Ron Bexel
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Mount Rainier – Mt Rainier’s dog-friendly hikes are few and far between. But there are so many beautiful dog trails outside the park that you won’t think you’re missing out!
This guide includes how to plan your trip, what to see, and all the must-see dog walks in and around Mount Rainier.
Best Dog Friendly Hikes Near Mount Rainier
I have visited the Mount Rainier area with my kids in tow many times now and I know we will be back in the future. The beautiful landscape against which the drama of the mountain itself is nothing short of magical.Â
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However, it can be a difficult holiday to plan if you are a pet owner! Dogs are strictly prohibited in the national park, and there are no Mt Rainier dog trails. You will have better luck in the area outside the park.
Dogs are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail, on paved roads open to public traffic, in campgrounds, and in parking lots.
The rules are very strict. If you are willing to be creative, however, there are still many ways to travel with your dog.
The Pacific Crest Trail is a National Scenic Trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada. This section of the trail drops in and out of Mount Rainier National Park to keep your dog covered!
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It is approximately 27 kilometers long and is an excellent choice for walkers and their dogs, offering incredible views of the mountains and surrounding area. If your timing is right, you will see wild flowers on your way.
This trail is dog friendly, as long as you are willing to stick to the trail. It’s a great way to explore the local historic park and see some of the architecture.
The entire trip takes about sixty minutes and is only 1.25 miles long. It’s a fun option if you only travel by car.
You don’t have to worry about missing important places when you travel. Many important sights can at least be seen from your car window.
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As this means they can be seen from the paved road, there’s no reason you can’t pull closer with your dog!
Some say if you’ve seen one waterfall, you’ve seen them all. I disagree, and I think most travelers would be on the same page!
The Nisqually Valley Falls are a striking contrast to their rocky surroundings and I found them quite spectacular. This waterfall can be seen from Paradise Road, as you walk to the nearby picnic area.Â
The view of Christine Falls from the road is amazing. You’ll find a 60-foot waterfall just 4.5 miles east of Longmire. Christine Falls’ beautiful stone bridge crosses directly over the waterfall.
Mount Rainier: Off The Beaten Path (u.s. National Park Service)
This is where your trip will become very special. You will see beautiful mountains, beautiful landscapes and even ride a dog gondola!
This hike is 2.2 miles round trip and 1.8 miles one way. It takes you to beautiful Sheep Lake. It is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather, surrounded by unique alpine trees and rocky mountains.
If you are traveling with the whole family, you will find that this route is a good choice for its length and difficulty. However, be sure to keep an eye on children and pets. There are many places where this road winds along some steep slopes.
We found this part of the trail to be very exposed, so we recommend bringing extra water for you and your dog.
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If you are a waterfall fan, then this is the trail for you! Pets are allowed on the Snoquera Waterfall Loop as long as they are kept on a leash.
This route is a 3.9 mile loop that winds through the surrounding rainforest. The waterfall is best seen in the spring, when the surrounding snow begins to melt and is caught in the flow.
This is an easy walk along the Afon Wen. It’s a good choice for pets and children, with two long routes to choose from.Â
One is a 4.2 mile hike back and takes you directly to Skookum Falls. The road is straight and easy to walk, with beautiful scenery to enjoy along the way.
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The second part is a little longer. It is about 4 miles to the falls and 4 miles back to the head. It can be very wet depending on the height of the river and sometimes a bit boggy. We still like it and think it would make a great family trip.
Be aware of your surroundings if you choose this route. Some travelers report small letters and falling rocks.Â
Both roads are beautiful in their own right and I don’t think you’re missing out on anything great by taking the shortcut. We prefer the longer route to kill time, but feel free to take the shorter route.
Suntop Lookout is pure magic. The view of Mount Rainier on a clear day can’t be beat, and the hike is well worth the cost.
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This hike is shorter than some have listed, only 2 miles. However, it makes up for this in its steepness.
If you have an older dog, or a dog with mobility issues, this may not be a good choice.
Pay attention to the signs when you start walking. There is a second route that is 10 miles long. I haven’t taken this for myself, but have heard it’s a good experience if you’re hoping for something more difficult.
Some people may refer to a hike on Crystal Mountain as a “luxury” experience. It’s the perfect dog-friendly getaway, with unique eateries and plenty of dog-friendly trails.
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If you want to try something different, why not include a gondola ride? You and your dog can take a cool ride to the top of Crystal Mountain.
You will hike over 2,400 vertical feet in just 9 minutes to the top. On the way you get fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Once you’ve reached the top, you can stop for lunch at the Summit House or start your way back up the mountain along the endless dog trails.
Mount Rainier will definitely be one of the hardest things for me to visit with my dogs, but the effort is definitely worth it.Â
Dog-friendly Hikes: Washington State
While Mt Rainier’s dog-friendly hikes may not be in the park, the nearby trails more than make up for anything you might miss in the park. Of course, we’ve all been there before: you head out on a family vacation with your pet only to find there are few or no activities in the area.
Because we know you love animals as much as we think it’s important for you to know about the animals around Mt. Rainier. Let’s take a look at our walking trails in Ashford that are sure to make you and your dog happy.
Alder Lake Park and Rocky Point are owned and operated by Tacoma Power’s Nisqually River Project. Â They offer options for everyone from tents to those who need the comforts of home such as water, electricity and sewage. Campers can choose from 173 sites at three campgrounds in the park: Main, Osprey and Elk Plain. Â Rocky Point Park’s campground is a few miles up the road (4 miles east of the park’s main entrance on Route 7); a larger campsite with 25 water and electricity connections. The campsite is open all year, except for the annual closure between December 20 – January 1.
Although Bollskogen is always good during the four seasons, it is especially beautiful in spring. Spring is a popular time to hike here when hidden choruses of frogs sing in the sky, birds dart and tweet, flowers bloom and waterfalls roar. You can almost taste spring on your tongue.
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Ball Forest is named for Charles Lathrop Ball, an East Coast activist who led the University of Washington’s College of Forest Resources to purchase the forest in 1920. Today, the 4,300-acre forest offers outdoor courses for forest management students.
A short, kid-friendly walk in Eatonville. Explore two small parks of history and nature along the banks of the salmon-farming Mashel River.
Before starting your walk in Parc Pwll y Felin, check out the little wheel to the west of the road. This structure was the first house in Eatonville, built by town builder Thomas Cobb Van Eaton who arrived in Minnesota in 1889. Van Eaton lived in the basement with his wife and three children, while the front model used to conduct business. car park, car park and post office. However, this is not the original location of the building. It was moved here in 1996 where it was restored and continues as the Stage Stop Museum by the Eatonville Historical Society. It is open to visitors from 1-4
