Want to take your dog hiking in a national park in Washington? Check out Olympic National Park in the western portion of the state on the Olympic Peninsula. This enormous national park, covering over 1400 square miles, includes rainforests, lakes, coastal beaches, and mountains. Plus, an enormous amount of the area is dog friendly!
I took Trusty Pup Ruby there recently on her third trip to Olympic National Park. While I consider the North Cascades National Park Complex the most dog-friendly of Washington’s three national parks, Olympic is a close second. (Mt. Rainier is not nearly as dog-friendly, although Ruby has been there, too.) If a trip to Washington is not on your immediate bucket list, I’ve rounded up the most dog-friendly national parks instead.
Disclosure: Some of the links below may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, Olympic Peninsula…what gives?
Olympic National Park is the “national park” located in the western third of Washington state managed by the National Park Service (NPS). Its main entrance is in Port Angeles on the northern edge of the park. It sits on the Olympic Peninsula, that sticky-outty portion of our state that is west of Puget Sound.
The Olympic National Forest is managed by the United States Forest Service (USFS). They manage the resources of the forest. ONF covers almost a thousand square miles – 70% of the size of the national park. The park and forest together cover a massive amount of land (around ⅙ of the state!!). Good news – the National Forest is entirely dog-friendly!
In addition, there are a dozen or more state and county parks surrounding the “official” national park as well that sit on the Olympic Peninsula. The peninsula is that part of Washington state that juts out on the left. I’ve rounded up some of the best dog-friendly hikes in Olympic National Park, Olympic National Forest, and the peninsula below. Visit Olympic has a terrific map of the area showing just how much of Olympic National Park is dog-friendly. If you have a dog and want to hike, Olympic National Park and Peninsula are for you.
In summary:
- Olympic National Park: Some dog-friendly trails
- Olympic National Forest: Dog-friendly! 🐾
- Olympic Peninsula: Washington State Parks and County Parks are dog-friendly 🐾
ARE OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK AND FOREST DOG FRIENDLY?
Yes (and no!). Like many national parks, Olympic National Park allows dogs only in certain places. Dogs are allowed wherever cars can go – paved roads, parking lots, and campgrounds. Dogs or pets are not allowed on most trails within the park. This is in contrast to Congaree National Park, which is 100% dog-friendly.
Dogs are also allowed on many of the beaches along the Pacific Coast of Olympic National Park, like Kalaloch and Ruby Beach. This is amazing because many beaches in Washington do NOT allow dogs (like Seattle’s Golden Gardens beach).
Within the national park, dogs are allowed on the Olympic Hot Springs Road in Elwha because it’s paved, and cars are currently prohibited because of a washout. Dogs are also allowed on: Peabody Creek Trail, Madison Falls Trail, Spruce Railroad Trail and July Creek Loop Trail.
I’ve taken Trusty Pup Ruby to the park three times. Her first trip was a visit up to Hurricane Ridge, as there was a paved parking lot and trail up there. The Visitor Center has since burned down, so visitation is limited. I would skip that in favor of one of the other trails or sites. Her second visit was to Olympic National Forest, and her latest was to the Port Angeles area.
Great news – Olympic National Forest is 100% dog-friendly, and it covers a lot of similar terrain to the backcountry part of the parks (where dogs are not allowed). Additionally, the state parks in the region, like Dosewallips, are also 100% dog-friendly.
DOG-FRIENDLY HIKES IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK AND PENINSULA
As with any park or trail, you and your dogs should be courteous BARK Rangers. Dogs must remain leashed, pack plenty of water, and pick up and pack out after your dog. I’ve linked each hike to its Washington Trails Association trail page. Be sure to read the directions, notes and trip reports thoroughly to evaluate if this hike is appropriate for the fitness level of you and your dog. If you visit the ONP Visitor Center in Port Angeles, you can get a free BARK Ranger dog tag for your dog!
I use the Mountaineers Day Hikes: Olympic Peninsula book (af link) before each hike to see if the hike is dog-friendly, and if it’s accessible during winter. You can also refer to Olympic Mountains East, Wa No. 168sx Green Trails Map (af link).
Port Angeles and Sequim Area
PEABODY CREEK
Olympic National Forest, Hood Canal Ranger District: 5.6 miles roundtrip. Elevation Gain of 800 feet. National Park Pass required.
This shaded trail near the Port Angeles Visitor Center takes you through lush forest along a scenic creek. It’s a great dog-friendly hike that offers a quick taste of Olympic National Park’s beauty. What I like about this trail is that it’s a trail and not just a road. The proximity to Port Angeles makes this a great hike upon your arrival to town.
OLYMPIC HOT SPRINGS ROAD, ELWHA
Olympic National Park: Olympic Hot Springs Road – 10.6 miles, one-way. Elevation Gain of 3,898 feet. National Park Pass required.
We hiked the Olympic Hot Springs Road trail on our most recent visit. Located in the Elwha Valley, you can follow the washed out road for ten miles into the park. The trail begins just past the Madison Falls trailhead. The road washed out several years ago and has yet to be replaced. You’ll walk past stock pens, and then take a small detour onto the Bypass Trail through the woods to go around the washed out road. Once you rejoin the road, you can walk on pavement for another nine or so miles.
This trail is popular with hikers, dog walkers, and cyclists since cars are no longer allowed. The trail itself has minimal elevation gain for the first several miles. Enjoy the sounds of the rushing creek on this peaceful walk.
SPRUCE RAILROAD TRAIL
Olympic National Park near Lake Crescent: 5.0 miles one-way. Elevation Gain of 250 feet. No pass required.
This 5-mile trail along the north shore of Lake Crescent offers gorgeous views of the lake and old-growth forest. With flat terrain and shady spots, it’s an ideal hike for dogs, featuring tunnels and a historic railroad route. We hiked this on our most recent visit to Olympic National Park over Thanksgiving, and passed several walkers with dogs. The trail itself is not difficult and you could do it in sneakers. The only downside of the trail is that you cannot get great views of the crystal-clear water of Lake Crescent.
OLYMPIC DISCOVERY TRAIL
Port Townsend to coast: 130 miles total, little elevation gain. No pass required.
Spanning over 130 miles, this multi-use trail runs along the northern Olympic Peninsula, with various dog-friendly segments. It’s great for long walks, biking, and taking in views of forests, rivers, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Dip in and out of the trail as needed to stretch your legs and enjoy the views. We walked this on our latest visit to the area near the Port Angeles pier, and loved the quiet views of the water.
Forks, La Push, Beaches Area
RIALTO BEACH
Olympic National Park coast: .8 miles. National park pass required.
One of the best dog-friendly coastal hikes in Olympic National Park, Rialto Beach offers stunning views of sea stacks, driftwood, and crashing waves. Dogs are allowed on-leash up to Ellen Creek, making it an unforgettable beach day for you and your furry friend.
HOH RAINFOREST AREA
Olympic National Park: National park pass required.
While dogs are not allowed on the interior trails of the Hoh Rainforest, they are welcome on the paved roads and campgrounds. Explore the lush rainforest with your pup by sticking to designated areas around the visitor center.
Kalaloch Beaches area
RUBY BEACH
Olympic National Park coast: 6.0 miles roundtrip, little elevation gain. No pass required.
The Kalaloch area, including Ruby Beach, is one of the few places in Olympic National Park where dogs are allowed on the beach. Enjoy exploring sandy shores and dramatic sea cliffs with your leashed dog in this picturesque coastal area.
Lake Quinault area
JULY CREEK LOOP TRAIL
Olympic National Park: 4 miles roundtrip, 350 feet elevation gain. Northwest Forest pass or Interagency pass required.
A quieter trail on the northern shores of Lake Quinault, the July Creek Loop offers a serene forest experience. With easy terrain and plenty of shade, it’s a peaceful, dog-friendly option for exploring the Olympic Peninsula. Lake Quinault is my favorite area of Olympic because the lake is so peaceful and serene.
Hood Canal area
LENA LAKE
Olympic National Forest: 7.2 miles roundtrip, 1300 feet elevation gain. Northwest Forest pass or Interagency pass required.
This 7.2-mile round-trip trail in Olympic National Forest leads to the sparkling Lena Lake, surrounded by towering trees. The gentle incline and beautiful lake views make it a fantastic dog-friendly hike, especially for more adventurous dogs. I did this one with Ruby the Trusty Pup in mid-August. I found it to be a tad warm, but not too steep. The lake was peaceful and there were plenty of ducks to chase!
DOSEWALLIPS MAPLE VALLEY LOOP/STEAM DONKEY
Dosewallips State Park: 3.5 miles, roundtrip. Elevation Gain of 400 feet. Discover Pass required.
Located in Dosewallips State Park, this loop trail offers a moderate hike through lush forest and along the river. It’s a dog-friendly adventure with plenty of room for your pup to explore. Ruby and I also did this hike in mid-August this year. We found it nice and cool in the old growth trees, especially the morning after a storm.
MOUNT ELLINOR
Olympic National Forest: 6.2 miles RT from lower trailhead, 3.1 miles from upper. 3,300 feet of elevation gain from lower. No pass required from lower, Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency pass required from upper.
For more experienced hikers and dogs, the Mount Ellinor Trail offers challenging climbs and breathtaking views from the summit. You can do a more gradual hike from the lower trailhead, or go extreme from the upper. Bring plenty of water if you do this, since you’ll be above the treeline on the ridge for a great deal of it.
ELK LAKES
Olympic National Forest: 4.9 miles, roundtrip. Elevation Gain of 400 feet. Northwest Forest Pass or Interagency pass required from upper.
Nestled in the Olympic National Forest, the Elk Lakes hike provides a peaceful, dog-friendly adventure along a scenic lake. The trail is shaded and quiet, making it perfect for a relaxed day out with your furry companion. The WTA site does not list this as dog-friendly, but since it’s in the National Forest it should be.
DOG-FRIENDLY PLACES TO STAY NEAR OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Olympic National Park is located on the western side of Washington State on the Olympic Peninsula. You will find a variety of accommodations, from park hotels, to small chains, cabins, Hipcamps and vocational rentals.
Seattle is 3-4 hours away from the park. You can take the Edmonds-Kingston ferry, the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry, or drive down and around via Tacoma. I’ve done all three, the drive is always longer than you think it will be. I’ve done day trips as well, but it makes for a very, very long day. Olympic is huge, you will want several days to see even a portion of the park. Seattle has plenty of dog-friendly activities to do as well if you’re in the area.
Large cities near Olympic National Park are Port Angeles and Port Townsend. Smaller towns include Sequim, Forks, Hoodsport, Brinnon, Quinault, and Kalaloch.
Port Angeles, Sequim, and surrounding northern side
Port Angeles is the “hub” for Olympic National Park with the main visitor’s center. This is a very cute town with restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, and more. The northern side of the park has the least number of dog-friendly trails, but you’ll find more amenities. This area also has the most county parks, which are dog-friendly.
Oh Happy Day House, Port Angeles:
I stayed at this fantastic VRBO in Port Angeles on our latest trip to the park. This is one of the most dog-friendly places I’ve stayed. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath house has fully fenced in front and back yards. The kitchen was well appointed, and they had extra blankets to cover the couches for the dogs. 10 out of 10 stars! I would absolutely recommend this stay to anyone.
Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor:
A pretty standard hotel in PA that has a pool and fitness center. It is right along the water in the harbor, with terrific views and easy access to a number of restaurants. The hotel is also along the dog-friendly Olympic Discovery Trai. A $75/week pet fee is in place per Sonesta website.
Lake Crescent Lodge, Lake Crescent:
An “official” national park hotel that sits right on the lake. Lake Crescent has this crystal clear, ice cold water. And while the lake is not dog friendly, the national forest to the north of it is! I should stay here this fall! (I’ve only been to LC in the fall somehow). Pet fee of $25/pet/stay.
Strait Blue Cottage, pet-friendly, walk downtown, private fenced yard!, Port Angeles:
Ruby prefers VRBOs to hotels, as I’ve learned. This one is in the heart of PA and has a fenced in yard.
Dungeness Bay Cottages, Dungeness Bay near PA:
These cottages allow dogs and are right on the water of the bay, where you can kayak and play. The listing says there is an off-leash area for dogs. Pet fee of $25/pet/stay.
Cozy cabin on the Olympic Peninsula, W/ Hot Tub, PA:
Midway between Port Angeles and Sequim is this small cabin with a hot tub. From the photos, it has some fenced in areas for your puppo. The host fees are also not egregious! I try to list only places that I have/would stay in, that don’t have ridiculous fees.Pet fee $50/stay.
Olympic View Inn, Sequim:
Pretty basic motel. I stayed here several years ago. Pet fee is $25/night.
Sequim Lavender Castle, Sequim:
Sequim (“Squim”) is known for its lavender festival every July. And this is a castle. I NEED someone to stay here some day. I do not see a pet fee listed.
Forks area – western side near La Push and beaches
I see you, Twilight fans. I’ve stayed in Forks twice and it’s fun for about 30 minutes. Only stay here if you are doing hikes in the area, visiting beaches or need to break up the drive. It’s boring and sucks.
Forks Cedar House:
Here is a cabin that looks like it has a fenced yard and a hot tub.
Quileute Oceanside Resort:
If you insist on staying near Forks, you might as well stay at the beach. This hotel is dog friendly, with a $30/pet/day fee. It’s on the beach! Woo!!
Kalaloch – southwestern beaches
Pronounced “Clay-lock”, by the beaches on the southern end that are dog-friendly.
Kalaloch Lodge:
Another “official” hotel of the parks. This one is interesting because some waterfront cabins have been abandoned because of the risk of falling into the ocean!! It also has no internet – just you and the puppo, playing on the beach. Pet fee of $25/pet/stay. A must-visit!
Quinault – southern central
My favorite part of the park! I love Lake Quinault. Limited accommodations in the area, which is a bummer.
Lake front Quinault Cottage Inside Olympic National Park:
This is right on the lake! There were only two accommodations that came up on Expedia that were pet friendly. No pet fee listed, may be included in the host fee.
Lake Quinault Lodge:
A quintessential PNW style lodge right on the lake. Booking and Expedia do not say pet friendly, but their site says they are. Call first to check! I’ve stayed across the lake from this resort and it’s lovely, with kayaks, a beach, and a little general store. I need to go back.
Hood Canal area – eastern side
This is the eastern side of the park along the Hood Canal, including towns like Quilcene, Brinnon, Liliwaup and Hoodsport. I think this is the most dog-friendly section.
Mike’s Beach Resort, Liliwaup:
I stayed here on my most recent trip with Ruby. The motel rooms are all dog-friendly. I stayed in Room G, the smallest studio room. I will say that the patio is shared with two other large rooms, which meant I had to walk by a lot of kids whenever we went outside. There is an oyster beach here as well. It’s close to Lena Lake, Hama hama and Dosewallips.
Yeti Pines Cabin, Lake Cushman:
This cute cabin on Lake Cushman sleeps 6 and has laundry. No private yard, but for starting at $200 a night, this is a great deal.
The Giggle Fish~Beachfront, Hoodsport:
Entirely fenced in and on the water. Sleeps 6. Plus it’s called Giggle Fish? BRB, booking right now. Rates from $350.
PARK TRAVEL TIPS THAT WILL BE HELPFUL:
You Did What With Your Weiner is the first place I check for dog-friendly hiking in WA, like when she visited Spruce Railroad
Long Haul Trekkers has done Marmot Pass, which is probably toooooo much for Ruby
Visit Olympic Peninsula has the BEST map of the area with all of the parks marked on it.
I acknowledge Olympic National Park is on the ancestral lands of the Southwestern Coast Salish peoples, including the Quileute, Hoh, Quinault, Makah, Chehalis, Chinook, Cowlitz, Lower Elwha Klallam and Jamestown Klallam tribes.
If you visit Olympic National Park or find this information helpful, please let me know. Follow me on IG @HiFriendsItsLaura and Threads @HiFriendsItsLaura
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