Dog Friendly Olympic Peninsula 

We love visiting Olympic National Park with our dog, but it does have some important rules to protect the wildlife and delicate ecosystems. Pets are only allowed in these specific areas:

• • Peabody Creek Trail (Hurricane Ridge - North side)

5.6-mile round-trip trail with 800 ft of elevation gain through the woods along Peabody Creek.

• • Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek (1/2 Mile) (Near Forks- Northwest Coast)

Easy 1.6-mile round-trip beach hike to Ellen Creek featuring dramatic sea stacks and rock formations.

Note: Always check the tide chart and give yourself plenty of time to return safely as the beach can be completely covered at high tide.

• • Kalaloch and Ruby Beach (Southwest Coast)

Dramatic Pacific beaches with rugged coastline, sea stacks, and protected marine waters, great for exploring with your pups.

Note: Always check the tide chart and give yourself plenty of time to return safely as the beach can be completely covered at high tide.

• • Madison Falls Trail (Elwha)

Easy 0.2-mile round-trip trail with 46 ft elevation gain to a stunning 60-foot waterfall.

• • Spruce Railroad Trail (North shore of Lake Crescent)

Paved 8-mile roundtrip hike along the scenic north shore of Lake Crescent. (Part of the Olympic Discovery Trail)

• • July Creek Loop Trail (North shore of Lake Quinault)​

Easy 0.3-mile trail near Lake Quinault that features towering Douglas-firs, a scenic footbridge, and peaceful lake views.

Pets are not permitted on any other trails, in public buildings, on interpretive walks, or in wilderness areas. However, they are welcome in drive-in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on paved or dirt roads.

For the latest rules and regulations we recommend checking:

Olympic National Park Official Website

Tip: For dog-friendly lodging options inside the park, check out the Pet-Friendly Lodging section below.

Pets are permitted on all Olympic National Forest trails and most DNR managed lands.

Please Note: Olympic National Forest is different from Olympic National Park. Be mindful of park boundaries, as some trails cross both areas.

That means over 250 miles of dog-friendly adventures await — from peaceful riverside walks to challenging mountain routes through stunning rainforests and rugged terrain. Pack some treats, bring plenty of water, and enjoy every step with your four-legged companion. 

Some of our favorite hikes in the Olympic National Forest include:

• Murhut Falls 

Easy 1.6-mile round trip with 250 ft elevation gain to a beautiful 130-foot two-tiered waterfall.

• Mount Ellinor 

Steep 6.2-mile round trip with 3,300 ft elevation gain and incredible summit views.

• Mount Townsend 

Popular 8.0-mile round trip with 3,010 ft elevation gain and panoramic views.

• Lena Lake 

Moderate 7.2-mile round trip with 1,300 ft elevation gain to a stunning alpine lake.

• Wynoochee Lake Shore Trail 

Easy 12.0-mile round trip with 1,100 ft elevation gain and mountain views.

• Lower Big Quilcene River 

Peaceful 12.9-mile round trip with 1,890 ft elevation gain along the river.

For more information on hiking with your pets in the Olympic National Forest check:

U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Tip: For dog-friendly lodging options in the National Forest and on DNR managed lands, check out the Pet-Friendly Lodging section below.

The Olympic Peninsula is home to 13 state parks and nearly 100 county, city, and privately owned park facilities. From mountain wilderness to sandy beaches, there’s a wide variety of places to enjoy the outdoors with your dog.

Pets are allowed in most parks, but we always recommend checking the specific park’s rules before you go, as some trails or areas may have restrictions.

Some of our favorite parks to take our pups to are:

• Lake Isabella State Park (Near Shelton)

 182-acre former farm offers over 4 miles of trails through pastures, orchards, and woods.

• Fort Townsend Historical State Park (Near Port Townsend)

367-acre marine park offering scenic beach access on Port Townsend Bay, and 6.5 miles of hiking trails .

• North Beach County Park (Port Townsend)

Small 1-acre park offering an extensive 3 mile shoreline walk to McCurdy Point.

Note: Always check the tide chart and give yourself plenty of time to return safely as the beach can be completely covered at high tide.

• Miller Peninsula State Park (Near Sequim)

Beautiful forested park sitting in the Olympic rain shadow — one of the driest areas west of the Cascades. It offers nearly 20 miles of trails and 3.4 miles of shoreline with great views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay.

• Sequim Bay State Park & Olympic Discovery Trail 

92-acre marine park in the Olympic rain shadow crossed by the 135-mile Olympic Discovery Trail — a paved multi-use trail connecting Port Townsend to Port Angeles.

• Griffiths-Priday State Park (Near Ocean Shores)

364-acre marine park with 8,316 feet of saltwater shoreline on the Pacific Ocean and 9,950 feet of freshwater shoreline on the Copalis River.

Tip: For dog-friendly adventures with lodging options in state and county parks, check out the Pet-Friendly Lodging section below.

The beaches of the Olympic Peninsula are great places for your furry friends, just be aware that some of the Pacific Coast Beaches are part of the Olympic National Park which restricts pets to certain areas.

Tip: Do not bring dogs onto tidal rocks as the sharp stone, along with oysters, barnacles and mussels, can cut their paws and lead to infection.

• • North County Park - Port Townsend 

1 acre park with an extensive shore line along the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Note: Always check the tide chart and give yourself plenty of time to return safely as the beach can be completely covered at high tide.

• • Harborview Park - Ediz Hook - Port Angeles

The three-mile, crescent-shaped sand spit with amazing views of the Olympic Mountains.

• • First Beach (Quileute Reservation)

Scenic, easily accessible beach featuring dramatic sea stacks, massive driftwood, and surfing.

• • Kalaloch and Ruby Beach

Dramatic Pacific beaches with rugged coastline and sea stacks, great for exploring with your pups.

Note: Always check the tide chart and give yourself plenty of time to return safely as the beach can be completely covered at high tide.

• Off Leash Dog Beach -Ocean Shores

Take your pups on the beach between Taurus and Butterclam streets for some off-leash fun.

• Various other beaches

The Olympic Peninsula feature numerous other dog-friendly coastlines—including Shine Tidelands, Fort Townsend, Cline Spit, and Chetzemoka Park.

Tip: For dog-friendly lodging options on the beach, check out the Pet-Friendly Lodging section below.

Whether you’re looking for public dog parks or private fenced areas, here are our favorite spots for safe off-leash play with your dogs

Lincoln Park - Port Angeles

Sequim Dog Park - Sequim

Mountain View Dog Park - Port Townsend

Chetzemoka Dog Park - Port Townsend

Foothills Dog Park - Hoodsport

Kneeland Park - Shelton

McLane Off-Leash Dog Park - Olympia

Evergreen Park - Olympia

Vance Creek Dog Park - Elma

Martin Family Dog Park - Elma

Gateway Park - Montesano

Garley Dog Park - Aberdeen

Off Leash Dog Beach -Ocean Shores

Chinook Park - Ocean Shores

Seabrook Dog Park - Pacific Beach

Calawah River Park - Forks

If your dog needs their own space, is reactive, or simply wants to play freely without other dogs around, Sniffspot offers private, fenced yards you can book by the hour — a safe and stress-free off-leash option on the Olympic Peninsula.

Start Slow and Build Stamina 

Begin your hiking journey with easier trails, gradually increasing the intensity to build both your and your dog's strength and endurance

Stay Hydrated and Take Frequent Water Breaks

Bring enough clean, fresh water for both you and your dog. Collapsible water bowls are convenient for your canine friend

Tender Paw Care

Ensure your furry friend's paws are rugged enough for the terrain or consider using hiking booties. It's essential to acclimate your dog to these booties before embarking on your adventure

Trail Etiquette

Be courteous to fellow hikers. Announce your dog's friendliness and step aside when other approach. Keep your dog under control and by your side

Leash Discipline

If the trail mandates leash use or you're in proximity to other hikers, opt for a shorter leash (around 6 feet) to prevent entanglement with vegetation. Your dog should not roam freely in these situations.

Be Command-Ready

Hazards during hiking differ from suburban streets. Your dog may encounter poisonous plants, biting creatures, or irresistible scents that can lead them astray. Ensure your obedience training is reliable and that your pup stays close.

Leave No Trace

Carry bags to pick up and transport your dog's waste. When backpacking overnight, bury it at least 6 inches deep and a minimum of 200 feet away from paths, camping areas, and water sources

Nothing beats ending a great day on the trails with your pup by relaxing together in a dog-friendly place to stay. Here are the lodging options inside the Olympic National Park that welcomes dogs: 

Note: Only dogs are allowed. Cats, birds, amphibians, and other pets are not permitted.

North / Central Area

• Lake Crescent Lodge (Near Port Angeles)

Pets are only allowed in the Singer Tavern Cottage

• Log Cabin Resort (Lake Crescent - North Side)

Only Camper Cabins are pet friendly.

• Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort (Near Port Angeles)

Cabins and campgrounds only, no pets in the Riverside Suite

West / Coastal Area

• Quileute Oceanside Resort (Near Forks)

All rooms are pet friendly!

• Kalaloch Lodge (Between Forks and Queets)

All Kalaloch Cabins are pet friendly, but no pets in the main building or Mercantile.

Southwest Area

• Lake Quinault Lodge

First floor Boathouse Rooms only, no pets in the main lodge, fireplace rooms, or lake view rooms.

• Pets are welcome in all drive-in campgrounds in the park. Some of the most popular ones include:

Heart O’ the Hills, Fairholme, Hoh Rainforest, Mora, and Kalaloch Campgrounds.

Note: Staircase Campground is currently closed (2026) due to the Bear Gulch fire.

Tip: Always confirm current pet policies and any fees when booking, as rules can change seasonally.

For the most up-to-date information and full pet policies, we recommend checking:

Olympic National Park Official Website

Olympic National Forest and Washington DNR lands offer some of the most flexible and dog-friendly public areas on the Olympic Peninsula. Dogs are generally welcome on trails (often under voice control in less developed areas), and there are many good options for camping and dispersed camping.

Here are some of our favorite pet-friendly campgrounds:

• Big Creek Campground (Near Lake Cushman – Southeast Side)

Quiet forested sites with good access to Lake Cushman and hiking trails like Big Creek and Mount Ellinor.

• Collins & Falls View Campgrounds (Near Brinnon – East Side)

Both offer beautiful river views and a peaceful setting. Falls View has scenic overlooks, while Collins has many campsites right on the river. Excellent bases for exploring nearby trails like Murhut Falls, Duckabush Trail,  and Mount Townsend.

• Klahowya Campground (Near Lake Crescent – North Side)

Forested campground on the banks of the Sol Duc river with easy access to surrounding trails, including the popular Olympic Discovery Trail.

• Willaby Campground (Lake Quinault – Southwest Side)

Lakeside camping with easy access to rainforest trails in the Valley of the Rain Forest Giants and the World's Largest Spruce Tree.

• Coho Campground (Wynoochee Lake – South Side)

Forested campground next to the lake with a boat launch and good access to the Wynoochee Lakeshore Trail.

• Dispersed Camping

Dispersed camping (camping outside of designated campgrounds) is allowed in many areas of the National Forest and DNR lands. There are no services like trash removal or tables, so it requires more preparation and responsibility. Always follow Leave No Trace principles and check current regulations before going.

​For a full list of campgrounds  and DNR managed lands check out:

U.S Forest Service Camping and Cabins

Department of Natural Resources Campgrounds

Washington State Parks and local County Parks are some of the most dog-friendly places to stay and play on the Olympic Peninsula. They make great bases for camping and day trips with your pups!

Here are some of our favorite places to stay on the Peninsula:

• Dosewallips State Park (Brinnon – East Side)

Located along the beautiful Dosewallips River, this scenic state park is one of the most dog-friendly spots on the Olympic Peninsula. It offers excellent camping, river access, and forested areas with nearby popular hikes such as the Steam Donkey Trail, Rocky Brook Falls, and the Dosewallips River Road Trail.

• Fort Worden State Park (Port Townsend – Northeast Side)

Fort Worden Historical State Park is a 434-acre historic site overlooking Admiralty Inlet and features two campgrounds, The Beach Campground and the  more private Upper Forest Campground. Both campgrounds offer easy access to 12 miles of hiking trails for you and your pups to explore.

Note: No pets are allowed in the Fort Worden vacation homes.

• Salt Creek Recreation Area (Near Port Angeles – North Side)

This scenic 196-acre park sits along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and offers 92 campsites with easy access to hiking trails and sandy beaches. A popular hike for you and your pups is the Striped Peak Trail — a 5-mile round trip with 850 feet of elevation gain and amazing views.

• Bogachiel State Park (Near Forks – West Side)

This peaceful 123-acre park sits on the banks of the Bogachiel River surrounded by lush rainforest. It offers excellent river access for soaking your feet and paws after hikes on the popular Bogachiel Rain Forest Trail and serves as a great base for exploring the western Olympic Peninsula.

• Ocean City State Park (Near Ocean Shores – Southwest Side)

A 170-acre park featuring sandy beaches, dunes, and coastal forest. Perfect for beach walks, clamming, kite flying, and relaxing around a campfire. It has 178 campsites and is only 11 minutes from the Ocean Shores Off-Leash Dog Beach.

• Lake Sylvia State Park (Near Aberdeen – South Side) 

This 252-acre park is nestled beside a peaceful lake in a beautiful wooded setting. It offers some great hikes like the popular Lake Sylvia Trail and is a great spot for a quiet getaway with your pups.

The Olympic Peninsula offers beautiful beaches on three sides — the wild Pacific Ocean coast, the calm Hood Canal, and the scenic Strait of Juan de Fuca. Many of these beaches and their nearby pet-friendly lodging options have already been covered in the sections above. Whether you're looking for wide sandy shores, rocky coastline, or peaceful waterfront views, you'll find a variety of pet-friendly lodging options located directly on or near the beach.

We hope you find the perfect beach spot to create wonderful memories with your pups!

North Pacific Coast - Olympic National Park

Dog friendly beach lodging and activities inside Olympic National Park are very limited. Overnight camping with pets is strictly prohibited on all park beaches to protect native wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. 

The best options for staying at the beach in Olympic National Park are:

• Quileute Oceanside Resort (Near Forks)

All rooms are pet friendly!

• Kalaloch Lodge (Between Forks and Queets)

All Kalaloch Cabins are pet friendly, but no pets in the main building or Mercantile.

• South Beach Campground (Near Queets)

First-come, first-serve campground with 55 sites and direct beach access. 

Note: Potable water is not available at South Beach.

South Pacific Coast (Moclips to Ocean Shores)

The South Pacific Coast offers the most dog-friendly beach lodging on the Olympic Peninsula. This stretch from Moclips to Ocean Shores has a wide variety of resorts, hotels, condos, and vacation home rentals, with many properties offering dog-friendly amenities.

For beach camping, there are two excellent state parks:

• Pacific Beach State Park (Pacific Beach)

Oceanfront with stunning views, offering 16 standard campsites, 41 partial hookup sites, and two yurts.

• Ocean City State Park (Near Ocean Shores)

Forested campground close to the beach with 149 standard sites and 29 full hookup sites.

Hood Canal (From Potlatch to Port Townsend)

The Hood Canal separates the Olympic Peninsula from the rest of Washington State and offers a more sheltered, fjord-like experience with many dog-friendly resorts and vacation rentals right on the water. 

Note: Most south-side beaches have sharp oyster shells that aren’t ideal for dogs’ paws, while the north side tends to have sandier beaches.

Here are some of the best pet-friendly camping options along the Hood Canal:

• Seal Rock Campground (Near Brinnon)

41 tent and RV sites nestled among the trees, with several waterfront locations.

• Oak Bay Campground (Near Port Hadlock-Irondale)

First-come, first-served campground with no reservations or site holding.

• Fort Townsend Historical State Park (Between Port Hadlock-Irondale and Port Townsend)

A unique, nature-reclaimed park with 40 reservable standard campsites and 4 hiker/biker sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Strait of Juan de Fuca/Salish Sea (From Port Townsend to Neah Bay)

This northern shoreline offers scenic views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with a good mix of state parks, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. The towns of Port Townsend and Port Angeles are favorites among visitors for their charming atmospheres and beautiful waterfront locations.

• Fort Worden State Park (Port Townsend)

A historic 434-acre park overlooking Admiralty Inlet featuring a beach campground with 50 camp sites.

Note: No pets are allowed in the Fort Worden vacation homes.

• Sequim Bay State Park (Sequim)

Note: Sequim Bay State Park will be completely closed from June 5th through September 15th, 2026, due to Construction.

Located in the Olympic rain shadow, this park offers 45 standard campsites, 15 full-hookup sites, and several with bay views. It also has primitive hiker/biker sites.

Note: Pets are welcome on the grounds of Camp Ramblewood Retreat Center, but there are no pet-friendly accommodations.

• Salt Creek Recreation Area (Near Port Angeles)

This scenic 196-acre park sits along the Strait of Juan de Fuca and offers 92 campsites with easy access to hiking trails and sandy beaches.

Tip: Always check current tide charts and pet policies before heading out, as rules vary between National Parks, State Parks, and local beaches.