Are you planning a trip to Washington and wondering if Olympic National Park is dog-friendly? You’re probably excited to bring your dog along on your adventures, so let’s talk about your options in Olympic.
Olympic National Park is a little more dog-friendly than other national parks, but you will still be limited. For the most part, pets must be kept on the paved roads and parking areas at all times. However, there are a few trails in the park where leashed dogs are allowed.
My name is Ash, and I’m a former park ranger. Olympic is such a fun place to visit, and I’m excited to help you plan your upcoming trip to this diverse national park.
Let’s talk about the best places to take your dog in Olympic National Park!
Where Can I Go With My Dog in Olympic?
Dogs are allowed in the following areas:
Campgrounds
Olympic has fifteen frontcountry campgrounds, and these campgrounds all allow dogs. If you want to camp with your dog, please be aware that:
- Pets are required to be on a 6-foot leash at all times
- Dogs cannot make excessive noise
- You must pick up after your dog
- Your dog can’t be left unattended or tied to an object while you’re out exploring the park
Learn more about your camping options here.
Parking Lots
Your dog can be with you in any of the parking lots in Olympic, as well as along any paved or dirt road. Pets must be leashed at all times.
Picnic Areas
Your dog can join you for a picnic in any of the park’s developed picnic areas. This includes the Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette, Rialto Beach, and Hoh Picnic Areas.
Trails
Olympic actually allows your furry friends to accompany you on a handful of trails. These include:
- Peabody Creek Trail – This trail starts from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles and is about five miles round-trip.
- Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek – You can take your leashed pet onto Rialto Beach for about 0.5 miles north to Ellen Creek. Do not cross the creek…this is your turnaround spot if you have a dog with you.
- The beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations – This includes the beaches in the Kalaloch area, such as Ruby Beach, Beach 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, and South Beach.
- Madison Falls Trail – Leashed dogs are welcome on this short, easy trail near Port Angeles.
- Spruce Railroad Trail – This is a paved 11-mile route along Lake Crescent. Leashed dogs are welcome, and this is a popular area for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking.
- July Creek Loop Trail – This trail is beautiful and takes you to a gorgeous picnic area with views and access to the North Shore of Lake Quinault.
Always clean up after your dog so that these areas continue to be dog-friendly!
Dogs are not allowed in the following areas:
Trails
Pets are not allowed on any trails that are not listed in the section above.
You cannot carry your dog in your arms, push him in a stroller, carry a kennel, put her in a backpack, etc. to get around these rules. The rule is simply that no dogs are allowed on any trail in Olympic aside from those named in the section above.
Backcountry trails are also closed to pets. Please do not leave your dogs in a vehicle while you hike.
If you want to do some traditional hiking with your dog, you’ll find some amazing trail options in the nearby Olympic National Forest. This diverse forest service area borders the perimeter of Olympic National Park in just about every direction.
You can find mountain hikes with gorgeous 360-degree views or explore the rainforest in the national forest lands – and all can be enjoyed with your favorite furry friend! The Upper Big Creek Loop Trail, Mount Zion Trail, and the Ranger Hole Trail are all terrific, moderate options.
Public Buildings
Dogs are not allowed in the park’s public buildings, such as visitor centers, museums, restaurants, or gift shops.
Tidal Rocks
The sharp stones, barnacles, and mussels on the tidal rocks in Olympic can cut your dog’s paws, which can lead to an infection, so you’ll want to steer them clear of those areas.
Everywhere Else
If an area isn’t listed in the “Where Dogs Are Allowed” section above, then you should assume that your dog is not permitted.
Why Can’t I Take My Dog Hiking in Olympic?
The most important reason that a national park is established is to preserve and protect the most beautiful places in America. An important part of fulfilling this charge is by keeping the native wildlife safe and healthy and to avoid altering their natural habitat and behaviors.
Pets can transmit diseases to the wildlife in Olympic National Park, which can lead to sickness and death of the animals that live here naturally. And vice versa….your dog can also get sick from the wildlife in the park!
Also, Olympic has bears, and bears don’t like dogs! Bears sometimes follow dogs back to their owners because they see them as prey. For these safety reasons, dogs are limited in where they can go.
Please join with the NPS in their efforts to take better care of these outdoor spaces, including the local wildlife, by following the pet regulations.
Traffic and crowding in Olympic can be terrible.
Did you know that it’s common to sit in traffic for an hour at a time…or more?!
Are you hoping to see the best sights without getting stuck in traffic, circling parking lots, or being surrounded by people?
Stay ahead of the crowds with this Olympic Itinerary. You will see all of the can’t-miss spots, plus get lodging and dining guides, driving directions, and insider tips!
Where Can I Find the Best Kennel Near Olympic?
Olympic National Park has several entrances, which means there are quite a few nearby towns where you can find kennel options.
Sequim — Dungeness Ranch Pet Resort or Country Paws Resort
Port Angeles — Cleo’s Doggie Daycare and Boarding or Angeles Clinic for Animals
Forks — Dr. Pat’s Pet Care
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Hotels In/Near Olympic?
Olympic has some great dog-friendly lodging options, so you can stay right in the park with your pet if you wish! Here are your options within the park:
- Kalaloch Lodge — this a mostly pet-friendly property right on the coast that allows up to two dogs in a cabin. Dogs are not allowed in the Main Lodge or the Seacrest House.
- Lake Quinault Lodge — some boathouse rooms are pet-friendly, but pets are not permitted in the main lodge, fireplace rooms, or lake view rooms.
- Lake Crescent Lodge — pets are allowed in the Roosevelt Cabins and Singer Tavern Cottages only.
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort — book a cabin for a dog-friendly lodging option in this resort.
Find out more about each hotel’s pet policies in advance, and then book your lodging here. As a reminder, campgrounds in Olympic are dog-friendly as well if you’re hoping for more in-park options.
You can find several pet-friendly hotels just outside of Olympic. A few of my favorite options are:
Port Angeles — Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles or Super 8 Port Angeles
Sequim — Econo Lodge Sequim or Red Lion Inn & Suites Sequim
Forks — Miller Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast or Hoh Valley Hideaway or Dew Drop Inn
AirBnB and VRBO also have some options in the nearby communities.
What Happens If I Take My Dog Somewhere He’s Not Allowed in Olympic?
You will receive a citation for no less than $75, but it could be more depending on the infraction.
Park rangers and park volunteers patrol the hiking trails, roads, and viewpoints in Olympic National Park regularly.
What If I Bring My Service Dog to Olympic?
Service dogs that are recognized by the ADA are allowed to accompany their owners throughout the entire park. A service dog must be specifically trained to perform tasks related to the owner’s disability.
Emotional support, therapy, or comfort animals do not qualify as service animals in Olympic National Park and will be required to follow all pet regulations.
Thanks for being here — I absolutely can’t wait for you to explore Olympic National Park with your favorite furry friend!
More Olympic Trip Planning Information
Olympic Itinerary — a detailed hour-by-hour sightseeing schedule.
How to Get to Olympic — the best airports, roads, and ferries in the area.
How Many Days Should I Spend in Olympic? — itinerary ideas.
The Best Time to Visit — what to expect during each month of the year.
Weather, Hours, and Closures — important weather info and common closures.
Where Should I Stay? — the best options in and around the park.
All About Camping — learn about the park’s campgrounds and how to get a site.
10 Things You Can’t Miss on Your First Visit to Olympic — the top spots
The Best Easy Hikes — the perfect trails for kids, wheelchairs, and beginners
Best Things to Do — activities for every adventurer
The Ultimate Olympic Trip Planning Guide — everything you need to know
This post may contain affiliate links. Dirt In My Shoes gets paid a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you purchase from these links. Thanks for your support!
Leave a Reply