There’s simply no better time to explore Portland with your four-legged best friend than summer. Rose City — known for its lush parks, vibrant food scene, and quirky charm — is a paradise for both humans and canines alike. At The Hotel Zags, we believe that every family member deserves a vacation…including the furry ones! So, leash up your “best friend,” and let’s take a tail-wagging tour of Portland’s most dog-friendly summer activities.
Paw-fect Parks and Trails
Portland’s nickname “The City of Roses” could easily be changed to “The City of Parks” given its abundance of green spaces. For dogs and their humans, this means endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. The following spots are extra pet-friendly:
- Forest Park: With over 80 miles of trails winding through 5,200 acres of lush, temperate rainforest, it’s a doggy dream come true. The Wildwood Trail offers a shaded escape from the summer heat, perfect for a long walk or a challenging hike.
- Tryon Creek State Natural Area: This 658-acre forested sanctuary offers 8 miles of hiking trails and 3.5 miles of horse trails. Your pup will love exploring the lush wilderness and cooling off in the bubbling creek.
- Mt. Tabor Park: An extinct volcano in the heart of Southeast Portland, Mt. Tabor offers panoramic city views and miles of winding trails. The off-leash dog area is perfect for socializing and burning off energy.
- Powell Butte Nature Park: This 612-acre park boasts miles of trails through meadows and forests, with stunning views of the Cascade Range. It’s an excellent spot for a scenic hike with your furry friend.
- Thousand Acres (Sandy River Delta): This sprawling off-leash area is a must-visit destination. With access to the Columbia River, your dog can splash, swim, and cool off to their heart’s content.
- Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge: A 141-acre wetland area perfect for bird watching and gentle walks. Keep your dog on a leash to protect the local wildlife.
- International Rose Test Garden: While your dog might not appreciate the aromatic blooms, you’ll both enjoy the stunning city views and well-maintained paths.
- Wallace Park: This Northwest Portland gem features an off-leash area and plenty of shade for hot summer days.
- Fields Park: Located in the Pearl District, this park offers a fenced off-leash area and plenty of open space for play.
- Delta Park: With its dedicated off-leash area and sports fields, it’s a great spot for active dogs and their owners.
- Gabriel Park: This Southwest Portland park features a large off-leash area and numerous walking trails.
- Brentwood Park: A neighborhood favorite in Southeast Portland with a popular off-leash area.
Dining Al Fresco with Your Furry Friend
Portland’s food scene is legendary, and thankfully, many establishments welcome canine companions in their outdoor seating areas.
- The Knock Back: This Northeast Portland bar offers a spacious patio where your pup can relax while you enjoy craft cocktails and bar snacks.
- ¿Por Que No?: This popular taqueria has two locations, both with dog-friendly patios. Enjoy some tacos while your pup soaks up the sun.
- Basecamp Brewing: This Southeast Portland brewery welcomes dogs on their outdoor terrace. They even have a “Pups on the Patio” event series during summer.
- Breakside Brewery: With locations in Northeast and Northwest Portland, both featuring dog-friendly patios, it’s a great spot for craft beer lovers and their pups.
- The Bye & Bye: This vegan bar in Northeast Portland has a spacious back patio where dogs are welcome.
- The Ocean: A micro-restaurant complex in Northeast Portland with a shared outdoor seating area that’s perfect for dogs.
- White Owl Social Club: Known for its massive patio, this Southeast Portland bar is a favorite among dog owners.
- Cycle Dog Tavern and Dog Park: This unique spot combines a dog park with a human-friendly tavern, offering the best of both worlds for dogs and their owners.
Wining and Dining with Your Canine Companion
Who says wine tasting is just for humans? Several wineries in the nearby Willamette Valley welcome four-legged visitors, making for a perfect summer day trip from Portland.
- Keeler Estate Vineyard: This biodynamic vineyard in Amity welcomes leashed dogs in their tasting room and on their beautiful grounds.
- Sokol Blosser Winery: Located in Dayton, this winery allows leashed dogs on their outdoor patio and walking trails.
- Emerson Vineyards: This family-owned winery in Monmouth is known for its dog-friendly attitude, even featuring their own winery dogs.
- Airlie Winery: Situated in Monmouth, Airlie welcomes leashed dogs and even has a resident winery dog named Macy.
- Cória Estates: This winery in Salem not only allows dogs but encourages visitors to bring their furry friends to enjoy the scenic views.
Unique Pet-Friendly Portland Experiences
Portland is known for keeping things weird, and that extends to its dog-friendly activities too.
How are your buddy’s sea legs? If your pup is comfortable on the water, consider taking a dog-friendly boat tour with Portland River Tours. Their dog-friendly cruises allow you to explore the Willamette River with your four-legged first mate.
Why not start your day with “Doga” – yes, that’s yoga with your dog! Several studios in Portland offer these unique classes during the summer months.
End your day with a visit to one of Portland’s many dog-friendly movie theaters. Cinema 21 and Laurelhurst Theater both welcome well-behaved pups at select screenings.
Shopping Tails
No vacation is complete without a little retail therapy, and in Portland, your dog can join in on the fun.
Make your way to Northwest 23rd Avenue, a charming tree-lined street filled with boutique shops and cafes. Many stores here welcome well-behaved dogs, including the famous Powell’s Books on Hawthorne.
Need some supplies? Don’t miss Pets On Broadway. This locally-owned pet stuff store offers everything from gourmet treats to stylish accessories.
The Hotel Zags is Your Home Away from Home
After a day full of excitement, you and your furry friend will need a comfortable place to rest. That’s where The Hotel Zags comes in. Our pet-friendly rooms ensure that your four-legged family member feels just as welcome as you do. We provide plush dog beds, food and water bowls, and even special treats to make your pup feel pampered.
Our central location in downtown Portland also means you’re never far from your next adventure. Plus, our knowledgeable staff is always happy to provide recommendations for dog-friendly activities, restaurants, and services in the area. As the sun sets on your Portland adventure, you and your canine companion can relax on our outdoor patio, reflecting on a day well spent in one of America’s most dog-friendly cities.
So this summer, don’t leave your furry family member behind. Pack their favorite toys, grab the leash, and head to The Hotel Zags for a Portland vacation that will have tails wagging for years to come. After all, in the Rose City, every dog really does have their day!