Tail-wagging trails, beaches and restaurants for your favorite travel companion.
With 363 miles of pristine coastline, the Oregon Coast is a dream vacation for beach-loving dogs. In addition to long stretches of sandy shores for splashing, your dog can sniff along fragrant evergreen trails that lead to ocean views, then chill on a friendly restaurant patio. Here are some ideas to map out your next coastal quest with your best buddy. For a place to stay, choose a dog-friendly hotel on the Coast.
Historic River Walks and Seaside Snacks on the North Coast
In the maritime hub of Astoria, you and your pup can watch ships glide along the Columbia River channel from the 6.4-mile Astoria Riverwalk Trail. The waterfront path meanders under the elegant Astoria-Megler Bridge and past well-placed placards detailing the region’s history. Other sites welcoming pups include the beach where you can still see the shipwreck of Peter Iredale at Fort Stevens State Park.
Do you have a seafaring dog? If so, your pup is welcome to join you on Arrow No. 2, a historic tugboat that offers maritime tours on the Columbia; be sure to let them know when booking your ticket. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a table at pet-friendly patios with river views at Astoria Brewing Company or Rogue Pier 39. Both spots offer an extensive brewpub menu for humans and a special “pupper patty” for your pal.
About 20 miles south, you’ll find a stretch of beach and surf perfect for fetch and wave chasing in Seaside. Most pubs and cafes cater to pets on patios, from Iggy’s Bar and The Pearl Seaside to Seaside Brewery. At CHēZ, a lively wine bar and cheese shop, owner Destiny Deras loves to share photos of her terrier Ozzy with guests. “We have tables outside for diners with dogs,” she says, “and we offer water bowls and cheese snacks.”
Old-Growth Forest Hikes and Local Seafood on the Central Coast
Near Lincoln City, take your furry companion on a breezy forest hike through towering old-growth spruce and fir trees. A few of the more dog-friendly routes include the 6-mile Rainforest Trail, which winds through ancient Sitka spruce groves and wispy ferns, and Drift Creek Falls Trail, a 3-mile out-and-back hike with a 240-foot suspension bridge that leads to a 75-foot waterfall. Visitors will need to take detours to reach Drift Creek Falls through October 2024 and possibly beyond. See this alternate route notice for more information.
For shorter routes, opt for the 2.5-mile Spring Lake Trail or the half-mile nature trail loop in Regatta Park, where your mossy wander leads to a 400-year-old grandfather Sitka spruce. Afterward, head to nearby Gleneden for a bite, where Salishan Coastal Lodge’s Provisions Market has the perfect patio for pups. In Newport, home to the state’s largest fishing fleet, feast on fresh seafood from outdoor seating at South Beach Fish Market.
Spectacular Sand Dunes and Riverfront Dining on the Southern Coast
Explore the Coast’s awe-inspiring sand dunes near Reedsport, where the ever-changing sand formations soar almost 200 feet high. For an overview of the surreal sandscape — the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America — start at the Oregon Dunes Day-Use Area, where your pup can romp along short trails that end at the beach.
Seeking a longer hike? The John Dellenback Dunes Trail has it all — forest, sand and sea. The 5-mile loop meanders through a woodland of shore pine and manzanita, then crosses hills of golden dunes. For thrill seekers, check out Spinreel Dune Buggy and ATV Rental in North Bend, where adventurous small dogs can join your dune-buggy tour.
After trekking miles of rippling dunescape, head into Reedsport for fresh seafood. You’ll find dog-friendly patios, casual bites and serene river views at Big Fish Cafe and Schooner Inn Cafe. Well-behaved dogs will also love the patio at Kismet’s Landing, while you pair a creative cocktail with Dungeness crab and bay-shrimp dip or a steak.
If You Go:
Leash laws vary along the Oregon Coast, and Oregon State Parks require that your dog is leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Generally, dogs are allowed to be leash-free to run on the beaches unless signs indicate otherwise, but only if they’re responsive to commands and stay within your sight. Always carry a leash and ensure they’re not harassing marine critters or birds. Wherever you adventure, take care to leave no trace.
Some beaches have conservation protections in place that may affect your dog. For example, western snowy plover nesting season runs from March 15 through September 15, and to protect the small shorebird, recreation activities are often restricted or prohibited in designated plover-management areas. Be sure to visit the website of the park you’re planning to visit to understand the regulations.
– By Kerry Newberry
Top photo by Granite and Light Photography