West Beach Resort – Orcas Island

From cabins to glamping, West Beach Resort has it all. Dog friendly cabins are available too. Book early as these cabins fill up. The cabins are rustic, but that’s part of the charm. They are well stocked and impeccably clean. I sound like a commercial, but truly, this place is magical. Watch seals and puffins dive in the surf right in front of you. The store has a great variety including beer on tap. You are only a few minutes from Eastsound, so if they don’t have it, it’s just a short drive to the grocery store. The Cabins have wood stoves and fire rings, so bring wood, or you can purchase some at the store. Your rental comes with a free bundle including a fire starter, matches and kindling.

Logistics – Yes, there is a road running in front of the cabins on the water. This is just a little gravel lane to get to the cabins. There is parking for one car at the cabin. Cabins sit closely together, but this doesn’t take away from their charm and the feel of privacy. Many of the cabins have futons for extra sleeping space. The wifi in my experience has been fantastic. There are no TVs in most of the cabins. RV sites sit higher above the cabin area with very little view of the water. It’s pretty easy to walk to the water and store, so I don’t think it’s much of a problem. The staff is really great and helpful. Kitchens are stocked, a little on the primitive side, but adequate. If you need anything, chances are they have it. If I was traveling with a larger group, I would throw in paper plates and additional silverware. I would definitely bring extra firewood. Yes, you can see Canada from here!

West Beach Resort

Three Capes Loop – Oregon Coast

One of my favorite coastal loops – I headed up that direction over the Christmas Holiday. As I was driving north along 101, I was blasted with a winter storm. Trudging north of Lincoln City, I noticed the weather beginning to break up. I turned off of 101 towards the ocean via Brooten Road on my way to Pacific City and the sun came out. I’ve visited Pacific City numerous times throughout my life and I always remember it being sunny there – even in the middle of the winter. Sure enough, this trip promised the same.

My first stop was at the beach at Pacific City. As you walk down to the beach to your right is a large sandy cliff and tide pools. This is a great place to watch surfers and the launching of dory boats. The amazing Pelican Brewery is right next to the parking area. The menu is diverse and they have a pretty tasty Kiwanda Cream Ale. I did sample the Mother of All Storms – and that it was! A little to strong for my taste but still pretty good.

Pelican Brewery

There’s also a great hotel across the street and an excellent coffee shop.

Stimulus Espresso Cafe

There’s nothing like walking along the Oregon Coast with a hot cup of coffee. I did stay at the Inn at Cape Kiwanda. The views were great – and they are dog friendly! It was nice to stay in a well-appointed clean room and not feel like I was stuffed in the “dog” room. Watch for the little black bunnies.

Inn at Cape Kiwanda

Traveling north from the hotel, I found what I would consider a locals beach – as there are no markings on the road. There’s a little paved road that dips down into the trees, into a parking area with beach access. It’s about a mile north of Inn at Cape Kiwanda – just before the stop sign. It looks as if you can drive out onto the beach, but I didn’t have a current permit on hand. There was nobody there. It’s pretty exciting to find a quiet beach site along the very found Oregon Coast. With any situation like this, there’s always the dilemma of whether to share or not. I hate to see areas overused, but in today’s climate of closed down parks and campgrounds, I feel that our only defense is to try to publicize places enough to keep them open. So here is McPhillips Beach –

Continuing north along Sandlake Road, you will come across the turn off for Clay Myers Natural Area at Whalen Island. I can’t wait to return to canoe this area. You would definitely need to canoe or kayak during high tide, but I think it would be amazing. The campground and park area is really quaint. There is definitely a lot to explore here.

Clay Myers Natural Area

Heading north, you will drive up to amazing scenic vistas and down along Netarts Bay. I would recommend taking time to stop or stay at Cape Lookout State Park. They offer cabins, yurts and a pretty nice campground. There’s a lot to explore in this area and during the winter months, there’s hardly anyone there.

Cape Lookout State Park

I’m going to stop here for now because an adventure is just that – an adventure. I hope you enjoy this area as much as I do!

Dog Parks of the West – Three Forks near Snoqualmie Washington

Three Forks Natural Area

From their website ~

The Three Forks Natural Area has more than 200 acres of open space situated at the confluence of the south fork, north fork and middle fork of the Snoqualmie River. With an astounding up-close view of Mount Si, it is dominated by riverine, riparian, and wetland habitat.

Adjacent to the natural area is the Three Forks Off-Leash Dog Park, which has eight acres of mowed open space for running large and small dogs. The park is partially fenced and has water access.

DIRECTIONS

From points west, take I-90 east. Take Exit 27 toward Snoqualmie/North Bend.
Turn left onto SE North Bend Way. Pass through one roundabout.
Turn left onto Meadowbrook Way SE.
Turn right onto SE Park Street.
39912 SE Park Street is on the left.

From points east, take I-90 west. Take the WA 202 exit, Exit 31, toward North Bend/Snoqualmie.
Turn right onto Bendigo Boulevard/WA 202 East.
Turn right onto Meadowbrook Way SE.
Turn right onto SE Park Street.
39912 SE Park Street is on the left.

Dog Friendly Rentals Yachats

As a dog owner, I quickly learned how hard it is to find good places to stay that don’t overly charge for your pooch companion. We love Yachats and some of our favorite dog friendly places include:

The Yachat’s Inn

Fireside Motel (Our Favorite)

Deanne’s Oceanside Lodge (Dog friendly, but have not stayed there yet)

Ocean Odyssey (though they charge too much for dogs on top of their booking fee, so if you are only staying a few nights, it really isn’t worth the cost)

Sweet Creek Falls, Oregon

Wow – I finally had the opportunity to hike Sweet Creek Falls outside of Mapleton Oregon. It was awesome! We only hiked the lower area as we were running out of sunlight, but as soon as the weather gets a little nicer, I can’t wait to do the whole hike. I’ll post some pictures soon – but if you are traveling that direction, it’s worth the stop! The hike to beauty ratio is at a 10! You instantly begin seeing waterfalls within about 200 feet down the trail. One of this highlights is being able to walk on grated walkways that take you over the water as massive falls flow underneath you.

Ruby’s Inn Missoula, MT

If you are traveling through the Missoula area and need a place to stay, I recommend Ruby’s Inn. Having stayed there many times, I always feel really comfortable and relaxed there – which is saying a lot for a roadside hotel. The rooms are a good deal and they take dogs. The best part is the amazing breakfast – free as a guest. There is everything from eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy, juices, to fresh coffee. In the evening there is soup and popcorn. Not too bad when you arrive in the evening and don’t feel like driving anywhere to eat. Definitely worth skipping the chain hotels!

Calf Creek Falls Escalante

This is an amazing waterfall hike between Boulder and Escalante Utah. The hike begins at the Calf Creek Campground. If you are there just for a day-hike, park in the main lot. If you are wanting to camp, get there early. This is a really popular location and the sites fill up. Try to get one of the sites on the creek, as it gets really hot during the summer months and a dip in the cool waters is a perfect treat after the hike back. The sites as you enter the campground against the red sandstone cliffs are pretty nice too, though your water access is limited. My favorite site is right after you drive through the water to get to the other side. There is a nice campsite with ample grass right along the creek. It’s fairly close to the trail as well. The sites on the far end of the campground seem to get more afternoon sun- which is not a plus in this country.

On this hike, make sure to bring plenty of water. The hike isn’t that long, but it’s hot and sandy – especially near the falls. We made the mistake of not bringing extra shoes and hiking in wet sneakers is not fun. The falls themselves are amazing. On a hot afternoon, they are a perfect place to take a dip. I would recommend doing this hike early in the morning and coming back before the hot sun of the afternoon sets in. We took our dog and the sand was too hot for her paws on the way out. Believe it or not, we, or I should I say my husband, carried her out over his shoulders. It was quite a sight! Watch for the petroglyphs along the way.

Dog Parks of Oregon – Traveling with your Dog

I am a firm believer and supporter of fenced in Dog Parks. Our dogs give us so much and the least we can do is give them a safe off leash area where they can run and meet other dogs. Here is a list I have compiled. I hope it helps you on your travels.

ASHLAND

Ashland Dog Park. The Dog Park is a two acre fenced in area where dogs can run off leash and socialize with other dogs. Park hours are from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, throughout the year. Water and bags are available on site. The Dog Park is located just off West Nevada Street behind the Ashland Greenhouse and Nursery. Directions: from downtown Ashland go North on Oak Street for several blocks until it intersects Nevada, then turn West on Nevada for about two blocks. After passing the Greenhouse, take the small road North about a block to the park.

BEAVERTON/ Aloha

Hazeldale Dog Park: Located in Beaverton, the Hazeldale Dog Park offers a large fenced in area with trees, water and separated areas for small dogs and big dogs. Wood chips are a nice addition to help keep the dust down during dry times and mud at bay during the long rainy months.

Directions: To reach Hazeldale Park, take Farmington road to 192nd. Turning on 192nd, a few streets down, turn left and the dog park appears before you.

BEND

Big Sky Dog Park. About 3 fenced acres, double gated, grass, trees and high desert area; picnic tables; water in summer; poop bags; garbage barrels. Location: 21690 Neff Rd. Directions: East of Bend on Neff Road, just past Hamby Road. OLA is the back corner. Directional signs show the way.

COBURG

Armitage Park: This two acre dog park is locate at the entrance to the 57 acre park located 5 miles north of Eugene along the magnificient banks of the McKenzie River. There are designated free parking spots in front of the dog park which sidesteps the daily $3 parking fee of the county park. Tucked underneath lush green trees, the fenced off-leash area offers water, doggie bags, picnic tables and training blinds. Just north of the fenced park are numerous paths that one can enjoy on-leash jaunts down to the banks of the McKenzie.

EUGENE

Amazon Dog Park:  Located along the winding 90 acre Amazon City Park, the dog park is a great place to socialize and let your dog run free. A very friendly, intimate fenced in off-leash area recently offers new improvements that include a better drainage system to keep the mud level down during the wet season and graveled paths. For additional on-leash activities, explore this parks abundant offerings including trails along Amazon creek, woodlands, open prairies and restored wetlands.

Directions: Located on the corner of east 29th and Amazon Parkway. From 6th street downtown Eugene, take Pearl Street south, as it will eventually turn into Amazon Parkway. The dog park will be visible to your left at the corner of 29th, right after the Amazon Bus transfer station. Turn left into the bus station, pulling forward to a small parking area near the dog park entrance.

Alton Baker Dog Park: A beautiful 4 acre fenced off leash area, is nestled in the 400 acre Alton Baker Park located west of Coburg Road along the Willamette River. Easily accessible by crossing from the parking lot by footbridge over the canoe channel, the park offers covered picnic tables, benches, trees, doggie bags and gravel footpaths. There are two doggie watering areas and during those rainy winter days, the covered areas offer added comfort. A pasture rotation system is in place which periodically closes off half of the off leash area to allow the grass to regenerate. For extended on-leash adventures, take advantage of the miles of trails and paved pathways along the Willamette River or canoe canal, passing by a large pond through natural wooded areas.

Directions: Located South of Autzen Stadium along the Leo Harris Parkway, the dog park can easily be reached by following the signs to the stadium. From Coburg Road, go north over the Ferry Street Bridge and stay in the right lane. Take a right on Martin Luther King Blvd (Centennial) following the signs to Autzen Stadium. Take a right on Leo Harris Parkway before you reach the stadium. Directly across from the stadium, look for a large gravel parking lot on your right; the dog park is visible from the street. From the parking lot, follow the sidewalk, across the footbridge to the dog park entrance.

Wayne Morse Ranch: Atop a wooded oak hillside, the 27-acre park boasts? acres fenced off-leash exercise area. A very picturesque hillside, the park includes well-maintained paths, benches and a covered area. There is a dog wash/water station with doggie pools for additional cooling off during those warm summer days. The size of this park allows for grass rejuvenation keeping muddy areas at a minimum. For continued on leash enjoyment, take the gate at the far north side of the park into a densely wooded area along a dirt path.

Wayne Morse Ranch is the only city park on the National Register of Historical Places. Once home to Senator Wayne L. Morse, Oregon’s independent United States Senator (1944-1968) the 1936 historic home and ranch was the working farm of Morse and his family, which they called Edgewood Farm. The park offers a historical home, natural wooded areas and meadow.

Lake Oswego

Luscher Dog Park: Fenced in acres for dogs to run and play off leash. Take Stafford Rd. Exit off 205. Go North for a few miles. It’s at the top of the hill on the right.

MEDFORD

City of Medford Park Dog Park: A 2 acre fenced off leash area for dogs to run and play. Located: Corner of Highland and Barnett just off I5 and adjacent to the pathway which runs thru the city.

PORTLAND

Gaberial Park: Offers a fenced in dog park. Off of 45th in SW Portland.  Located off of Multnomah Blvd.

Brentwood Park: Fenced in Dog Park. Location: SE 62nd Ave. between Flavel St. and Duke St.

East and West Delta Park: A beautiful wooded backdrop for a great grassy fenced in park. Bring water. Location: Both the East and West sides of Delta Park off of I-5. Directions: Take I-5 just before Washington you’ll see the Delta Park Exit. Then look on both sides of Park.

Normandale Park: Huge Fenced in Off-Leash area.

Location: NE 57th and Halsey behind the baseball field. Directions: Just east of I-84 NE 39th exit on Halsey.

This was a snowy winter day at the Amazon Dog Park - but lot's of fun!

Potso Dog Park: Potso dog park is large and well-maintained, with a water station, poop bags, garbage cans, and three sheltered picnic tables for shade. It’s completely fenced and has a barkdusk path around the perimeter perfect for walking. There is a fully fenced-off area for small dogs and well as the large area for the bigger dogs. Park is open weekdays 4:30 to dusk and dawn to dusk on weekends. Location: 7930 SW Hunziker, behind the Coe Manufacturing building. Directions: The park is located behind the Coe Manufacturing building at 7930 SW Hunziker. From Highway 217 SB, take the 72nd Avenue exit and make a right turn onto 72nd. Make the first left onto SW Hunziker. After a 1/4 mile, turn left onto Wall Street. The park is located on the right. Parking is ample but park in spots with painted paw prints on them.

Summer Lake Dog Park: Fenced in area with large trees for shade, benches for owners, fresh water available, and cleanup supplies for the dogs. Location: Off of Winter Lake St. adjacent to Summer Lake Park. Directions: It is in the neighborhood north of Walnut and South of Scholls Ferry. There are signs for the park on those main streets.