The best Portland dog parks for fun on four legs

Portland is known for lots of things, but a shortage of luscious green spaces isn’t one of them. The city is the ideal spot for nature lovers of the human and canine variety, and numerous Portland dog parks offer ample opportunities for you and your pooch pals to meet other furry friends, explore the lay of the land and play endless games of fetch, of course. Whether you’re house sitting in Portland or you’re a local looking for new ways to see the city, the dog parks in Portland, Oregon are not to be missed. 

But before we round up the best dog parks in Portland, let’s take a look at dog park (p)etiquette. Many of the off-leash dog parks are run by Portland Parks & Recreation, which states that pooch pals should mind their manners at all times, and any four-legged friends displaying aggressive or inappropriate behaviour should be removed immediately. Canine companions visiting Portland dog parks must be licensed and up to date with vaccinations, and dogs should not be brought to the parks when unwell or in heat. Other than that, we always recommend bringing your own water and poop bags, and dog sitters and pet parents should take note that most Portland dog parks are open from 5am until midnight. 

The best dog parks, Portland, Oregon

Chimney Park: 9360 N. Colombia Blvd., Portland, OR

Once home to a large municipal incinerator, this industrial site has now been transformed into one of the best fenced dog parks, Portland. Trails are dotted with picnic tables and lots of shelter for warm weather or rainy days, and further walking paths can be found on the other side of the rail tracks at Pier Park. There’s no separate section for small dogs so make sure your pooch pal can handle furry friends of all sizes, and don’t forget poop bags and water as the water pump is often turned off.

Sandy River Delta (Thousand Acres): Parking lot, Thousand Acres Rd, Troutdale, OR 97060

Known by locals as Thousand Acres, this park actually boasts 1400 acres of doggy park paw-adise. Situated a 20-minute drive away from Portland, the park is a great spot for water lovers as it’s surrounded by rivers on either side. Pooch pals have free reign in most areas but the park isn’t fenced so dog sitters and pet parents must keep an eye on their four-legged friends at all times. 

Mt Tabor Park Off-Leash Dog Area: SE 60th Ave &, SE Salmon St, Portland, OR 97215 

Located near Warner Pacific University is a 200-acre park filled with rolling hills, forest land, and an extinct volcano giving 360-degree views of the surrounding area. A 1.9 mile trail leads all the way to the top, which is a great spot to watch the sunset while pooch pals test out their social skills. Head over to the four-acre dog off-leash area on the east side of the park for zoomies galore, but make sure your furry friend has good recall skills as some areas are not completely fenced. 

Willamette Off-Leash Dog Park, Portland: 97239, Unnamed, Portland, OR 97223

This off-leash area can be found on the banks of the Willamette River near the north entrance of Willamette Park. There’s a pretty good drainage system in place but the floor is made up of a mix of sand and dirt so be prepared for pups to get pretty mucky. Lights make the park a good spot for running around after dark, but there isn’t a huge amount of shade so it’s not ideal on hot days. 

Council Crest Park: 1120 SW Council Crest Dr, Portland, OR 97239

Perched on top of a hill, this park offers 180-degree views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Watch your dog run around the unfenced off-leash area and be sure to bring water and poop bags for your doggy to take care of their business with a view!

Normandale Park: NE 57th Ave &, NE Halsey St, Portland, OR 97213

Separate fenced areas at this dog-friendly park provide space for smaller pups to play away from bigger ones, and there’s always an abundance of toys and tennis balls to play with. Pooch pals can chill out under a tree to cool off and fresh water is often on hand too (although we always recommend bringing your own just in case). 

Sellwood Riverfront Park: 1221 SE Oaks Park Way, Portland, OR 97202

This waterside dog park has a large grassy off-leash area with sticks aplenty and a sandy beach for frolicking and digging. Pooch pals can let off a bit of steam on land or try out their doggy paddle in the Willamette River before drying off at one of many picnic tables. As with any public place, be mindful of those picnicking and sunbathing in the park and be sure to put your fur baby back on the leash when walking back along the trails. 

Lynchwood Park: SE 170th Ave, Portland, OR 97236

This fully fenced dog park has green open fields and tree-dotted woodland areas for your four-legged friends to explore and play in. Hunting out forgotten tennis balls won’t be a problem but do be sure to bring your own water and poop bags and take note that users report a shortage of parking.

Laurelhurst Park: SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd & Stark St, Portland, OR 97214

Last but definitely not least on our list of the best Portland dog parks, Laurelhurst Park was named one of the most beautiful parks on the west coast in 1919 and is a perfect example of the City Beautiful Project that shaped American cityscapes in the early 20th century. Walking paths weave throughout this picture-perfect park to warm up those four leggies before your pooch pal enters the unfenced off-leash area just west of the pond. 

Seen all that Portland has to offer? If you're planning a trip to San Francisco next, check out all the best doggy-walking haunts with our list of the best dog parks in San Francisco.