The Ultimate Dog’s Guide To Mt. Hood Territory

By Guest Author: Molly Allen

Traveling through Mt. Hood Territory is sure to offer a wide range of activities and sites, from hiking trails and kayaking to wine tasting, cooking classes, antiquing and more. The journey is even better with your furry friend in tow. For dogs big and small, here’s the ultimate way to enjoy a trip and deepen your bond with your best buddy along the way.

South of Portland, explore areas such as Lake Oswego, Clackamas, West Linn and Oregon City in the urban region of Mt. Hood Territory. For plenty of play time, visit Hazelia Dog Park in Lake Oswego, where long dog runs bump up against lush forested areas, or wander on leash at George Rogers Park, where you can see the industrial Iron Furnace, a historic relic constructed of stone. Here, you can also access a calm section of the Willamette River to venture out on a paddleboard or kayak with your pup. 

In West Linn, head to the 120-plus-acre Mary S. Young Park, with beautiful trails along the Willamette River and an off-leash beach area for the ultimate game of fetch. At Fields Bridge Park, leashed dogs are welcome to walk the waterfront pathways with their humans—there’s also an interpretive trail to learn more about the area here. In Oregon City, the End of the Oregon Trail Visitor & Interpretive Information Center allows leashed dogs to wander and see historic relics throughout the park, but dogs are not allowed in interpretive buildings.

At the Lakeshore Inn in Lake Oswego your dog can enjoy a VIP pup package with extra special goodies.

Dog-friendly patios await to grab a bite. Willamette Garage in West Linn has eight food trucks to choose from, a full bar, and plenty of covered outdoor seating next to firepit tables. For more food truck options, head to Corner 14 in Oregon City to choose from Indian food, sushi, burgers, and more, along with plenty of craft beer options on tap, signature cocktails, and regular live music and trivia events. Mann's on the Lake in Lake Oswego offers waterfront dining on its dog-friendly deck featuring a seafood-forward menu drawing Pacific Northwest inspiration. Grab a cup of coffee or settle in with a glass of wine on the patio at Lake Oswego Coffee House & Wine Bar. For more sips, head to West Linn’s Campbell Lane Winery to enjoy a wine tasting on the grassy lawn with expansive vineyard views, or visit woman-owned Corcilla Cellars in Oregon City, where you can try bold Syrahs with your pup by your side inside the tasting room. 

Stay the night on the water in Lake Oswego at Lakeshore Inn, which offers a VIP pup package with extra special goodies, or book a chic suite at the pet-friendly AC Hotel Lake Portland Oswego. For a more secluded stay, head to The Goat Shed, which is an old goat shed turned modern vacation rental nestled up above the Tualatin River, or book the 1930s Riverwood Retreat — a home with its own private river dock. Riverfront Cottage offers a one-bedroom getaway with a fenced yard and riverfront views of the Willamette River. 

Find expansive views and plenty of charm in the Willamette Valley, including the towns of Wilsonville, Canby and Molalla. In spring, wander acres of vibrant tulip fields at Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, or head to Swan Island Dahlias in August and September to view countless intricate dahlia flowers. Both flower farms welcome leashed dogs to wander with you. 

At Frog Pond Farm, every season offers something new. View baby animals in summer or find the perfect Christmas tree in winter. The grounds are very dog-friendly for leashed pups, and they can go just about everywhere you can, with the exception of activities such as llama walks. To give your dog a break from the leash, head to the two-acre Wilsonville Dog Park, with plenty of shady trees and a large open space split for small and large dogs. 

Well behaved dogs on leashes are always welcome at the annual Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival.

When it’s time for a meal, McMenamins Wilsonville Old Church & Pub is serving up pizzas, burgers, sandwiches and ale-battered fish and chips, and the pub welcomes dogs at outside tables. For a wide selection of brews, visit Canby Beer Library, with everything from sours and hoppy beers to barrel-aged pours on tap from Oregon City Brewing. The pub welcomes dogs on its outdoor covered patio and offers access to seven different food carts to grab a bite. 

To tuck in for the night, there are two pet-friendly rooms at the restored Prairie House Inn built in 1900. The cottage suite offers two private patios for a lovely spot to sit after a day of exploring with your best fluffy friend, and Cowboy Coffee is open downstairs for a morning latte. For hotel rooms, look to Hilton Garden Inn Wilsonville with modern double-queen and king rooms, a beautiful courtyard for lounging next to fire pit tables, and an on-site restaurant. 

Escape to the forested area around towering Mt. Hood between towns such as Sandy, Rhododendron, Welches, Government Camp and Brightwood. Head to the Salmon River Trail for a leashed hike through old-growth forest and along crystal-clear waters, or walk the boardwalk trail around Trillium Lake, with peeking views of the mountain. In Sandy, let loose at the Sandy Bluff Dog Park, which features two dedicated grassy play areas for smaller and larger dogs and double-gated entry for extra peace of mind. 

To fuel up, you can’t miss Fernie’s Coffee in Rhododendron, where the name comes from a beloved dog, and Polaroid photos of visiting dogs are proudly displayed right by the ordering window. You can walk up and order at the window and sit to enjoy coffee, a pastry or the delicious signature biscuits and gravy. At Chicali Cantina in Welches, settle in at a seat on the patio for dog-friendly dining. The patio is also heated in the cooler months. On the menu? Scratch-made al pastor tacos and chile verde enchiladas, along with a few special menu options just for the dogs.

Fernie's Coffee features Polaroid's of visiting dogs. So snap a photo when you visit with your pup!

To cozy up for the night, tuck in to a cabin. Portlandia A-Frame or The Cabin at River’s Bend are both dog-friendly and offer the opportunity for plenty of rest and relaxation, each with on-site hot tubs for the humans too. At Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, enjoy forested views and an in-room fireplace, along with hundreds of acres to roam on-leash. For extra space, book a dog-friendly Grand Lodge or Chalet at Collins Lake Resort in Government Camp. 

No matter where you find yourself within Mt. Hood Territory, there are plenty of options to visit where your pup is sure to be welcomed.