Here we go!! As fall approaches and the cooler weather makes us all dream of our next dogventure, I decided to start a “Top 12” series! Last week we discussed the top 12 dogventures in the Midwest; and today I present, the great, the beautiful: the pacific north west.
Let me just start by explaining how special this beautiful place is to my whole heart! Chloe and I had spent almost a year in Oregon before the fires took our little traveling home here recently; and we went back to our Midwest community. But my heart is still in the rainy forests of Oregon, hiking the lush rivers and chasing birds on the ocean beach- oh wait maybe that’s Chloe’s doggy heart. If you’re craving adventure, frothing for adrenaline: let’s dive in to the good stuff.
1. Kayaking at Brian Booth State Park near Seal Rock, OR
This was one of my favorite kayaking adventures in Oregon! First, it was easy! There were no scary white waters for Chloe, which she very much appreciated. Second, there were animals! Otter and deer, beautiful birds and wild yellow iris flowers. The ride was superb! You can go all the way up to the ocean for some sunshine, watching seals do their thing, in a private section of the ocean beach.
2. Hike to the top of Dome Peak
Of course Oregon is covered in hiking adventures- i mean, check out William Sullivan’s books! He describes HUNDREDS of hikes in Oregon. But let me say, Dome Peak near Detroit Oregon is a special favorite of mine. You can either go the strenuous 6 mile route up Tumble Ridge Trail; even camp by the lake! Or you can take the three mile route, if you find the back roads JUST after the first bridge leading to Detroit Lake, Oregon. No matter which you choose, bring lunch for yourself and your dog and enjoy a picnic with a stunning view.
3. Find Lost Boy Beach in Cape Meares
Oceanside, Oregon may not be quite as sightly as Seaside. It might be tucked into a little peninsula jutting into the ocean- but if you’re exploring Cape Meares and are as enchanted by this adorable town as I was; it is 120% worth a stop with your dog through the dark tunnel into the secret beach! I’m serious- its a tunnel to lost boy beach! It might be handy to have some extra doggie shoes here, as there are a lot of rocks. I have to say though, the sight is incredible.
4. Downtown Port Angeles, Washington
So if you’re like me, and pretty convinced that Bella Italiano is managed by werewolves because they’re not dog friendly (that was a Twilight fan girl joke- couldn’t help it), I highly recommend dropping down to get some fish and chips at Downriggers on the water. You can sit on the pier with your adventuredog, watching for seals, ships, and people; enjoying a sunset where the mountains meet the sea. The Olympic Mountains are also RIGHT THERE and there is so much to see and explore in this area!
5. Camp at the Saddle of Three Fingered Jack
If this is not on your Oregon bucket list right now- add it. Like, open a new tab immediately. I don’t have words to describe how INSANELY cool it is to hike the three fingered jack loop! I backpacked this solo for the first time and I LOVED the changing views, the dramatic rivers and waterfall; the lakes on the way and the sun exposure. I do HIGHLY recommend dog booties. Don’t forget them! The sun warms up the sandy trail super fast. I also HIGHLY recommend camping at the saddle and hiking as high as you can in the morning. The views of the sunrise are inconceivable, and the atmosphere is so amazing. Now go get this dogventure and enjoy it!
6. Check out Leavenworth Washington on Octoberfest
If your dog doesn’t mind crowds- otherwise go to Leavenworth any other time of the year (Except Christmas, which also draws some awesome crowds)! This town in Eastern Washington is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It is all themed, matching, and adorable! The downtown was hopping (I was accidentally there during Octoberfest), and the nearby trails were so much fun to explore! Grab a beer and a bone and enjoy this perfect town for all of its wonders.
7. Stargaze at the Alvord Desert
And check out Steens Mountain and the Painted Hills while you’re over there! I managed to camp out at the Alvord Desert on the same night as a meteor shower; and let me tell you- this was the best dog date I’ve EVER experienced. It probably would’ve been even more fun with a human, but Chloe watched our surroundings while I watched the sky; and we both curled up in a blanket, memorizing this absolutely incredible moment.
8. Off Roading and Sandboarding in Florence, Oregon
The sand dunes are where it is at! Though I did not try an ATV out here, we had plans to do so before COVID changed everything- however I did try some social distance sandboarding and it was SUCH a fun time! Chloe had a blast digging, chasing me as I road down the dunes and finding the mice in the bushes! They do have horse riding and ATV rentals now, after the pandemic situation has improved.
9. Did someone say Columbia River Gorge?
Okay first a major heads up: get there before sunrise. There are so many crowds to be avoided; it is so tricky! If you go too late it is REALLY difficult to find good parking spots too. So trust me, catching the sunrise at Vista Point (if you’re driving from Portland) and exploring down the drive the rest of the morning is incredible! Ending the day on the Washington side after crossing the Bridge of the Gods and getting food truck burritos in Stevenson is a perfect way to plan your Columbia River Gorge adventure. Pretty much every stop and trail here is dog friendly; and Multnomah Falls, Walclella Falls and Beacon Rock are must-dos.
10. Cape Flattery’s north west corner explorations
Have you ever dreamt about getting to the VERY tipping tip North West corner of the United States? Welcome to Cape Flattery, where the tall trees and rocky oceans make this one of my all time favorite spots on the PNW. Partially because it is so well hidden! Be sure to explore the straight of Juan de Fuca on your drive in; and check out the many crabbing experiences you can find in this area.
11. Ride on a Boat around Newport, OR
Have you ever taken your dog on a boat? It makes for an adventure that is for sure! Often times dogs LOVE the wind in their ears and the smells of the ocean! And other times they can get sea sick. But there is no better way to find out than renting a boat for a drive around the harbor in Newport, Oregon. The bridges, many seals and ocean sights make this an awesome dogventure opportunity. Be sure to end the day with fresh seafood from Local Ocean Seafood- SOO delicious, and they have take out; so you can picnic under the iconic bridge.
12. Go Winter Camping at Cascade National Park
Maybe I’m crazy for how much I love winter camping. But omg, it is so much fun! The snow makes the world perfectly silent, the stars so much brighter and the rivers so lush in their rushing noises. Though dogs are not allowed inside cascade national park itself; they are permitted on some nearby trails that are completely incredibly beautiful.
So Many More Dogventures…
There are so many more dogventures to find in the beautiful Pacific NorthWest. I didn’t even mention Bend yet, or kayaking around Cascade Lakes, or Lake of the Woods or the Olympic Mountains or even the Hoh Rainforest with its mossy trees! Crater Lake is also a must- do and is super fun by bike! The Rogue River is also important to explore; with its rushing waters bringing some of the best fishing you can find in the PNW. Paulina Mountain, the Umpqua Hot Springs and Siouxton Trail (with all of the pools for swimming) are also sights to behold! Not to mention the many, many farmers markets (with PEARS and fresh fish and vegetables), festivals and events that will begin once COVID improves! From crab races in Garibaldi (you heard me- RUNNING CRABS- Chloe would LOVE that) to Harry Potter Fondu festivals in Portland to fundraise for kids who need books- there are so many adventures; I am just touching the tip of Chloe’s paw. So go! Chase adventures responsibly, and take your dog, because they make every smile that much more delightful.
What are your favorite dog-adventures in the pacific north west? What crazy experience do you have on your PNW doggie bucket list? Happy trails and happy tails to you!
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YAY for cooler weather! Awh I’m so sorry about what you went through in Oregon. If I ever make it there I would love to experience all these Oregon places! Octoberfest especially! And the beach! You always have the best adventures!