'Pawsitive' info for you and your pet's visit
Does my pet need to be on a leash?
Yes, in all park areas with some exceptions. Your pet needs to be physically restrained, meaning you must them on a leash no longer than six feet.
Exceptions:
• your pet is in a designated off-leash area;
• inside your vehicle, tent, or pet-friendly yurt or cabin.
Your pet may be friendly, but others not
Leashing your pet prevents them from tangling with wild animals or other visitors' pets, becoming lost, ransacking campground garbage, damaging plant life, being hit by a car, or falling from a cliff. It also avoids a citation!
Can my pet run free on the beach?
Yes, with some exceptions. Pets are welcome on most ocean beaches, however carry a leash at all times. Pets must be on a leash on the beach in front of Cape Lookout State Park.
When leashes are not required, your pet must be under direct control (within sight and responsive to commands). You should always have a leash ready in case you’re asked to restrain your pet by a park employee.
If you choose to allow your dog to run free on the ocean shores, you are still responsible for their behavior so please make sure they are not interfering with others’ recreational enjoyment or harassing seabirds or other wildlife. And, please pick up and remove dog waste from the beach.
Pets and service animals are not permitted on some beaches or at certain times of the year (even on a leash) to protect wildlife, such as western snowy plovers.
Snowy plover nesting areas are restricted areas from March 15-Sept. 15. Look for restricted beach access information at bit.ly/wsplover. Follow rules posted at beach accesses and signs posted in the sand.
Are there parks and other areas where pets are not allowed?
Yes. Pets (even on a leash) are not allowed:
- in Dabney State Recreation Area
- on the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls State Park
- in Shore Acres State Park
What are my responsibilities?
- Keep parks and beaches pet-waste free! You’re responsible for picking up your pet's waste.
- Look for waste disposal bags at Woof Waste stations in many parks.
- Please make sure pets are calm during quiet hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m.). In general, you’re responsible for your pet’s behavior, including any noises and aggressive actions.
- Don’t tie them up where they might react defensively to a child or other unsuspecting visitor while you’re away from your site.
- You are responsible for you pets welfare. Be sure they have access to fresh water, shade and food. Never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle and risk their health or life.
Remember that you’re liable—not the park—if your pet injures someone.
What should I bring with me?
A leash, food and water, and extra waste disposal bags. We also strongly recommend putting a collar and identification tag on your pet so you can be contacted if they get loose and someone finds them.
Do you recommend any dog friendly state parks?
On the Coast
South Beach State Park: It’s like dog-city at this campground just south of Newport, which features 14 pet-friendly yurts, more than any other state campground. We also like it for its proximity to pet-friendly Gleneden Beach nearby. Because what dog doesn’t love to run free on the beach? (Just make sure they're reliable at recall).
Tugman State Park: For a less crowded camping experience, travel south to Reedsport. Located on peaceful Eel Lake, the campground features 8 pet-friendly yurts and an off-leash dog area. Do like the locals and find a dog-friendly swimming hole along the North Eel Lake and South Eel Lake trails.
Near Portland
Stub Stewart State Park: Muddy pups are happy pups, and Muffin is sure to get good and muddy while exploring more than 30 miles of trails and a fenced off-leash dog area at this popular campground west of Portland. You can both clean up after a day well-spent at the convenient rinse station. (Be sure to watch for mountain bikes and horses on the trails.)
Willamette Mission State Park: An un-fenced off-leash dog area and tons of trails make for a dog-centric day-trip north of Salem. (Note that you’ll share the trails with horses and mountain bikes.)
Southern Oregon
Collier Memorial State Park: Need to recharge? This quiet campground north of Klamath Falls is definitely worth the drive. Hike for miles along the Williamson River, then cool off in the swimming holes on Spring Creek.
Elijah Bristow State Park: This day-use park southeast of Eugene might be Oregon’s doggie Disney Land. You won’t find any Disney characters, but you will find five miles of trails plus an expansive, grassy off-leash area divided in two sections: one fully fenced with drinking water, and the other partially fenced.
Central and Eastern Oregon
Cottonwood Canyon State Park: Although this park has plenty of trails, the fenced-in, off-leash area is a perfect place for your dog to explore. Two of the four new cabins are pet friendly and reservable, too.
Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area: Does your dog love snow? Near Pendleton, this campground offers year-round fun. The white stuff blankets the park in the winter, and the three pet-friendly cabins are oh-so-cozy. Hike (or snowshoe) for miles on uncrowded trails, but do watch for horses.
LaPine State Park: This unpretentious campground south of Bend makes a great home base for exploring Newberry National Volcanic Monument. Just be sure Sparky is good and tired first. He can run free in a fenced off-leash area or hike with you on 12 miles of dog-friendly trails, including the 3.5-mile Deschutes Loop that follows the river (but watch for mountain bikes).
Are pets allowed inside park buildings?
No, pets are not allowed inside park buildings unless they are specifically designated as "pet-friendly" or are working service animals (see "What are the rules for service animals" below). Pets are welcome in designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins.
What are the rules for service animals?
The Americans with Disabilities Act defines a service animal as a dog that is trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability. Service animals are generally required to be on a leash, unless they need to perform a task without one. Service animals are not required to wear a vest and only do so as a courtesy to the public.
Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support are not service animals.
Where can I learn more about pets in parks rules, violations and fines?
The rules about domestic animals in parks are found in Oregon Administrative Rules, specifically Division 10 General Park Area Rules 736-010-0030 Domestic Animals.
The rules about violations and fines are found in General Park Area Rules 736-010-0022 Violations and Fines and Oregon Revised Statutes 153.019 Presumptive fines