The Best Dog Friendly Hikes In Washington

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Hiking is a lot more fun when it’s with a four-legged friend. Especially in the Pacific Northwest! Walking through our lush Evergreen forest with Fido by your side and views of the Olympics or Cascades in the horizon will remind you why they’re man’s best friend.

We narrowed down some of Washington’s best trails to take with your furry companion. Keep in mind, they’re all considered “dog-friendly”, but certain ones may have obstacles that some pets may find more challenging than others. So be cautious – and of course, always remember to keep them on a leash!

1. Twin Falls

Photo by Shu Wu on Flickr

Photo by Sean Alexander

Twin Falls is a huge, 135-foot horsetail cascade on the south fork of the Snoqualmie River. At about three miles round-trip, the pleasant hike through lush green forest is perfect for taking both your pets and little ones.

2. Hamilton Mountain

Photo by Mitchell Friedman on Flickr

Climbing high above the Columbia River Gorge, Hamilton Mountain will give you and your adorable buds the most incredible views. This steep 7-and-a-half mile trail in Beacon Rock State Park is also filled with blooming wildflowers in the spring, and also leads past two gorgeous waterfalls on the way up.

3. Moulton Falls

Photo by Flickr/Fetching Photos

The Moulton Falls Trail provides a peaceful four-mile hike in southwestern Washington, along the Lewis River. It climbs over this gorgeous arch bridge, and past several side routes where you can branch off along the way.

4. Rattlesnake Ledge

Photo by Shu Wu on Flickr

Just southeast of North Bend, Rattlesnake Ledge is one of Washington’s most popular, and often very crowded hikes. But it’s easy to see why: from the top, you get these sweeping views overlooking Rattlesnake Lake. For a steep four-miles, the well-maintained path leads you and your leashed buds through second-growth forest. It climbs up to this iconic rocky ledge, where you and Spot can sit and soak in the views of the turquoise-green water below.

5. Little Si

Photo by Trailspotter on Flickr

Little Si is a step down from its taller neighbor Mount Si, with less thigh-burning elevation. The trail by North Bend stretches through an area of woodland before reaching a rocky bluff with panoramic views of the Snoqualmie Valley and surrounding peaks.

6. Icicle Ridge

Photo by Beth Jusino on Flickr

Icicle Ridge isn’t an easy hike, but the views sure do make it rewarding. From the ridge, you’ll get expansive views overlooking Leavenworth and Tumwater Canyon. As you’re climbing up the views just get better and better, and in the spring you’ll even pass by vibrant wildflowers along the way.

7. Snow Lake

Photo by Sean Munson on Flickr

An easy day trip from Seattle, Snow Lake is a pristine alpine gem near Snoqualmie Pass. The trail is well maintained, following up switchbacks for about 7.8 miles round-trip. You can either stop and marvel at the lake from the viewpoint up high, or continue down to the basin and walk along the shimmering mountain lake.

8. Franklin Falls

Photo by Sean Munson on Flickr

Plunging off the south fork of the Snoqualmie River, Franklin Falls is said to be hidden in plain sight between the elevated roadway of I-90 and the old Denny Creek Wagon Trail. An easy, mile-long hike will lead you to a rocky (and sometimes slippery) area surrounding the 70-foot cascade. From here you can get up-close views, and even feel the mist from the waterfall spraying off.

These trails are way more fun than any old dog park, but of course there are plenty more great paths you can share with your pets across the state. So tell us, what are some of your favorite dog-friendly hikes here in Washington?

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