Dog Friendly Olympic Peninsula: A Complete Vacation Guide

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Traveling with your dog makes any vacation more fun, but finding dog friendly activities is challenging in some areas of the country. Although Olympic National Park restricts the areas where dogs are allowed, there are plenty of dog friendly activities on the Olympic Peninsula.

Before embarking on your trip, make sure you have all the doggy adventure gear you need. I highly recommend a collapsible water bowl, a dog backpack and a life vest for kayaking and swimming.

Dog Friendly Olympic Peninsula Hikes

Olympic National Park only allows pets on a handful of trails, but there are many stunning, dog friendly hikes on the Olympic Peninsula. Ted’s favorite trails in the area were as follows.

1. Cape Flattery: Hike to the northwest tip of the contiguous United States. This 1.5 mile round-trip trail ends in spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is a moderate hike, heading to the water over several boardwalks and down multiple stairs. Stop in Neah Bay to purchase a Makah Recreation Pass, which is required to park at the trail head.
2. Madison Falls: One short but worthwhile dog friendly hike within the National Park is the 0.3 mile hike to Madison Falls. The short, paved trail is appropriate for hikers of all skill levels. There are even benches on the trail so you can sit and enjoy the view of the waterfall.
3. Spruce Railroad Trail: For a longer hike within the park, check out the 11 mile round-trip Spruce Railroad Trail. The trail winds along Lake Crescent and through green forests. There are also beach access points along the trail that allow you to dip your paws in the lake.

Dog Friendly Olympic Peninsula Beaches

There are several dog friendly beaches on the Olympic Peninsula both on the Pacific coast and on Hood Canal. All of these beaches require you to keep your dog on a leash.

1. Ruby Beach: Ruby Beach is a must stop dog friendly location on your Olympic Peninsula vacation. The beach has a unique atmosphere with views of sea stacks and tons of driftwood lining the beach. Its best to visit at low tide, so you can find starfish and other critters in the tide pools. The beach access is a 0.25 mile, downhill trail.
2. First Beach: First Beach at La Push is another great dog friendly beach. First Beach also features sea stack views, but it offers drive-up access so no hiking is required.
3. Potlatch State Park: On the Hood Canal side of the peninsula, take your dog to Potlatch State Park. The park has a beach where you can dip your toes in the canal or launch your own kayak. This is a perfect spot for a picnic with views of the canal.

Other Dog Friendly Activities

If your dog is up for some more adventure, consider these other dog friendly outdoor activities.

1. Take a Kayak Tour: Hood Canal Adventures offers a variety of kayaking tours, and they welcome dogs of all sizes. The tours are led by a marine biologist who shares loads of information about the wildlife and ecology of the area.
2. Cut Fresh Lavender: The Lavender Connection is a farm that is open to the public during the summer blooming season. They have over 40 varieties of lavender, and you can cut your own bundles to take home. Dogs on a leash are welcome to visit as well.

Dog Friendly Olympic Peninsula Lodging

Of course, one of the most important aspects of planning a dog friendly vacation is finding a place to stay. For Olympic Peninsula trips, I highly recommend renting an RV so you can stay in multiple towns and explore all the peninsula has to offer. Visit RVezy to rent a dog friendly RV today!

Dog Friendly Camping

1. Dow Creek RV Resort: Located in Hoodsport, Dow Creek offers wooded campsites near the Hood Canal. The RV park features spacious campsites, access to hiking trails and cabin rentals.
2. Quileute Oceanside Resort: The resort offers 66 full hook-up RV campsites as well as tent camping. Located on the water in La Push, the resort offers easy access to dog friendly beaches. They also have some pet friendly cabins available.
3. KOA Port Angeles: The KOA in Port Angeles offers easy access to town and Olympic National Park. The campground also has a pool, hot tub and dog park to entertain everyone in your family.

Dog Friendly Hotels

1. Port Ludlow Resort: For more luxurious pet friendly accommodations, book a room at the Port Ludlow Resort. The rooms all feature jetted bathtubs and gas fireplaces. The resort also offers waterfront dining and an 18 hole golf course. They allow pets of all sizes in certain rooms.
2. Uptown Inn: This motel, located near the ferry terminal in Port Angeles, offers comfortable but modest pet friendly rooms. The inn is located under two miles from the entrance to the National Park.
3. Lake Quinault Lodge: Located in Olympic National Forest, the lodge offers pet friendly rooms in their “Boathouse”. The Boathouse section of the lodge features comfortable rooms with views of the lake. There is a $25 pet fee, but all size dogs are welcome.

Dog Friendly Restaurants

1. Hama Hama Oyster Salon: If you like oysters, this outdoor eatery on Hood Canal is a must visit. The restaurant offers oysters fresh from their oyster farm as well as other seafood and snacks. Since all of the seating is outside, the entire salon is dog friendly.
2. The Old Whiskey Mill: Visit the Old Whiskey Mill in Port Townsend for burgers, poutine and cocktails. Their outdoor seating is dog friendly.
3. Quench Waterfront Kitchen & Bar: Also is Port Townsend, Quench’s waterfront patio is dog friendly. For a special treat, visit on Sunday for their champagne brunch with the option to purchase endless bubbly.
4. Barhop Brewing & Artisan Pizza: This pizza spot in Port Angles offers dog friendly outdoor dining with water views. The pizza is seriously good and they also sell their own craft beer on tap.

Olympic Peninsula Dog Parks

Take your pup to these dog parks, where they can play with the locals and enjoy some time off-leash.

1. Mountain View Dog Park: Located in Port Townsend, this dog park has separate fenced play areas for small and large dogs. The park also has chairs for humans and water available for dogs.
2. Sequim Dog Park: The town of Sequim also has an off-leash dog park with separate areas for small and large dogs. The Sequim Dog Park also has an agility course where dogs can climb and play.

Olympic Peninsula Dog Gear and Care

Stop by these local shops to take care of any of your dog’s needs during your Olympic Peninsula vacation.

1. Bonita’s Pet Supplies: With locations in Port Townsend and Sequim, Bonita’s is the perfect place to shop for any forgotten necessities or new adventure gear.
2. Sonny’s Spaw: Before leaving the peninsula, stop by Sonny’s Spaw to get your dog cleaned up for travel. In addition to professional grooming, Sonny’s offers a do-it-yourself dog wash area with professional equipment and tubs.

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If you are looking for more dog friendly vacations, check out our top 10 dog friendly national parks and our guide to visiting the Redwoods with dogs.