The United States is huge, beautiful and full of secret beautiful areas free for exploration to fill your heart’s wildest desires. In my adventures as a traveling occupational therapist, I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend 3-6 months in various locations all over the country. Thankfully this has resulted in the chance to find those secret, stunning view points neither my pup Chloe Rue, nor I will ever forget.
Each location is pet friendly, and accessible to access with a camper. Let me know which ones you have visited, and which ones are on your list!
North Shore Drive in Duluth, Minnesota
The North Shore Drive is an iconic journey along Lake Superior in Northern Minnesota. Many people will compare the rocky shorelines to what you maybe have seen on the coasts of Maine, or Oregon; where the water stretches far into the horizons. The special perk of driving along the north shore, are the stunning waterfalls that make their way into Lake Superior. A few of the best pet friendly views are:
- Tettegouche State Park Trail
- High Falls in Grand Portage State Park
- Eagle Mountain Trail in Superior National Forest
Mount Aenus near Glacier National Park, Montana
Though Glacier National Park itself does not allow pets into its borders, the surrounding areas of Kalispell, Flathead National Forest, and Hungry Horse Reservoir are pet friendly and absolutely stunning for exploration! Mount Aenus was a favorite, as you can see in the photos. The glacial mountains in the national park are quite visible, and though the trail was fairly popular, there were plenty of pets and most hikers seemed local!
Grand Teton National Forest, Wyoming
Chloe and I had a BLAST exploring the Grand Tetons during the spring months! We had the opportunity to walk along the closed road (it’s normally open in the summer and not pet friendly; but since it was closed and wintertime; they allow pets) all the way to Jenny Lake! Chloe had an amazing time and the views were insane. We also have a bucket list trail here, and a few other awesome stopping points include:
- Table Mountain Trail (10 miles but pet friendly and WORTH IT)
- Grand View Point
- Grand Teton NP Road Trip (is 100% pet friendly, on paved roads!)
Columbia River Gorge, Vista Point in Oregon
If you’ve read my blog before, you know I am a big fan of the entire state of Oregon; and really the Pacific North West in general. However, my all time favorite place to watch the sunrise with Chloe Rue is the Vista Point along the Columbia River Gorge, in Oregon. Sunrise is optimal because there are very few people up and at ’em that early, and the sun cresting into the valley shines unbeatable, stunning colors throughout the gorge and nearby mountains. Trust me, if you are craving a pet friendly adventure; and are looking for stunning views- Vista Point is where it is at.
Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota
If you know me well, you might know I don’t always have the nicest words to say about the state of North Dakota. Yes my family is incredible there, and the prairie is a different kind of beautiful but there is one thing I always have to admit: the sunsets are staggering. I believe it is because of the flat lands; if you can find a little crest, or even one tree to climb- you will enjoy every moment of a North Dakotan sunset.
One of my favorite places to visit was Lake Sakakawea for my 28th birthday. The water, the sunshine, the walk around the state park, ending the day with a pup-achino for Chloe and a milkshake for myself from the nearby small town- I have to say; this is worth the stop!
Skyline Drive, Shenandoah NP, Virginia
Shenandoah is one of the more pet friendly national parks in exsistance in the united states, and if you are craving staggering views of rolling green, or leafy trees in the falls: this is the place for you. Skyline drive is a bit of an adventure when you’re towing a camper; I’ll be honest. The fast turns, the narrow bends- and then that moment you think you saw a glimpse of a black bear prowling through the trees but you’re driving a camper and can’t stop very quickly- well it makes things tricky. However, I would recommend this as one of the best pet friendly views in the United States, any day.
Yosemite National Park and Mammoth Lakes area, California
I had the chance to explore the pet friendly areas of Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite this summer, and let me assure you; this place is like no other. The sunrises, the colors, the views around every corner; and best of all the amount you can do with your pet that is legal and wonderful! Here are the pet friendly short hikes/views in Yosemite:
- Yosemite Falls Trail (paved, also 100% handicap accessible)
- Glacier Point
- Check out more staggering views here
North Cascades National Forest, Washington
I firmly believe that the North Cascades region of Washington is highly underrated, and staggering in all of its beauty. From summer, to winter, this recreational area is full of pet friendly trails, mountains, rivers, and activities non-stop. In fact, I am literally backpacking there next weekend and I am SO excited to explore the snow some more! If you are craving some stunning views, my favorite is following up thunder creek trail to see Lake Diablo from above. In summertime the water is clear turquoise; and in winter the water turns completely black, like onyx. I can’t wait to share more photos from the upcoming trip.
White Mountains, New Hampshire
Everyone goes to Maine, or Vermont, or upstate New York’s finger lake regions to catch the stunning views from the Catskills or the appalachain; but who really talks about the White Mountains? While all of these areas are closer than they appear, and definately worth exploring; the White Mountains hold a special place in my heart; specifically after spending Christmas of 2018 in their midst.
Whitaker Peak, Arkansas
Before I lived in Oklahoma for 6 months, I had no idea that the Ozark mountains in Arkasas were stunning. Similar in appearance to the Appalachian mountains, the rolling green hills are beautiful at sunrise, sunset, star light or those leafy fall months! I actually forgot my phone during this hike, and had a random hiker send me a photo from this view point. Man I love the hiking community! People are so awesome. Anyway, definitely on my recommendation list for anyone near Arkansas!
Bonus: Florida Keys
It’s more beautiful than I ever expected, those turquoise waters of the south eastern most point in the United States. Chloe and I had a blast exploring the views of the Florida Keys, but heads up- if your dog likes to chase chickens they will be occupied all day! Chloe had a blast at the dog beach and we savored those beach sunrises every day of our weekend adventure.
So what’s your favorite dog friendly view in the United States? How about in your many traveling adventures abroad? Stay tuned for more barking fun to come so soon!
Oh MY goodness I almost forgot. I officially have a tic tok account. Find me and follow me @barkingembarkers for all the dog traveling adventures!
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