Hiking with your dog can be an incredible experience. The bond between dogs and their owners is strengthened by outdoor adventures in the great outdoors, and Washington State has plenty of amazing hikes to offer. Not all hiking trails are dog-friendly, so it’s important to research the trail so you can choose carefully before you hit the trails. In this article, we will explore some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Washington State.
Considerations When Hiking With Dogs:
Before we discuss the top dog-friendly hikes in Washington State, it’s important to keep in mind a few considerations when hiking with your dog. Make sure you understand the leash laws for the area you’ll be hiking in. Some of the trails may require dogs to be leashed at all times. Others may allow off-leash hiking in designated areas.
Additionally, be aware of weather and trail conditions. While some hikes may be dog-friendly in the summer, they may become treacherous in the winter months or during heavy rainfall. Many of these dangerous trails in Washington will be closed during unsafe weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to check the weather and trail conditions before you head out.
Finally, consider your dog’s needs when planning your hike. Will there be plenty of water along the trail for your pup to drink from? Are there any accommodations along the trail for dogs, such as rest areas or waste disposal stations?
Top Dog-Friendly Hikes in Washington State:
Mount Si Trail
The Mount Si Trail is a challenging hike located in North Bend, Washington. This hike is 8 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 3,150 feet, making it a strenuous hike. However, the stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley from the top make it worth the effort.
Dogs are allowed on the Mount Si Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. There are plenty of water sources along the trail, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own water for your dog. It’s also important to note that the trail can become crowded, so make sure your dog is comfortable around other hikers and dogs.
Little Si Trail
The Little Si Trail is another challenging hike located in North Bend, Washington. This hike is 4.7 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,300 feet. While it’s a shorter hike than Mount Si, it’s still a good workout.
Dogs are allowed on the Little Si Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail offers stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley and the surrounding mountains. There are several stream crossings along the trail, so your dog will have plenty of opportunities to cool off in the water.
Heather Lake Trail
The Heather Lake Trail is a moderate hike located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This hike is 4.6 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,200 feet. The trail takes you through a lush forest and ends at Heather Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by mountains.
Dogs are allowed on the Heather Lake Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail offers several water sources for your furry friend to drink from, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own water as well. The trail can become muddy, so make sure your dog is comfortable getting a little dirty.
Rattlesnake Ledge Trail
The Rattlesnake Ledge Trail is a moderate hike located near North Bend, Washington. This hike is 4 miles round trip and has an elevation gain
of 1,160 feet. The trail offers breathtaking views of Rattlesnake Lake and the surrounding mountains, making it a popular hike for both hikers and their furry companions.
Dogs are allowed on the Rattlesnake Ledge Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail is quite narrow and can become crowded, so it’s important to make sure your dog is comfortable around other hikers and dogs. There are several rest areas along the trail where you can take a break and enjoy the view.
Lake 22 Trail
The Lake 22 Trail is a moderate hike located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This hike is 5.4 miles round trip and has an elevation gain of 1,350 feet. The trail takes you through a lush forest and ends at Lake 22, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by mountains.
Dogs are allowed on the Lake 22 Trail but must be kept on a leash at all times. The trail can become muddy, so make sure your dog is comfortable getting a little dirty.
AllTrails
Alltrails is a valuable resource for finding and planning your next hiking adventure. Alltrails offers a vast database of trails with detailed information, including distance, elevation gain, difficulty level, and reviews from other hikers. With Alltrails, you can filter your search by dog-friendly trails and even find information on leash laws and water sources along the trail. You can also create and save your own custom maps and track your progress while hiking. Check out more dog-friendly hikes on their site here.
Gear and equipment considerations
Hiking with your dog can be a wonderful adventure, but it’s important to make sure that you have everything you need to stay safe and comfortable on the trail. Here are some essential hiking supplies to bring with your dog:
- Leash and Collar/Harness: Even if your dog is well-trained and obedient, it’s important to bring a leash and collar or harness with you on the hike. This will allow you to keep your dog under control in areas where there may be other hikers or wildlife. Check out our article on top leashes here.
- Water and Water Bowl: Your dog will need plenty of water to stay hydrated on the hike, so be sure to bring enough for both you and your dog. You can also bring a collapsible water bowl for your dog to drink from.
- Food and Treats: Bring enough food and treats for your dog to keep them energized and motivated throughout the hike.
- Dog Backpack: If your dog is up for carrying some of their own gear, a dog backpack can be a great way to distribute the weight and keep your dog comfortable.
- First Aid Kit: Accidents can happen on the trail, so it’s a good idea to bring a first aid kit with items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers to remove any ticks or splinters.
- Dog Booties: If you’re hiking in rough terrain, dog booties can help protect your dog’s paws from sharp rocks or hot surfaces.
- Poop Bags: It’s important to clean up after your dog on the trail, so be sure to bring plenty of poop bags with you.
- Towel or Wet Wipes: A towel or wet wipes can be useful for wiping off your dog’s paws or drying them off if they get wet.
- Tick and Flea Protection: Depending on where you’re hiking, your dog may be at risk for ticks or fleas. Be sure to bring appropriate protection such as a tick collar or flea and tick medication.
- ID Tag: In case your dog gets separated from you on the trail, make sure they are wearing an ID tag with your contact information.
Conclusion
Washington State has plenty of amazing hikes to offer for both hikers and their dogs. When planning your next hiking adventure, make sure you consider leash laws, weather and trail conditions, and your dog’s needs. The Mount Si Trail, Little Si Trail, Heather Lake Trail, Rattlesnake Ledge Trail, and Lake 22 Trail are just a few of the many dog-friendly hikes Washington State has to offer. So pack your bags, grab a leash, and hit the trails for an unforgettable adventure in the great outdoors.