Seattle, the “Emerald City,” is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions. Renowned for its vibrant coffee culture, stunning scenery, and friendly atmosphere, Seattle also boasts a plethora of activities you can enjoy with your four-legged best friend. Whether you’re a resident or planning a visit, here are five unforgettable dog-friendly adventures waiting for you and your pup in Seattle:
Take Your Dog For A Hike Without Leaving the City
Seattle has many parks with forests where you can hike with your dog even though you’re still in the city.
Some of the best places for a city hike are Discovery Park, Washington Park Arboretum, Lincoln Park, and Carkeek Park. These parks aren’t just a simple walk with grass; when you hike in them, it feels like you’re hiking in the woods.
In the fall, you can watch salmon in Carkeek Park. On clear days, Discovery Park has amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Since it hardly ever snows in Seattle, these parks are usually snow-free all year round.
Hike In The Mountains With Your Dog
Northern Cascades National Park has rules about bringing pets if you’re looking to explore another national park. Dogs and other pets must be on a leash and can only go on the Pacific Crest Trail and within 50 feet of roads. But there are plenty of great hiking trails for dogs in the Cascade Mountains to the east of Seattle!
During the summer, late spring, and early fall, you might enjoy hiking one of these easy trails to see waterfalls with your dog.
If you’re up for a challenge and have experience with snow, many of the hiking trails in the summer are great for snowshoeing in the winter. You can rent snowshoes from REI and try one of these easy snowshoe trails that are dog-friendly.
If you don’t have a car, you can take the Trailhead Direct bus. This bus runs on weekends in the summer and takes you to popular hikes like Mount Si (which is harder) and Little Si (which is easier). Your dog can come along, too, but depending on the bus operator’s rules, you may need to pay an extra fee.
Visit An Off-leash Dog Park
Inside Seattle’s city limits, there are 14 places where dogs can run around without a leash.
There are about 12 more off-leash areas in King County and nearby places. One of the biggest ones is Marymoor Dog Park in Redmond, WA, which covers 40 acres.
The largest off-leash dog park in Seattle is at Magnuson Park by Lake Washington. It’s fully fenced and covers 9 acres, with a separate area for small dogs. There are also trails and a beach where dogs can play in the water.
Ride A Ferry Boat With Your Dog
Taking a ride on a Washington State Ferry is a great way to experience the unique “highway system” while enjoying the sea breeze and beautiful sights.
Dogs are allowed on the outside decks of ferry boats in Seattle, including shelter decks, promenade decks, and sun decks.
These areas are usually accessed when you walk onto the ferry. If necessary, well-behaved leashed dogs can also pass through the cabin area briefly to reach the outside deck.
A round trip from Seattle to Bainbridge Island takes about 1.5 hours, while a round trip to Bremerton takes about 3 hours. Both trips offer a wonderful experience.
You can also make a day of it by getting off the ferry at either location and exploring the town.
On Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm, there’s a dog-friendly farmers market on Bainbridge Island from April 9th to the end of November (2022 season).
Take Your Dog Swimming
Most beaches in Seattle are for swimming and don’t allow dogs. But you can take your dog swimming at Green Lake Park, Golden Gardens, and the Magnuson dog park.
These are my top suggestions for dog-friendly activities in Seattle. Here are a few other things to remember during your visit:
