off-leash options, and a general attitude that dogs belong outdoors with their people.
14. Portland – Forest Park & Sandy River Delta
Portland has been called the most pet-friendly city in America so many times to the extent that it’s practically the city’s motto.
Forest Park, which is a 5,200-acre urban wilderness, ranks among the largest city parks in the country.
The Wildwood Trail stretches 30 miles through dense Douglas fir forest, and leashed dogs are welcome on every inch.
For off-leash action, the Sandy River Delta (‘Thousand Acres’) covers 1,400 acres of trails, wetlands, and riverfront about 20 minutes east of downtown.
Dogs can run off-leash and swim in the Sandy and Columbia Rivers.
Back in the city, craft breweries like Lucky Labrador and Hopworks welcome dogs on their patios. You can expect rain from October through June in this place.
Where to stay: The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Portland welcomes dogs of any size with no extra fee.
Best time to visit: July through September. Portland’s summers are gorgeous, dry, and warm.
15. Columbia River Gorge – Latourell Falls & Wahkeena Falls
The Columbia River Gorge has over 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone, and because it’s managed by the U.S. Forest Service, leashed dogs are welcome on most trails.
The Latourell Falls Loop is about 2.4 miles past both Upper and Lower Latourell Falls through a lush, mossy forest.
The lower falls plunge 249 feet in a single drop, and you can walk right up to the base with your dog.
Wahkeena Falls connects to a loop that links up with Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest, at 620 feet.
Dogs are technically allowed at Multnomah Falls on leash, but the crowds are intense, and the narrow path isn’t ideal for nervous dogs.
Some trailheads require a day-use pass ($5), and popular trails fill up fast on summer weekends. Arrive before 9 AM or visit midweek.
Where to stay: The Best Western Plus Hood River Inn sits on the Columbia River in Hood River, about 30 minutes east of the falls.
Best time to visit: Late spring for peak waterfall flow and wildflowers. Summer is drier but busier.
16. Silver Falls State Park
Oregon’s state park has ten waterfalls. Dogs are unfortunately banned from the famous Trail of Ten Falls, but the park’s 35-plus miles of backcountry trails are all fair game for leashed dogs.
The Perimeter Trail, Rim Trail, and Rackett Ridge trails offer dense forest, creek crossings, and waterfall viewpoints.
The Rim Trail takes you past views of North Falls, a 136-foot cascade. The South Falls Day-Use Area has an off-leash dog area.
The park is about an hour southeast of Portland. Day-use parking requires an Oregon State Parks Pass ($5/day or $30/year).
Come prepared for mud because this is a rainforest environment.
Where to stay: The park has dog-friendly cabins at Silver Falls State Park available year-round at no extra pet fee. Smith Creek Village adjacent to the park also offers pet-friendly options.
Best time to visit: Spring for the most dramatic waterfalls, or October for fall color.
17. Bend
Bend was once named ‘DogTown USA’ as a top dog-friendly city by Dog Fancy magazine in 2012, and the title still fits the place.
We love that this high-desert town is built around outdoor recreation and oriented toward dog owners.
The Deschutes River Trail runs through town, and the Phil’s Trail complex offers some of the best hiking in the state, all dog-friendly through the national forest.
The Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area covers 14 acres with river access.
Nearly every taproom in town has a dog-friendly patio. The Deschutes Brewery, Bend Brewing, and Crux Fermentation Project are reliable picks.
For a day trip, Tumalo Falls is 20 minutes west with a stunning 97-foot cascade and dog-friendly trails.
With such breathtaking dog friendly travel destinations, you may seriously want to move there permanently after the trip.
Where to stay: The Oxford Hotel Bend is a stylish downtown boutique hotel that accepts pets for a nightly fee and is walking distance to the river trail.
Best time to visit: June through September for hiking. Bend gets cold in winter and hot in summer.
18. Cannon Beach
When it comes to dog friendly beaches Oregon, nearly every stretch of coast qualifies. But Cannon Beach earns its own entry because the whole package is exceptional.
Haystack Rock, rising 235 feet from the surf, is one of the most photographed landmarks on the West Coast, and dogs can explore the beach around it off-leash under voice control.
We love how the sand stretches for miles, and the town is loaded with dog-friendly galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Puppy Love by the Sea is worth a stop. Nearby Ecola State Park has dog-friendly trails through Sitka spruce forests.
Several dog friendly hotels Oregon coast cluster right here. As you plan your trip, remember sneaker waves are a hazard on Oregon beaches. Avoid dangerous areas.
Where to stay: The Surfsand Resort is oceanfront, steps from Haystack Rock, and goes above and beyond for dogs with a pet welcome package.
Best time to visit: July through September for the best weather. Winter storms are dramatic but cold and wet.
19. Hood River
Tucked into the Columbia River Gorge with Mount Hood looming to the south, Hood River is a small town that deserves your attention.
The downtown is walkable and dog-friendly, with outdoor patios at pFriem Family Brewers, Double Mountain Brewery, and Solstice Wood Fire Pizza.
The ‘Fruit Loop’ scenic drive takes you through orchards, wineries, and farm stands, and most of them are dog-friendly.
We also love that Hood River Waterfront Park has a walking path along the Columbia with kiteboarding-watching.
If you’re interested in hiking, the Tamanawas Falls on Mount Hood is a moderate 3.4-mile out-and-back to a 100-foot waterfall, with dogs allowed on leash.
Where to stay: The Columbia Gorge Hotel, a 1920s landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, welcomes pets in designated rooms.
Best time to visit: Late May through October. Fall harvest season along the Fruit Loop is a highlight.
20. Willamette Valley Wine Country
Oregon’s premier wine region stretches south of Portland through rolling hills of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Several wineries welcome dogs. Plum Hill Vineyards near Gaston allows leashed dogs in the tasting room and on the property.
Stoller Family Estate in Dayton has dog-friendly outdoor areas, and Sokol Blosser Winery offers a gorgeous hilltop patio where your leashed dog can lounge while you taste.
The towns of McMinnville and Carlton have walkable downtowns with excellent restaurants and tasting rooms.
Champoeg State Heritage Area on the Willamette River has miles of flat, dog-friendly trails through meadows and oak groves.
Make sure to call the office ahead of your arrival. Not every winery allows dogs inside, and pet policies can vary by season.
Where to stay: The Allison Inn & Spa in Newberg is a luxury resort that accepts dogs in select rooms with walking paths on the property.
Best time to visit: June through October. Harvest season in September and October brings peak energy in tasting rooms.
21. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
Oregon’s southern coast is wild, rugged, and relatively uncrowded, and we love this 12-mile corridor between Brookings and Gold Beach because its masterpiece.
Sea stacks, arches, hidden coves, forested bluffs, and jaw-dropping viewpoints. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and at the many pull-off viewpoints along Highway 101.
Natural Bridges, Secret Beach, and Indian Sands are some of the top highlights. Most people do shorter sections from various trailheads rather than the full 12-mile point-to-point.
The terrain ranges from flat paths to steeper sections with exposed cliff edges, so keep your dog close. The corridor is far from Portland (about 6 hours), which keeps crowds manageable.
Where to stay: The Wild Rivers Motor Lodge in Brookings is a renovated mid-century motel that accepts dogs and is minutes from the corridor’s trailheads.
Best time to visit: May through October. Southern Oregon’s coast gets more sunshine than the northern stretches.
Washington
22. Seattle – Discovery Park & Magnuson Park
Discovery Park, the city’s largest at 534 acres, occupies a bluff above Puget Sound with miles of trails through forests, meadows, and shoreline, all open to leashed dogs.
The 2.8-mile Loop Trail gives you views of the Olympics, Rainier, and the Cascades.
For off-leash time, Magnuson Park on Lake Washington has a 9-acre off-leash area, including a swimming beach. Norm’s Eatery in Fremont allows dogs inside with their own menu.
For a day trip, take the Bainbridge Island ferry; dogs ride on the outdoor deck. The only thing to note is that Seattle averages around 150 rainy days a year. Waterproof gear is a must here.
Where to stay: The Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle accepts pets of any size with no fee and hosts a nightly wine hour.
Best time to visit: July through September, when Seattle transforms, clear skies, mountain views, and mid-70s temperatures.
23. San Juan Islands
Taking a ferry to the San Juan Islands with your dog is one of the great Pacific Northwest experiences.
Washington State Ferries depart from Anacortes, and dogs on leash are allowed in passenger areas through an updated trial policy.
San Juan Island offers dog-friendly trails at American Camp and British Camp, two units of San Juan Island National Historical Park.
We love that the Redoubt Loop gives sweeping grassland views and a chance to spot orcas from the bluffs.
To make lasting memories, feel free to rent a Scootcoupe from Susie’s Mopeds, and your dog rides with you while cruising the 48-mile scenic byway.
Westcott Bay Shellfish Company welcomes dogs at outdoor picnic tables, which allows you to pair fresh oysters with a sunset.
On Orcas Island, Moran State Park has 38 miles of trails and five lakes. Ferries fill up fast in summer, so make a vehicle reservation well in advance.
Where to stay: The Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island offers dog-friendly cabins and glamping tents on 82 acres with house-made dog treats at check-in.
Best time to visit: June through September for the best weather and whale watching. Orcas are most frequently spotted from Lime Kiln Point from May through October.
24. Deception Pass State Park
Spanning the strait between Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, Deception Pass offers 38 miles of hiking trails, rugged cliff views, old-growth forest, and a dizzying bridge 180 feet above churning water.
Dogs on leash, which are no longer than 8 feet, are welcome on all trails and beaches.
Lighthouse Point and Lottie Point near Bowman Bay are perfect, short loops with coastal views, forest shade, and beach access.
The Goose Rock Summit trail climbs about 450 feet to panoramic views of the San Juans and Mount Baker.
The tidal currents are dangerous; dogs should never swim near the bridge area. Stick to calmer waters at Cranberry Lake. Requires a Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year).
Where to stay: Camp at the park’s dog-friendly sites, or try the Majestic Inn & Spa in nearby Anacortes.
Best time to visit: June through September. The park is open year-round. Winter weekdays are quiet and beautiful in a different way.
25. Leavenworth
Picture a Bavarian village dropped into the Washington Cascades and you’ve got Leavenworth, which is a walkable town that’s wonderfully dog-friendly.
The pedestrian streets are lined with half-timbered buildings, beer halls, and bratwurst shops with dog-friendly patios.
We love that the Icicle Brewing Company, Blewett Brewing, and München Haus are reliable stops during your dog friendly west coast road trip.
Blackbird Island, which is a short walk from downtown, is a riverfront park where dogs can wade in the Wenatchee River.
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park has unique sandstone formations and dog-friendly trails. Also, the surrounding Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers unlimited trail access.
Leavenworth gets packed during festivals such as Christmas Lighting, and Oktoberfest, so plan around those for a quieter experience.
Where to stay: The Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort sits along Icicle Creek and welcomes dogs in several rooms with walking paths on the property.
Best time to visit: July and August for hiking, or December for Christmas lights. Spring and early fall offer fewer crowds.
26. Olympic Peninsula – Kalaloch & Rialto Beach
Olympic National Park is restrictive with dogs, meaning they’re banned from all trails and most areas.
But that’s not the whole story because the coastal section near Kalaloch is the exception for pet lovers like you.
Kalaloch Beach and Beaches 1 through 4 allow leashed dogs on wild, windswept stretches of driftwood-strewn coastline backed by Sitka spruce.
Rialto Beach near Forks also permits leashed dogs and features dramatic sea stacks, tide pools, and a shoreline trail to Hole-in-the-Wall, a natural rock arch about 1.5 miles up the beach.
Outside the park, the Olympic National Forest is more dog-friendly. This is the wettest corner of the Lower 48, so rain is almost a guarantee unless you visit in July or August.
Sneaker waves, hypothermic water, and unstable driftwood are the hazards to watch out for. This is as wild as a beach road trip dog experience gets on the West Coast.
Where to stay: The Kalaloch Lodge is inside Olympic National Park on the bluff above the beach. Several cabins are pet-friendly.
Best time to visit: July and August for the driest weather. Even then, bring rain gear.
27. North Bend – Mount Si & Rattlesnake Ledge
Less than an hour east of Seattle, North Bend gives you access to some of the best dog-friendly mountain hiking in Washington.
Mount Si is a strenuous 8-mile round trip that climbs 3,150 feet through dense forest to sweeping views of the Snoqualmie Valley, Rainier, and the Cascades.
Dogs on leash are allowed. For something moderate, Rattlesnake Ledge is a 5.4-mile round trip with about 1,160 feet of gain ending at a rocky ledge overlooking Rattlesnake Lake.
Both trailheads require a Discover Pass. Twede’s Cafe serves pie worth the detour.
Just a heads-up, both trails are extremely popular on weekends, so you can expect parking lots to fill up by 9 AM.
As one of our dog travel tips for long journeys, keep your dog close until you’re on the trail because trailhead parking lots are high-traffic areas.
Where to stay: The Salish Lodge & Spa perches at the top of Snoqualmie Falls and accepts dogs in select rooms.
About 10 minutes from North Bend, and one of the most scenic hotel locations in the state.
Best time to visit: May through October. Snow can linger on Mount Si into June.
Dog Essentials for a West Coast Road Trip
A road trip with dog is only as good as your preparation, especially when you’re covering hundreds of miles across deserts, mountains, forests, and coastline.
Here’s what we never leave home without.
- Leash
- Harness
- Collapsible Pet Travel Bowl
- Waste bags
- Dog Towel and pet wipes
- Dog Car Seat Cover
- ID tags
- Dog Food
- Treats
- Basic first-aid kit
- Dog Blanket
- Long line
Conclusion
As you have seen, there is a ridiculous amount of variety in destinations when taking a dog friendly west coast road trip.
We’ll be happy if this list inspires you to plan and go for a dog-friendly trip, even to a destination that you had not given a thought to.
The beauty about the West Coast is that you can do cliffs and coves, redwoods and rivers, and still end the day somewhere comfortable with a tired, happy dog.
Feel free to tell us about your favorite spots in the comment section below, and if you can, tag us with a photo during the trip on Instagram @fursnpaws.dxb
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27+ Dog-Friendly Road Trip Destinations
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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