Idaho Dog-Friendly Travel Guide

two happy dogs in the back of a car

Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun. But, if you don’t plan ahead, it can end up being stressful instead. If you’re planning a trip with your dog to “The Gem State”, use this Idaho dog-friendly travel guide to start your research:

3 Dog-Friendly Activities in Idaho

Not everywhere you go will be dog-friendly. So, it’s important to do your research ahead of time and make sure your planned stops will welcome you and your dog. Consider adding some of these dog-friendly activities in Idaho to your trip itinerary:

1. City Creek Trail System

The City Creek Trail System is located in Pocatello and consists of over 50 miles of trails. There are some loops available and a variety of skill levels too. This trail system is popular with walkers, runners, horseback riders, off-roaders, and more.

Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore the trails as long as you clean up after them. Because this area is considered a conservation area and is a widely used trail system, it’s highly recommended to keep your dog leashed and to stick closely to the marked trails.

2. Dog Beach Park

Dog Beach Park is a great getaway for you and your dog and is located in Sandpoint. It’s a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but is located off of the Serenity Lee Trail. Dogs are permitted to run freely and swim in this sandy spot.

There is even a doggie shower station so you can rinse your dog off before you head back to your car. Because this area is off-leash and not fenced in, it’s important for your dog to have mastered recall commands.

3. Tubb’s Hill

Tubb’s Hill is in Coeur d’Alene and is a great stop for nature lovers and history buffs. This is a nature area comprised of 120 acres and your leashed dog is welcome to join you throughout all of it.

There is a two-mile historical loop trail that runs along the perimeter of Tubb’s Hill. It takes about two hours and is a self0-guided tour that features beautiful views and historic points of interest. Along the way, you’ll also come across smaller trails that lead to the lake and your dog can frolic in the water.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Idaho

After a long day full of fun, it’s essential to have a place where you can relax and rest up. But, not all hotels are dog-friendly. And, even if they have pet-friendly rooms, they tend to be reserved quickly. So, you want to book your room early as you finish planning your trip. Start your research with these dog-friendly hotels in Idaho:

1. Residence Inn by Marriott Boise Downtown

The Residence Inn by Marriott in downtown Boise is dog-friendly! Two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay at this hotel. There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 for 5 nights or fewer. If you’re staying longer, the additional pet fee is $100.

You can leave your dog unattended in your room as long as they are well-behaved. But, if you do, you won’t receive housekeeping services. You can grab some treats at check-in and there are two grassy relief areas on-site with provided waste stations for your convenience.

2. TownPlace Suites by Marriott Pocatello

Another dog-friendly option is the TownPlace Suites by Marriott in Pocatello. Up to two dogs of any size can join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 per stay.

You can leave your dog unattended in your room as long as they are crated, quiet, and well-behaved when you are not around. There is a grassy relief area on-site along with provided waste bags for your convenience.

3. La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Sandpoint

If you’ll need to stay overnight in Sandpoint, consider booking a room at the La Quina Inn by Wyndham in Sandpoint. Up to two dogs of any size are welcome to join you for your stay at this dog-friendly hotel.

Plus, there is no additional pet fee! You cannot leave your dog unattended in your room. At check-in, you’ll get a welcome back for your dog complete with treats and waste bags to use for your stay.

3 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Idaho

Although you can always rely on the food you bring with you, fast food, and convenience stores, it can also make you miss out on the local flavor and experience. If your travels bring you nearby, consider stopping at one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Idaho:

1. Payette Brewing Co.

The Payette Brewing Co. is located in Downtown Boise right along the river. Your leashed dog is welcome to join you in both the beer garden and the Tap Room. In addition to twenty beers on tap, they also offer local cider, local wine, and non-alcoholic options.

Although they don’t offer food themselves, there is often a food truck on-site in the beer garden. Also, the beer garden is generally stocked with lawn games. They even have a merchandise store where you can pick up items for you and also a leash or a collar for your dog.

2. Telaya Wine Co.

If you tend to enjoy visiting wineries, consider sending some time at the Telaya Wine Co. in Garden City. Not only do they feature hand-crafted Idaho wines inspired by the old-world wines and beautiful scenery next to the river, but your leashed dog is welcome to join you on the patio. Plus, there are sometimes food trucks on-site where you can try a variety of food.

3. DISH at Dover Bay

DISH at Dover Bay is located in Sandpoint and offers a varied menu. In addition to American favorites, they also feature recipes inspired by cultures around the world.

You can get burgers, fries, steaks, sandwiches, pasta, and you can also get pad Thai, Jamaican pork, and more. Not only can you enjoy a beautiful view of the lake from their outdoor tables, but your leashed dog is welcome to join you.

Although this Idaho dog-friendly travel guide is a good place to start, it certainly doesn’t cover everything. If you find somewhere else you want to go, just make sure your dog will be welcome before it goes on your trip plan.

If you’re headed somewhere else, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides. Here’s to safe travels and wagging tails no matter where your adventure takes you!