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  9. Dog-friendly Portland: Things to do in Portland with a dog

Dog-friendly Portland: Things to do in Portland with a dog

TrustedHousesitters blog Author - Sophie Reeve
Sophie Reeve
08 March 20259 min read

You and your four-legged friends will feel right at home in dog-friendly Portland. Whether you’re house sitting in Portland or preparing for your Portland pet sitter, you’ll quickly discover an array of restaurants, parks, and activities that welcome pups and their people with open arms. 

Dog-friendly restaurants, Portland

With over 400 dog-friendly restaurants, Portland really is a treat for pups and pet parents. While only service animals are allowed inside due to state laws, there are plenty of outdoor areas to choose from – here are some of our faves. 

Tin Shed Garden Café

Savor hearty breakfast and lunch options on a sunny, spacious patio where your dog can chill by your side. They have dishes for doggys featuring chicken, sweet potatoes, and bananas (not served together!), and you can even purchase a pup bandana in aid of animal rescue.

Location: 1438 NE Alberta St, Portland, OR 97211, United States

Tamale Boy

Enjoy tasty tamales with a pint-sized margarita on the outdoor patio of the NE Dekum branch of this Mexican joint. Fido will be treated to a bowl of water while you both lounge under the umbrellas (in the daytime) or by the fire pits (after dark). 

Location: 1764 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211, United States

Produce Row

Established in 1974, Produce Row is the place to be for salads, bowls, sandwiches, craft beer, and cocktails, and Fido can join you on the dog-friendly terrace for a spot of live music, too. 

Location: 204 SE Oak St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

The Rambler

Furry friends are welcome in the (heated!) outdoor area of this homey neighborhood tavern, which serves huge portions of delicious comfort food, cocktails, and craft beer. 

Location: 4205 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97217, United States

Portland dog parks

Take your four-pawed pal to one of these dog-friendly off-leash areas, where they can romp, play, and explore a world of scents, sounds, and sights made just for them!

Fern-Hill Park Off-Leash Area

This top-rated spot lets your pup roam free across 4 acres of rolling hills and shady trees. With nearby baseball fields, picnic tables, and even a volleyball court, both you and your furry friend can enjoy a day outdoors.

Location: 4050 NE Holman St, Portland, OR 97211, United States

Gabriel Off-Leash Dog Park Summer

There are two off-leash parks located in Gabriel Park – one a shady summertime hangout and the other designed for wetter winter weather. Both have plenty of space for dogs to dash around and make friends.

Location: 7000-7198 SW 45th Ave, Portland, OR 97219, United States

Wallace Dog Park

Located in a small corner of Wallace Park, this fully fenced-in area allows pups to play, run, chase, and sniff each other freely, or equally, just chill out. 

Location: 1628 NW 25th Ave, Portland, OR 97210, United States

Off-Leash Area in Delta Park

Delta Park’s off-leash area offers a spacious retreat for dogs to be dogs, and it’s the ideal escape for dog owners looking to enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Location: Portland, OR 97217, United States

Dog-friendly beaches, Portland

Portland might technically be landlocked, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any dog-friendly beaches to explore! Here are a couple of the best spots for furry friends to frolick in the sand. 

Sellwood Off-Leash Dog Park

This could have technically gone in the section above, but the best thing about this dog park is the water! This sandy riverbank is a must-visit for furry water babies and their people. 

Location: 7987 Southeast Grand Avenue, Portland, OR 97202, United States

Sandy River Delta

Just east of Portland, this scenic 1,400-acre area features open fields, off-leash hiking trails, and plenty of opportunities for a paddle – it’s no wonder it’s often described as doggy heaven.

Location: Parking lot, Thousand Acres Rd, Troutdale, OR 97060, United States

Mt Tabor, Portland

Dog-friendly trails, Portland

Portland is home to many walkable neighborhoods, perfect for strolling between dog parks. But if you’re looking for more of a challenge, here are some dog-friendly trails to explore. 

Forest Park 

Over 60 shaded hiking trails wind through lush forest, offering a refreshing escape for both you and your pup.

Location: 10937 NW Old Springville Rd, Portland, OR 97229, United States

Mt. Tabor

Enjoy panoramic views of the city as you explore the miles of hiking trails that surround this extinct volcano. There’s also a 4-acre off-leash area!

Location: 2219 SE 68th Ave, Portland, OR 97215, United States

Tryon Creek State Natural Area

Peaceful paths weave through this area of natural beauty, perfect for a leisurely walk with your pooch. Just be mindful of other furry friends sharing the trails – especially horses!

Location: Portland, OR, United States

Powell Butte Nature Park

Soak up stunning mountain views as you wander the trails, passing through open meadows, fir forests, and everything in between. 

Location: 16160 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97236, United States

Portland farmers market

Fun dog-friendly activities, Portland

That’s right – Fido can come along to any of these dog-friendly activities!

Portland Saturday Market

Bring Fido along to browse the stalls of local vendors selling handmade artisanal products, clothing, and food at this popular market. 

Cost: Free

Time & date: 10 am – 5 pm every Saturday, March – December.

Location: 2 SW Naito Parkway Portland, OR 97204

Pittock Mansion

While your furry friend can’t join you inside this historic mansion, you can take them for a stroll around the grounds, which feature impressive views of the city.

Cost: Free (entrance to the mansion is $17 for adults)

Time & date: 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday – Monday, 12 – 4 pm Tuesdays.

Location: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, United States

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Keep your furry friend on a leash to explore the gorgeous blooming flowers in this peaceful park.

Cost: $9 for adults

Time & date: 10 am – 3:30 pm Tuesday – Tuesday, opens at 1 pm on Tuesdays.

Location: 5801 SE 28th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States

Annual dog events in Portland

Plan your visit right, and you might catch one of Portland’s dog-friendly events! Details of each event vary from year to year, so check local listings for the latest updates.

Doggie Dash

Doggie Dash is Portland’s biggest pet-friendly event. Choose between a 2.5 km or 4 km loop to run or walk in aid of the Oregon Humane Society.

Cost: $20 for early birds

Time & date: May 10, 2025

Location: 98 SW Naito Pkwy, Portland, OR 97204, United States 

Dogtoberfest

Help raise money for the DoveLewis Blood Bank and toast to 30 years of this fun-filled event.

Cost: TBC

Time & date: October 4, 2025

Location: 915 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Dog-friendly cafes in Portland

There’s nothing better than enjoying a delicious cup of coffee with your furry friend by your side! 

Honey Latte Cafe

Honey Latte Cafe serves coffee, tea, and vegan eats in a friendly environment, complete with a small selection of stalls selling jewelry and clothing.

Location: 1033 SE Main St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Snow Bunny Coffee

Head here after a romp around the nearby dog park to enjoy coffee, matcha, pastries, and bingsu – Korean shaved ice. 

Location: 1415 NW 11th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Nossa Familia

With three locations to choose from, Nossa Familia roasts its own special beans and serves Brazilian-inspired dishes.

Location: 2007 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202, United States

Upper Left Roasters

Upper Left Roasters has a bright, airy interior and a dog-friendly patio, where your pooch can enjoy free dog treats as you dig into sandwiches and other brunch staples.

Location: 1204 SE Clay St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

The best dog-friendly bars, Portland

If you’re in Portland and want to relax with a drink while your pup enjoys the fresh air, you'll be pleased to know that many outdoor bars welcome dogs with open arms. Here are a few top picks.

Lucky Labrador Brew Pub

As the name suggests, this pub welcomes dogs on its covered patio. Order a pizza, grab a board game, and settle in for the evening. 

Location: 915 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214, United States

Breakside Brewing

Known for its stellar craft beers and American bites, Breakside Brewing has five spots across Portland where your pup can join in the fun. Why not treat Fido to something off the doggy menu? 

Location: 1570 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, OR 97210, United States

A Roadside Attraction

Kick back on the plant-filled patio with a brew in your hand and your pup by your side. This eclectic bar is cash only – come prepared!

Location: 1000 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, United States

River Pig Saloon

This old-timey sports bar has a sprawling outdoor patio where you’ll find a selection of dogs and brews together in one place. 

Location: 529 NW 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, United States

Dog-friendly wineries in Portland

In Portland, a night out means your pup is more than welcome to join the party! These local wineries have dog-friendly areas where you can taste some of the best wines with your four-legged friend right by your side.

Cellar DOG

Love wine almost as much as you love dogs? This pop-up is the place for you! All wines in stock support charitable causes, there are dog treats for sale, and they host an array of dog-friendly events.

Location: 8012 SE 13th Ave, Portland, OR 97202, United States

ENSO Winery

As long as your furry friend won’t have a problem with the resident pup, everyone’s welcome! Nibble on a cheese board and try a flight of their most popular wines as you enjoy date night with your pooch. 

Location: 1416 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214, United States

If you want to go further afield, check out these vineyards:

Downtown Portland

Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Portland from our members

Who better to ask about dog-friendly Portland than the locals? We turned to pet parents and sitters on our Community Forum to bring you some more tips in the thread, What do you recommend doing in Portland (Oregon) with a pooch – here’s just a handful!

“Although the pup I was sitting wasn’t too keen on other dogs… Rhododendron Garden and Rose Garden are great - you can take dogs on leads to both, but you can’t take the dog on public transportation unless in a carrier so you’d need a car or use Lyft/Uber pet unless you are in the neighborhood.” – @toml 

“If anyone sits in the Portland, Oregon, area, I recommend Broder Söder, which serves Scandinavian brunch.” – @Maggie8K

“Many, many places have outdoor seating and allow dogs, if you like to go to brewpubs, coffeehouses, and restaurants. Check out Elephant’s on NW 22nd, and Lucky Lab (several locations), but a quick search online will give you a long list. Portland is hilly with many parks and trails. There are lots of free dog parks where the dogs can socialize (and you can too!). A couple of our favorite trails are Lower Macleay Park Trail and the Wildwood Trail in Forest Park, which is huge.” – @PVGemini

Views from Pittock Mansion

Tips for pet parents in Portland, Oregon

Check local regulations regarding leash laws 

For the most up-to-date pet policies, visit the City of Portland’s official website.

Supervise your dog at all times

Whether you’re in an off-leash dog park or hiking in the mountains, keep an eye on your furry friend at all times. Don’t let your pup off the leash in designated areas unless they have good recall. 

Check your pet’s paws after outings

Rocks, thorns, or even ice and salt in colder months can get stuck between their pads, and a quick once-over helps prevent potential injuries.

Plan ahead for your vacation

While you might be eager for your getaway, your furry friend probably feels differently! Vets agree pets are happiest at home, so consider finding a loving, in-home pet sitter to take care of them while you’re away.

Tips for pet sitters in Portland, Oregon

Remember to clean up

Before heading out with your pup, always pack plenty of poop bags. Picking up after your dog keeps shared spaces clean and helps you avoid potential fines.

Walk around the city

Portland is famous for being a relatively walkable city, so what better way to get to know it than by taking your pup for a stroll around the neighborhood?

Find a place to stay in exchange for pet sitting

Portland’s pet-loving culture makes it a great destination for pet sitters. With so many dog-friendly restaurants, parks, trails, and events, your adventures in Portland will be made even more memorable with a pooch pal for company!

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