Best Places to Take Your Dog on a Vacation in Washington State

washington pet vacation

When you visit Washington State, you should be aware that your dog is welcome in most state parks, but you must keep him on a leash that must not exceed 8 feet long. It’s also your job to clean up after your pet. One place where dogs are not welcome is on designated swimming beaches. Remember, they do enforce these laws. Two parks where you cannot take your dog is Mount Ranier (except for the Pacific Crest Trail), and North Cascades (except for the Pacific Crest Trail).

Dog Parks

When taking a Washington Dog Vacation, one of the first places you will need will be a dog park.

Walking around the streets near where you stay is always welcomed by your dog, but sometimes a dog wants a bit of freedom to run and sniff around by dragging you along. That’s where an off-leash dog park comes in. Seattle has a few and we selected some of the best ones to review.

Before you go to a dog park, beware of thieves. Do not leave valuables in your car as some parks have been targeted. Remember to bring your dog poop bags and a scoop.

Woodland Off-Leash Dog Park

Woodland Off-Leash Dog Park

Dogs just love trees, and this dog park has quite a few. You can find the dog park at the southern end of Green lake. It is really handy for people in Wallingford, Greenwood, Maple Leaf, and Ravenna. It’s easily accessible by the 99 and is a great retreat in the summer months where it offers shade while you exercise your four-legged friend. It is also beautiful in the fall when the ground is strewn with leaves.

I am not sure who designed the layout because it is not how I would have designed it. For example, as you enter the park, you walk up steps towards the center of the park where the benches are located. There are also some water dishes for your dog.

The vicinity of the benches is pretty handy for getting the lay of the land, but the best places to exercise your dog is around the edges of the park.

Oh yes, I almost forgot, by the front gate is a big green dumpster. That is the only place you can leave your poop bags.

Denny Substation Dog Park

Small Dogs Love Denny Substation Dog Park

This is a small park that is suitable for small dogs. You can find it in South Lake Union, and you will find it in central Denny. Just go down the hill to the sub-station. If you find yourself in SLU/Capitol Hill/Belltown, then you may find this park pretty useful.

So, it’s a small park, and only suitable for small dogs. What makes it worth a mention? I particularly like the astroturf surface that guarantees your vehicle is not covered in mud when your dog is done.

Chambers Bay Dog Park Washington

Chambers Bay Dog Park

This dog park also includes a 3.5-mile dog-friendly jogging track. In the unleashed area there are dispensers for poop bags, and they are always full. There are two restrooms. There are water fountains for dogs. A nice feature of this dog park is a grassy area for Picnics. The park is located just south of the bridge and can get a little busy sometimes.

Spokanimal Dog Park at High Bridge Park

Spokanimal Dog Park at High Bridge Park

This is the best dog park in Spokane. The park has two areas, one for large dogs and one for small ones. The dog park features a sloped mountain, and lots of trails to run. Water for dogs is supplied. It is a great dog park with wooded areas that supply shade. The dog park is fully fenced and you can safely allow your dogs to disappear into the woods, knowing they will return.

Tambark Creek Park Dog Park

Tambark Creek Park Dog Park

The dog park is part of the Snohomish County Parks System and is located in Bothell. From the parking lot you just need to cross the creek using the footbridge and then down the path to the off-leash dog area. The park is not tremendously large but it is interesting with a mix of trees and shrubs. It has a 4 feet high fence surrounding it, and at the entrance, there is a double gate. If you visit on a hot day there is plenty of shade.

Wapato Lake Park - Tacoma

Wapato Lake Park – Tacoma

The park is one acre and is located adjacent to a massive lake. The park features three fully fenced off-leash areas. One of these is exclusive to small dogs. Water, benches, and some shelter can be found on site.

Washington Dog Swimming

Places for Your Dog to Swim on your Washington Dog Vacation

Do you want to go for a swim with your dog during your Washington Dog Vacation, then remember, by default all designated swimming beaches in Washington do not allow dogs. You need to find somewhere that has permission.

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park - Shoreline

Richmond Beach Saltwater Park – Shoreline

Richmond Beach is an off-leash area that follows the coastline. Be aware that it is not a fenced-off area. It is a wonderful place to run on the beach with your dog. It has poop bags and there are restrooms. Watch out for seal pups.

The website ins not working: See Map

Double Bluff Beach – Freeland

A two-mile stretch of beautiful white sand for your dog to enjoy. You can enjoy excellent views of Seattle, when the tide is out there is a huge expanse to walk out on. The park features a washing station to get the sand off your dog before getting back in the car. There is no fence.

dog eating in restaurant

Dog-Friendly Food Establishments

In Washington State, it is not permitted to bring animals into food establishments. For this legislation, bars are continued food establishments. The only exception being service dogs. So how is it that some Seattle bars allow dogs inside? There is an interesting answer to this and could use the help of a Washington Growth Mindset Coach.

The first problem in enforcing this law is that a bar manager is not allowed to ask if a customer has a disability. The bar manager is permitted to ask if a dog is a service dog and what service it performs. However, a customer is not required to carry their dog’s certification or show it to the bar manager.

The second problem in enforcing this law is that the health department cannot cite a bar unless one of its inspectors witnesses the dog in the bar. In any case, a pet violation is considered to be a very minor citation and cannot result in the closure of a bar.

There is also a disagreement between bars and the health department about whether a taproom in a pub that serves no food is a food establishment. The bars say it is not, but the health department says it is.

The result is that the ban on dogs is not strictly adhered to. and should make your Washington Dog Vacation most enjoyable.

Our Top 10 Selection of Dog-Friendly Restaurants

In most restaurants dogs are restricted to the patio.

Portage Bay Café – Seattle

4130 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA, US, 98105

Dogs are allowed to access the covered patios but not the inside of the restaurant

The Tipsy Cow – Redmond

16345 Cleveland St, Redmond, WA, US, 98052

Dogs are welcome on the outside patio. They will bring out a bowl of water for your dog.

Uncle Uli’s – Leavenworth

902 Front St, Leavenworth, WA, US, 98826

Dogs welcome in the outdoor seating. Water bowls and occasionally homemade dog bones too.

Rock the Dock – Tacoma

535 Dock St, Tacoma, WA, US, 98402

Dog-friendly seating on the dock overlooking the Port of Tacoma.

Vancouver Brickhouse Bar & Grill – Vancouver

109 W 15th St, Vancouver, WA, US, 98660

Dogs and owners can use the front patio together.

The Flatstick Pub – Kirkland

15 Lake St, Kirkland, WA, US, 98033

This place is an exception and allows dogs inside the bar. They do not serve food but you can order food from nearby restaurants.

MOD Pizza – Bellevue

317 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA, US, 98004

Dogs are welcome on the patio.

Purple Cafe & Wine Bar – Woodinville

14559 Woodinville-Redmond Rd NE, Woodinville, WA, US, 98072

Dog-Friendly Bars in Washington

Dog-Friendly Bars and Breweries

Many bars in Seattle do not serve food and in doing so believe that they are not subject to rules on dogs in food establishments. The rules still apply, but rarely are enforced. These establishments frequently have a food truck outside and they allow patrons to bring in food, to circumvent the regulations. It is fairly likely that if a bar does not have a kitchen that they will allow dogs in, but you need to check in advance. Here are one or two places that we believe do allow dogs.

Ounces Taproom & Beer Garden (West Seattle)

This venue specializes in Washinton beer and cider. They have an all-weather patio so there is no problem with dogs and they are extremely dog friendly. Check to see what food trucks will be outside and to see what dog events are scheduled. These may include dog beers and treats.

3809 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Beveridge Place Pub (West Seattle)

If a dog is well behaved then he is more than welcome at Beveridge Place Pub, where the owner has attempted to create a more dog-friendly European type venue. There is no food but you can send out food from eateries nearby.

Beveridge Place Pub, 6413 California Ave SW, Seattle, Washington 98136

>>>> Norm’s Eatery and Ale House (Fremont) <<<<

Norms are our featured Restaurant and Bar, they are perhaps the most dog-friendly venue in the state. Check out their website

This restaurant named after a Golden retriever even has a large mural in the parking lot making it clear that dogs are welcome. They have a special dog menu, alongside the human menu. Your dog can enjoy bacon pupcake, and a Bow Wow Bowl. Probably the most famous dog-friendly restaurant in Washington

State. Interestingly, their website under a section labeled dog rules states that this is what you have to do so the Health Department turns a blind eye to dogs. Certain rules do apply

  • · No barking (that’s the dogs, not humans)
  • · Dogs must be on a leash
  • · Dogs must not eat off the table or any plates
  • · You must clean up any accidents immediately

They also say that if you are not a fan of dogs then perhaps you should go elsewhere.’

Norms, 460 N 36th St, Seattle, WA 98103

Places to Stay with Your Dog

dog friendly hotels in Washington

Port Ludlow Inn

1 Heron Rd, Port Ludlow, WA 98365

You may have two pets stay at an extra $50 per day. Dogs may not be left unattended in rooms. There is a grassy area for dogs to use, and each dog will receive a home-made dog biscuit.

Sheraton Grand Seattle

1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101

One dog, up to 80lbs, is permitted for no additional cost. Dogs cannot be left unattended at any time, Pet beds and bowls are made available. It is just a short walk to a park.

Fairbridge Inn & Suites Leavenworth

185 US Hwy 2, Leavenworth, WA 98826

$20 for each pet per night. Only a limited number of pet-friendly rooms.

Best Western Long Beach Inn

500 Ocean Beach Blvd, Long Beach, WA 98631

You can bring two dogs (up to 80lbs) and it will cost you an extra fee per night of $20. Dogs are not allowed in suites and you cannot leave the dog unattended. There is a nearby grassy area and poop bags are supplied.

Hiking with Your Dog in Washington

Hiking with Your Dog

The Washington Trails Association has several suggested items that you should bring when hiking with your dog.

  • · Obedience Training
  • · Your dog’s collar and leash
  • · Dog treats, and for longer hikes, dog food
  • · Plastic bags and scoop for cleaning up
  • · ID Tag, and picture info
  • · A doggy backpack, so he can carry his stuff.
  • · Simple first aid items for your dog

Some of the best places to hike with your dog during your Washington Dog Vacation

Cougar Mountain

Cougar Mountain is located in the Issaquah Alps and just 15 minutes from Seattle. There is a network of 36 miles of hiking trails. Cougar Mountain has many streams and waterfalls, and there is a great deal of wildlife. For information about the hikes, contact Washington Trails Association

Annette Lake

Beautiful waterfalls, blue rivers, and alpine lakes with mountain views are how I would describe Annette Lake. Great for a day hike or even overnight, a perfect place to take your dog on his leash. Snow can remain in the spring, The trail is well maintained but safety precautions should be taken. An NW Forest pass is required.

Washington Trails Association

Franklin Falls

This is a pretty easy hike located just of the I-90. The trail is two miles and takes you to a 135 feet waterfall. Once again you need an NW Forest pass to hike this trail and park in the parking lot. There is a pretty steep, but short, path that has handrails to take you to the waterfall The rocks can be very slippery so be careful. The hike gets popular at weekends so is best tackled on a weekday.

Washington Trails Association

Final Thought

Washington is most definitely dog-friendly. You are sure to enjoy a Washington Dog Vacation There are many more places in the state that are pet friendly than we have space to mention. For more information, you may want to check the official Washington State website.