Calling all Portland dog parents! Portland, Oregon, often ranks among some of the most dog-friendly cities in the country. Whether you like to get out and explore or you’re looking for something hip and artistic, Portland has something for you and your dog. If you live in Portland or are looking to visit with your dog, we compiled the top dog-centric events and activities.
Food Culture
Portland is a foodie’s dream city with a wide variety of food options. Portland is known for food carts and food cart pods. These outdoor dining areas are almost always dog-friendly. Many of Portland’s restaurants are dog-friendly too!
Looking to partake in Portland’s famous beer culture? You won’t want to miss Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, known for its dog-friendly patio seating. Since COVID, restaurants around the city have created outdoor patio dining, and most of these patios will be dog-friendly.
Some restaurants like Alberta district’s Tin Shed Garden Cafe even has a doggy menu for a treat made just for them. Purchase a bandana (profits go to support local rescues), and when your dog wears the bandana back to brunch, snag a discount on your dog’s next brunch order.
And if you’re looking for something sweet? The nationally famous Salt & Straw Ice Cream has a custom ice cream cup, especially for dogs.
Seasonal Events:
Portland is super dog-friendly, and there are many dogs’ friendly events. Benefiting the Oregon Humane Society, The Doggie Dash is an annual spring event in Portland’s Waterfront Park. Stop by for a charity walk to benefit homeless dogs and a festival filled with dog-centered activities and vendors.
During the winter, Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland Lights Show has an annual “Lights & Leashes” night. Additionally, the raceway is closed to cars and only open to leashed dogs and their families. Many people dress their dogs in festive attire to look at the lights. The event benefits local rescue groups and is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit with your dogs. Additionally, many other Portland area seasonal events, including the Iris Festival, and Dahlia Festival, are dog friendly.
Shopping
If you’re looking to shop with your dog, don’t miss the Portland classic Portland Saturday Market! Stop by downtown Portland from March through Christmas Eve. The Saturday market brings together some of the Portland’s best artisans and is welcoming to dogs.
Portland is known for weekend Farmers Markets where you can purchase fresh food directly from farmers, and these outdoor events are dog friendly.
Many boutique stores throughout the city are also dog-friendly to leashed dogs (always check ahead before bringing your dog). Suppose you want to spoil your pup with something special head up to Portland’s NW 23rd neighborhood to the pet shop and bakery. In addition to toys and other accessories, they have a fresh dog bakery counter. Want something unique? They can even create a custom cake or cupcake for your dog.
Outdoor Adventures
There are no limits to the number of fun dog events happening in and around the Portland area that are dog friendly. A favorite location for many Portland dogs and dog lovers is the Sandy River Delta 1,000 Acres Dog Park. Located near the city, this dog-friendly park is an excellent opportunity to experience the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge. Note dogs must be leashed when on the hiking trails.
If you aren’t a fan of dog parks or are looking for a quiet location for walking a dog who might be reactive, shy or if you just prefer not to engage with others, it’s a good the good news is that most hiking locations, including Portland’s Forest Park, are dog friendly so long as dogs remain on a leash. Just a couple of hours away from Portland is the expansive Oregon coastline.
Oregon beaches are all public and very dog friendly. Be sure to check all leash laws for locations where you go with your dog and follow the leash laws. If you’re looking to venture a little way outside of Portland, two hours outside the city is the Lost Lake resort with breathtaking views of Mount Hood. The resort has dog-friendly boat rentals, so you and your dog can go out on a rowboat, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the crystal-clear lake together.
Conclusion
If you’re planning to visit Portland, don’t leave your dog at home, as many of the city’s hotels are welcoming to dogs. Portland is called the “City of Roses,” but it’s also a city of dogs! In one of the most dog friendly cities in the country, there is always something fun to do with your dog. Regardless of if you and your dog are outdoorsy types or are looking to dine and shop, there are plenty of activities to keep you and your dog entertained.
