Dogs in Bend
Help make Bend a dog-friendly town
Dogs on trails (and water)
I created this website because there are so few places in and around Bend where it's legal to have your dog off-leash. The following are some good places for dogs (and owners) to hike and swim, but keep in mind that most of them have leash restrictions.
This is just a sampling. There are many other places to take your dog in and around Bend, and hopefully some of them will be legal in the near future!
Each of the national forest sites listed below requires the Northwest Forest Pass or day pass.
Green Lakes -- this pic illustrates why we seek off-leash access in the wilderness.
Pros: This currently is Bend's only dog park, and it can be a great place for dogs to run and socialize.
Cons: Inconvenient for many Bendites. So popular that the main area is essentially dirt -- the grass is largely gone (but it was re-seeded this summer, so it should be better by the autumn).
Note: There's a small canal that runs along the outside of the dog park. If you follow it "downstream" you'll come upon a pond where folks "water" their dogs (leash required, in principle).
Getting there: Drive east on Neff Road (the continuation of Portland Ave if coming from the westside). Cross Hamby Road at the 4-way stop. Big Sky Park is on your left. After entering the park, drive past the fields -- the dog park is toward the back, on the right (east) side.
PPP Paddle Put-in (aka Riverbend Park)
Pros: In town. Popular place for dogs to fetch sticks and balls in the Deschutes River.
Cons: The only place I've been accosted by cops for having my dog off-leash.
Getting there: If coming from the Old Mill District, drive across the Deschutes (heading west) on the Columbia St. bridge, take the first left into the open area by the river. Respect boaters who also put in here, but otherwise just find one of the many unofficial "ramps" for your dog to easily get in and out of the river.
The PPP put-in isn't scenic itself, but the views aren't bad (Bachelor in the background).
Old Mill Dog Park
Pros: In town. Great example of a private landowner allocating land for public dog access (our thanks to the Smith family!).
Cons: Modest size.
Getting there: Just across Columbia St. from the PPP put in (above). If coming from the Old Mill District, drive across the Deschutes (heading west) on the Columbia St. bridge, take the first right into the parking area. Before veering right to park, the dog park will be off to the left.
Brookswood Canal
Pros: In town. A nice walk along the canal.
Cons: ?
Note: I hear it's popular, but I've not seen anyone else on the trail the couple times I've taken it.
Getting there: Take Brookswood (south) from the Reed Market roundabout. Park at Blakely Park -- it's on your right as you drive up Brookswood. Walk a short distance up the Brookswood sidewalk, and the path will be on your right.
Pros: Close to town and off-leash legal.
Cons: Need to bring water for your dog in summer. Be careful of mountain bikers, especially if you're walking on single-track. Be careful of cars along the roads in summer (it's gated in winter).
Getting there: Drive west on Galveston, which turns into Skyliners Road. Once the forest starts, take your first left (it's signed for bikers). The Phil's Trail parking lot is a short drive up the road. You can park there or further down the road (in summer, when not gated). Plenty of trails to choose from -- don't get lost!
River Trail
Pros: Great near-town hiking. Next to river, so dogs have opportunities to drink and swim.
Cons: Be careful of mountain bikers, especially around blind spots.
Getting there:There are multiple access points. To get to Meadow Camp, take Century Drive out of town and look for the Forest Service (brown with white lettering) sign for Meadow Picnic Area. It's just before Widgi Creek golf course. Take a left and drive the short distance on the dirt road.
To get to Big Eddy, take Century Drive out of town. After you pass Seventh Mountain Resort (Inn of the 7th), look for the turn-off on your left (Route 41). The Big Eddy turn-off is signed and will be on your left. Drive to the parking area and follow the trail up or down stream.
Is there anything more enjoyable for a dog? Lani was deathly afraid of water when I got her, but once I took her in with me...
Pros: Great hiking and scenic falls. Periodic access to Tumalo Creek along the main trail. No leash restrictions.
Cons: Be careful of the occasional mountain biker, especially around blind spots.
Getting there: Drive west on Galveston, which turns into Skyliners Road. Take that to the end, veer right and cross the bridge, then follow the dirt road up to the trailhead (close to the falls).
Another option in this area is the trail from OMSI to the Tumalo Falls trailhead (across the river from the gravel road). Park at Skyliner Sno-park and follow the trail west -- keep an eye out for mountain bikers.
This is Tumalo Creek on the trail off Road 4606. Scenic trail, but follows ridge above creek itself (water access is difficult).
Tumalo Creek (off 4606)
Pros: Scenic hike along Tumalo Creek. No leash restrictions. There are small swimming holes about two miles up, either above or below the fallen log shown in the pic.
Cons: This trail illustrates the dilemma for Bend dog owners. It's a scenic trail and actually follows water (Tumalo Creek). However, the trail mostly follows the ridge, and creek access (for dog water) is difficult.
Getting there: Drive west on Galveston, which turns into Skyliners Road. Go past Phil's Trail, look for Road 4606 on right. There will be small signs for hikers and bikers on the left. Follow that road down to the bridge. Park on the left just across the bridge and follow the trail that starts adjacent to small parking area. Be sure to lock your car in this location.
Opportunities to swim in small snow-melt pools just above and below this log. Follow deer path off main trail to get here.
Three Sisters Wilderness
Pros: Great hiking. Many trails have water sources (streams or lakes), so dogs have opportunities to drink and swim.
Cons: The best trails have off-leash restrictions.
There are multiple trails and lakes in the wilderness and across Cascades Lakes Highway from it. Currently, restrictions apply to trails between the South Sister Climbing trail and Broken Top trail. We're working to relax those restrictions so dog-owners have a chance to experience popular trails with their dogs off-leash.
Getting there:Take Century Drive out of town until you get to your favorite trail or lake...
South Green Lake at the end of June, Broken Top in background.