Oregon is less about seeing and more about doing-–making it the perfect pet friendly vacation destination. Explore the beautiful coastline, volcanic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and deserts that stretch as far as the eye can see. When you've worked up an appetite hiking, cycling, kayaking, or windsurfing, allow the state’s food and drink artisans to delight your taste buds. With craft breweries, micro-distilleries, seventeen wine regions, a vibrant food truck culture, and handcrafted ice cream and cheese, going thirsty or hungry isn't an option. Those craving retail therapy will appreciate the state's tax-free shopping and can hunt for unique pieces in the Pearl District, Nob Hill, and Hawthorne in Portland. The very best thing about Oregon is that you’ll never be able to do it all in one lifetime, so you can go back again and again.
Best Time To Visit
Oregon is divided north to south by the Cascade Mountains, creating two very different climate zones. West of the Cascades, you'll find temperate rainforest, lush valleys, and miles of beaches. East of the mountains is an equally beautiful high desert, with plenty of sunshine and abundant outdoor activities. No matter which part of Oregon you plan to visit with your pet, summer is a spectacular time to go. From June to the end of September, temperatures are absolutely perfect and the skies are reliably clear. Fall brings more clouds along the coast, but east of the Cascades the sun continues to shine and the fall colors are spectacular. The mountains see a surge of visitors in the winter as outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the snow. The best times to find good deals on lodging are during the grey, chilly winter and spring seasons on the western side of the state, and during the spring months in eastern Oregon.
Things Not To Miss
With eclectic neighborhoods, a wonderful selection of food trucks, and one of the most extensive urban park systems in the country, Portland is a pet friendly playground!
Plan your visit between mid-June and Labor Day to ride the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad between Garibaldi and Rockaway Beach.
Enjoy the views, pet friendly trails, and 90 waterfalls--including the famous Multnomah Falls--in the Columbia River Gorge.
Grab your camera and a picnic and take a ride on the 33-mile Rim Drive at Crater Lake National Park. Afterward, hit the trails at the Rogue River, Umpqua, or Winema National Forests, all of which border the national park.
Play on the pet friendly beach in the shadow of Haystack Rock, hike the trails and take in the views at Ecola State Park, and enjoy the fun, artistic village of Cannon Beach.
For an authentic experience of the state, take a hike on the 362-mile Oregon Coast Trail. Traversing sandy beaches, forests, majestic headlands, and passing through 28 coastal towns, it's a unique way to see Oregon. During snowy plover nesting season (March 15 - Sept 15), pets--even on a leash--are not allowed on protected beaches, so watch for signs.
Urban trails, huge dog parks, hiking galore, and the Ale Trail, connecting 22 craft breweries, combine to make Bend a spectacular place to explore with your pet.
Admire the power of Mother Nature at Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, the deepest river gorge in North America.
