A lot of details go into planning a trip, even more so when you have a dog. If you’re planning to travel solo, you have to arrange care for your dog and the time apart can end up being stressful for you both. Instead of letting the stress of worrying about your dog affect your experience, spend a little bit more time planning and bring your dog along with you! When planning a trip for you and your dog, dog-friendly travel guides can be a valuable resource. If you find yourself heading to “The Evergreen State”, use this Washington dog-friendly travel guide to help plan a fido-friendly adventure you both will enjoy.

10 Dog-Friendly Activities in Washington

Every trip should include some notable local features and fun things to do. Unfortunately, not everywhere you might go to is dog-friendly. Depending on where your travels take you throughout the state, make sure some of these dog-friendly activities in Washington make it on your itinerary:

1. Northwest Floatplane Picnics

If your travels bring you anywhere near the Puget Sound, be sure to take a ferry to Seattle in order to experience Northwest Floatplane Picnics. You’ll have to call ahead and reserve the trip, but, if you’re able to do it, this is a unique adventure you do not want to miss.

You, your dog, and any friends along for the trip will take a floatplane to a remote island for a picnic of gourmet food prepared by a dedicated chef. You can eat and enjoy the island. Plus, if you want to extend the trip, you can add standby hours to spend even more time on the island.

2. Dog Mountain Trail

Located along the Columbia River in Stevenson is the Dog Mountain Trail. If you and your pooch love a good hike, this a great stop for you. The six-mile trail winds through dense forests and fields of wildflowers.

Your dog must be leashed and under your control at all times, but is more than welcome to enjoy the trail with you. Just make sure you are familiar with the route, that you bring plenty of water, and that you and your dog are up to the challenge to safely hike with your dog. If six miles is a bit much for your pooch, plan a turning back point in the trail to shorten it or find a shorter trail to explore. There is no shortage of options in the Pacific Northwest!

3. Marina Beach Park

If your dog needs to get out some energy and you happen to be near Edmonds, the Marina Beach Park is the perfect place to spend a day. Your dog can enjoy the sand and the water as they run off-leash in the designated dog area. It’s a great way to spend a day at the beach and let your dog get some exercise.

4. Leavenworth Outdoor Center

The town of Leavenworth is located along the Wenatchee River. If your travels bring you here, leave plenty of time for the Leavenworth Outdoor Center. Here, you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, float tubes, bikes, and more to enjoy a day on the river.

You can even join a kayak tour for a guided exploration. Plus, your dog is allowed to join you in the water and on board any rentals as long as you clean up after them and they remain under your control at all times.

If you want to do this with your dog and it’s a newer activity for them, take some time to practice at home and get them used to going on paddling trips with you. Swimming, the right gear, and making sure your dog is secure and comfortable are all tips for taking your dog paddling that will help them be ready for this dog-friendly activity.

5. Port Townsend Walking Tours

Should you end up in Port Townsend and enjoy local history, Port Townsend Walking Tours are for you. The walking tours will take you and your dog through historic Uptown or Downtown of Port Townsend.

Your dog needs to leashed and well-behaved, but they are welcome to join you as you travel through history. Tours run from June through September, last approximately an hour, and include about a half-mile of walking.

6. Marymoor Park

If you and your dog are in need of some outdoor activity and your travels will bring you to Redmond, carve out some time to explore Marymoor Park. A favorite of local dogs and their owners, this place is often called “Doggy Disneyland.”

You’ll have to pay to park, but it is only $1 and is well worth it. Many locals consider it the best dog park in the Seattle area and it’s a popular stop for visitors as well. There are other features in the park, like a remote aircraft field, a velodrome, community gardens, and more. One of its biggest attractions for dog owners is the large off-leash dog park.

Although the park is not fully fenced near the parking lot, the off-leash dog park does contain 42 acres where your dog can run freely. In addition to the space, it also features a variety of terrain, including wooded areas, open fields, and trails throughout all of it. On top of that, there are water areas that your dog can play in.

And, when you’re done, there is a self dog-wash so you can rinse and wash your dog off before getting back in the car. There is also often a food truck that sells dog treats on site. There may also be a dog grooming van present that offers nail and ear services.

7. Washington Park Arboretum

Should your travel plans keep you within Seattle and you want a nature break, take some time to visit the Washington Park Arboretum. Covering 230 acres, there are plenty of trails to explore in this gorgeous recreation area. It is managed by the City of Seattle and the University of Washington Botanic Gardens, and it is dog-friendly.

Provided your dog is leashed and well-behaved, and you clean up after them, they are welcome to join you as you explore. However, dogs are not permitted inside the buildings or in the Japanese Garden, which has an entrance fee.

8. Double Bluff Beach

If your travel plan includes Freeland and your dog loves running on the beach and playing in the water, plan to spend some time at Double Bluff Beach. This is a popular spot, especially in the summer, and has a small parking lot that fills up quickly. But, it’s a great stop for dog owners; locals and visitors alike.

Your dog will have to remain leashed until you reach the designated off-leash stretch of beach, but there are two miles available for them to run freely once you let them loose. The beach is also soft sand instead of the rocky texture that a lot of Puget Sound beaches are known for. You’ll want to keep an eye on your dog, have a life vest for dogs on hand if they’ll be swimming, and keep other beach safety tips for dogs in mind.

You’ll also want to take some time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. On a clear day, you can see Seattle and the Olympic Mountain Range with views of Mt. Rainer. The beach is also near Admiralty Inlet so you can check out the activity in the shipping lanes. And, when you’re done, you can stop at the dog shower located at the entrance to wash off sandy snoots and paws before getting back in the car.

9. Olympic Sculpture Park

If you’re a fan of the arts and enjoy sculptures, check out the Olympic Sculpture Park if you’ll be in Seattle. This outdoor sculpture park was created by the Seattle Art Museum and the museum continues to maintain it. It is a free public park that covers nine acres.

It’s also the largest downtown green space in Seattle. And, your dog is welcome to join you as you explore and take in the various sculptures provided they are leashed and you clean up after them. There are grassy areas as well as waterfront swimming spots, which also offer some stunning scenic vistas.

Some of the walkways are gravel or contain gravel, which can be rough on paw pads. It’s not a bad idea to have some rugged dog boots* on hand to protect your dog’s paws while you explore the park, especially if they aren’t used to walking on anything other than floors inside and grass and smooth cement outside (*Amazon Affiliate Link).

10. Kenmore Air

If you’ll be spending some time in Seattle and both you and your dog are comfortable on planes, consider reserving a tour with Kenmore Air. These “flightseeing” tours are a fantastic way to get a bird’s eye view and aerial tour of Seattle.

And, the tours are done with floatplanes, so the flights take off from the water, include an air tour of Seattle, and also include a water landing on Lake Union. There are also other scenic flights available in case you want to see other areas.

You will need to book and reserve in advance and follow specific pet policies and tips for flying with a dog, so make sure you are aware of those before making a reservation and showing up for your flight. Because these are smaller planes and seaplanes, the cost and availability depend on the size of your dog and other reservations. Usually, there is a limit of one pet per flight.

3 Dog-Friendly Hotels in Washington

After a long day full of exploration and adventure, you and your dog need a nice place to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Not every place you try to stay will be dog-friendly, so it’s important to research ahead of time and reserve your room in advance to ensure you both have a place to stay. These dog-friendly hotels in Washington are a good place to start:

1. The Resort at Port Ludlow

The Resort at Port Ludlow is a waterfront boutique inn located right along the Puget Sound in Port Ludlow. In addition to a fantastic view, it’s also dog-friendly. You are welcome to bring up to three dogs of any size with you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $50 per stay for up to two dogs and $80 per stay for up to three dogs.

Although your dog cannot be left unattended at any time and will not be allowed in the Jacuzzi tubs, they will receive dog treats that are made locally at check-in and are welcome to join you on the patio of the award-winning Fireside Restaurant. There is also a grassy relief area on site with waste stations. Additionally, there is easy access to over 30 miles of trails nearby if you and your dog want to go exploring.

2. Icicle Village Resort

If you’ll be staying in Leavenworth overnight, consider a reservation at the Icicle Village Resort. Staying here keeps you close to everything the Bavarian village has to offer while giving you stunning mountain views. Plus, it’s dog-friendly.

You can bring up to two dogs of any size to join you for your stay. There is an additional pet fee, which is $30 per pet, per night. Dogs are not permitted in the condos, so keep that in mind as you explore available bookings. Also, provided your dog is well-behaved and quiet when you are not around, you can leave them unattended in your room as long as they are crated.

3. The Maxwell Hotel

Should you be staying in Seattle for your trip, keep The Maxwell Hotel on your list for consideration. This hotel is located adjacent to the Seattle Center and the Space Needle. You’re just a few steps from some of the most notable features of Seattle.

It is a must-stay for any fan of the arts and it’s dog-friendly. There is no specified limit for the number of dogs welcome to stay with you in this hotel. However, if you will be bringing more than two, which seems to be the standard across hotels, it’s a good idea to call and check before making a reservation.

There is no size or weight limit either. There is an additional pet fee, which is $30 per night. The hotel will even include waste bags, a dog bowl, and a dog bed with your stay. Being close to the center also means being near plenty of notable features, shopping, restaurants, parks, and more.

5 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Washington

As you travel around and explore, you’re going to need food. Sure, you can bring your own and there are always gas stations, convenience stores, and fast food spots, but what about trying some of the local flavors? Here are some dog-friendly restaurants in Washington to help you find a place where both you and your dog will be welcome as you try the local cuisine:

1. Dining Dog Cafe & Bakery

You may not be able to grab a bite here, as they don’t really offer human food, but your dog will have a full menu to choose from. The Dining Dog Cafe & Bakery in Edmonds, Washington is the epitome of a dog-friendly dining experience.

There is a full menu for your dog and even cakes that can be made just for your dog. It’s definitely a unique dining experience that is a special treat for your furry best friend. Just make sure you call ahead and make a reservation as this place does not take walk-ins.

2. Uncle Uli’s

If you need to get some grub in Leavenworth, stop by Uncle Uli’s Pub. Uncle Uli’s features a menu of craft beer, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Their outdoor seating is on the patio and is dog-friendly. As you enjoy your food, your dog can enjoy a bowl of fresh water, any food you brought along for them, and may even get some homemade dog bones to munch on.

3. Bark! Espresso

Most restaurants allow dogs on their outdoor patios or other outdoor seating areas; it’s rare to find one with dog-friendly indoor seating. But, that’s exactly what you get at Bark! Espresso in Seattle.

When you need a pick-me-up and a bite to eat, this place is a great place to go. They even have vegan and gluten-free options in addition to their delicious coffee and other local fare. Plus, your dog is welcome to join you on the outdoor patio or inside in the Hound Hang Out area.

4. Der Hinterhof

If you love BBQ and craft beer and happen to be in Leavenworth, stop by Der Hinterhof. You can enjoy tasty backyard-style BBQ and local craft beers in a beer garden-style outdoor patio.

Plus, your dog is welcome to join you and they can roam the area off-leash as long as they are friendly and well-behaved. Water bowls and even treats are provided for your pup as you both enjoy the atmosphere. They also have live music on the weekend.

5. Spoiled Dog Winery

If you are a wine lover and your travels bring you near Langley, make sure you leave some time for an afternoon at the Spoiled Dog Winery on Whidbey Island. As long as your dog is under your control at all times and you clean up any messes they make, they are welcome to join you. They can tour the grounds with you and make friends with Blu and Sami, the winery dogs, as you taste award-winning wines.

Enjoy a Dog-Friendly Trip to Washington

With this Washington dog-friendly travel guide in hand, you can plan an unforgettable trip you and your dog can enjoy together, knowing they will be welcome each step of the way. If you’re headed to another state or want some inspiration for your next trip, check out the other dog-friendly travel guides available. Here’s to plenty of safe travels, happy trails, and wagging tails, no matter where your adventures take you!

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