The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Deschutes County

Deschutes County offers over 50 dog-friendly hiking trails. You'll find a wide range of options, including 34 easy routes perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog, 18 moderate trails for a bit more challenge, and 2 difficult routes for experienced hikers and their canine companions.

Yes, for an easy and scenic walk, consider the Good Dog and River Trail Loop. This route offers pleasant riverside views and is perfect for a shorter outing with your dog. Another great option for views is the Lava Butte Rim Trail, which provides panoramic vistas from a volcanic cinder cone.

Deschutes County has several beautiful trails where you and your dog can enjoy waterfalls. The Paulina Creek Falls Trail is an excellent choice, leading to the impressive Paulina Falls. You can also explore trails around Tumalo Falls and Double Falls, which are popular spots for their picturesque cascades within the Deschutes National Forest.

Absolutely! The Good Dog and River Trail Loop is a fantastic circular option. Additionally, many sections of the Deschutes River Trail, like the South Canyon Reach in Bend, can be combined to create loop experiences, offering diverse scenery along the river.

For a more challenging hike with significant elevation gain, the Paulina Peak Trail offers rewarding panoramic views from the Newberry Caldera rim. While not explicitly listed as difficult in the guide, trails within Smith Rock State Park, such as the Misery Ridge Trail, are known for their strenuous climbs and dramatic rock formations, offering a good workout for you and your dog.

The komoot community highly rates the dog-friendly trails in Deschutes County, with an average score of 4.75 out of 5 stars from over 300 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from volcanic features and high-desert terrain to dense pine forests and stunning river views, making it a truly enjoyable experience for both hikers and their dogs.

While many trails are dog-friendly, it's always best to check specific park or forest regulations. Generally, dogs are required to be on a leash in most public areas and trails within Deschutes County, including the Deschutes National Forest and state parks. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, including picking up after your dog.

Yes, Deschutes County is rich in natural monuments. You can explore trails near the Crooked River, or visit areas like the Newberry Volcanic Monument: Lava Lands, which offers unique volcanic landscapes. The Paulina Creek Falls Trail also leads to the impressive Upper Paulina Falls.

The Deschutes River is a defining feature of the region, and many trails follow its course. The Peter Skene Ogden Trail to McKay Crossing offers a beautiful riverside experience. Other sections of the Deschutes River Trail, such as the South Canyon Reach in Bend, provide excellent opportunities for riverside walks with your dog.

Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant hiking conditions in Deschutes County, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer can be hot, especially in high-desert areas, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended. Winter can provide unique snowshoeing opportunities on some trails, but always check conditions and accessibility before heading out.

Many trails in Deschutes County offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains, especially those on the eastern side. The Paulina Peak Trail provides expansive vistas that often include distant Cascade peaks. Trails around alpine lakes like Sparks Lake and Todd Lake, accessible via the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, also offer picturesque mountain backdrops.