Bend, Oregon is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the Pacific Northwest, and the trails here are very accessible from town. Whether your dog is a seasoned trail companion or the type who mostly wants to wade in the river and sniff everything within a five-foot radius, Bend has a hike that works for them.
We're locals at Sojourn Homes, and we help guests make the most of their Bend trips every season, dogs included. This guide covers some of the best dog-friendly hikes near Bend with information on distances, difficulty, swimming access, parking, leash requirements, and permit rules for each trail. Read it before you go, and your pup will thank you.
A quick note: trail conditions, road openings, and permit availability change seasonally. Always verify current information through the US Forest Service website and Recreation.gov before heading out.
Within the City of Bend
Dogs are required to be on leash in any public area in the city of Bend except in designated off-leash areas. Fines apply for violations, so when in doubt, keep your dog leashed.
Deschutes National Forest
The rules in the national forest are more nuanced. In the Deschutes National Forest, more than 95 percent of trails allow dogs to be off leash in the summer. However, there are specific seasonal restrictions.
Dogs must be on leash between May 15 and September 15 on the Deschutes River Trail between Benham Falls and Meadow Camp, and between July 15 and September 15 on trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness, including Green Lakes, Moraine Lakes, South Sister, Soda Creek, Todd Lake, and Crater Ditch.
One welcome exception: dogs can go off-leash while swimming even on restricted trails in national forest land, so your pup can still get in the water.
Permits
Several popular trailheads near Bend require a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass for parking. A $5 day pass is an alternative at most fee sites. For trails that enter designated wilderness areas, additional permits apply. A Central Cascades Wilderness Permit is required between June 15 and October 15 for both day use and overnight visitors on trails including Green Lakes. Permits can be reserved at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Day use permits cost $1.00 each and overnight permits are $6.00. Day use permits are available on a rolling 10- and 2-day basis: 40% of the permits are released 10 days in advance and the other 60% are released two days out. Permits are not available at trailheads, so plan ahead.
Distance: Up to 12 miles (choose your own length) · Difficulty: Easy · Dogs: On leash required within City limits · Permits: None required · Parking: Free
The Deschutes River Trail is the go-to dog walk in Bend, and for good reason. It runs along the river through the heart of the city, connecting parks and neighborhoods along one of the most beautiful stretches of urban trail in Oregon. The terrain is mostly flat and river access is plentiful.
Starting at Riverbend Park gives you immediate water access for your dog to wade and swim in the designated off-leash, fenced swimming area adjacent to the dog park. Then head out on the trail, which is wide and well-maintained, and you can make it as short or as long as your pup's energy allows. Early mornings here are particularly lovely, with far fewer people than you'll encounter later in the day.
Parking note: Riverbend Park fills up fast on summer weekends. Aim to arrive before 9AM to beat the crowds.
Staying nearby: Millpointe Modern, Columbia House, Mill Quarter, and Delaware House are all within walking or biking distance of Riverbend Park.
Distance: Approximately 3.5 miles · Difficulty: Moderate · Dogs: Off-leash allowed Permits: None required · Parking: Free
The name says it all! Known locally as Good Dog!, this trail in the Deschutes National Forest west of Bend is a favorite among dog owners for a reason. The route winds through ponderosa pine forest and open meadows with a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere that suits dogs and their people equally well. Make your way down to the Deschutes River, where your pup can take a swim before you head back to the car.
The trail has lots of shade, which keeps things comfortable even on warmer days, and the meadow sections are particularly beautiful in early summer.
Parking Note: Follow signs for Rimrock Trail off of Century Drive, a little over a mile beyond Tetherow Resort.
Nearby vacation rentals: Milepost Manor, Mt Bachelor Retreat, and Atomic Ranch
Distance: 0.5 miles to upper falls / up to 7 miles for the full loop · Difficulty: Easy to upper falls; moderate to strenuous beyond · Dogs: On leash required · Permits: Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or $5 day pass required
Tumalo Falls is one of the most popular hikes near Bend, and leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. The short walk to the upper viewpoint suits dogs of all ages and fitness levels, and the 97-foot waterfall is a genuine payoff for even a modest effort. Views from the parking area are already impressive, so families with dogs who aren't up for much hiking can still enjoy the scenery.
For dogs with more energy, the trail continues upward past the falls and into the forest, with additional cascades and creek views and access points along the way.
Parking note: The trailhead fills up very fast on summer weekends. Aim for an early start to avoid a longer trek from the overflow parking area.
Distance: 1.7 miles out and back to the falls · Difficulty: Easy · Dogs: On leash May 15 through September 15; leashed at trailhead year-round · Permits: Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or $5 day pass required
Benham Falls is located about 15 miles south of Bend via Highway 97, and the round-trip hike from the Benham Falls East Day Use Area takes about 0.7 miles one way to the waterfall via the Deschutes River Trail. It's one of the easier hikes on this list and one of the most scenic, following the Deschutes River through old-growth ponderosa pines past ancient lava flows to a powerful series of cascades that earned their name.
The trail is flat, wide, and comfortable for dogs of all ages. There are spots along the route where dogs can access the river for a drink or a wade, and the shade from the pines makes this a reasonable option even on warmer days. Try a visit during the spring months when the melted snow causes the falls to be at their highest.
Parking note: Plan to arrive by 9AM to secure a spot on summer weekends.
A quick trip from: Tallpine Tuckaway
Distance: Up to 6 miles of trails · Difficulty: Easy to moderate · Dogs: On leash (City of Bend park) · Permits: None; free to access
Shevlin Park is Bend's beloved neighborhood wilderness, and it consistently tops local lists of favorite places to walk dogs. The nearly 1,000-acre natural area along Tumalo Creek has a trail network winding through old-growth ponderosa pines, with creek access at multiple points for dogs to splash and cool off.
The forested shade keeps temperatures manageable during summer, and the relatively gentle terrain works for dogs of all fitness levels. It's free to access and close to the city, which makes it a reliable option any time of day.
Parking note: The parking lot fills up on busy summer days. Arriving early, as always, is recommended.
Close to Shevlin Park: Treetop Cottage, Atomic Ranch, and Baltimore Bungalow.
Distance: 1.7 mile loop · Difficulty: Easy · Dogs: On leash July 15 through September 15; may be off-leash while swimming · Permits: Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful Pass or $5 day pass required for parking
Todd Lake Loop Trail does not require a wilderness permit (making it ideal for a spontaneous outing), is a manageable length for most dogs, and the views of Mount Bachelor and Broken Top are incredible. After your romp around Todd Lake, continue down the Cascade Lakes Highway for lunch at Elk Lake Resort before heading back to town.
Accessibility note: The Cascade Lakes Highway opens when snow clears, typically in late May or early June depending on the year, and typically closes in November.
Distance: 9.5 miles roundtrip · Difficulty: Moderate · Dogs: On leash July 15 through September 15; off-leash allowed while swimming · Permits: Central Cascades Wilderness Permit (reserved via Recreation.gov) required June 15 through October 15; Northwest Forest Pass or $5 day pass required for parking
Green Lakes is one of the most celebrated hikes in Central Oregon, and it's a trail worth the permit effort for dogs and owners who are up for a bigger day. The route follows Fall Creek through a volcanic landscape before opening into the Green Lakes basin, a chain of alpine lakes below South Sister and Broken Top that ranks among the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific Northwest.
The trail covers 9.5 miles round trip and is not particularly difficult despite the scenery it delivers. Lingering snow in the forest is typical until early July and the lakes can be frozen over until late June. Mosquitoes can be heavy in July and sometimes early August.
Permits are essential here. Day use permits are available on a rolling 10- and 2-day basis through Recreation.gov. Permits are not available at the trailhead.
Best base camp for an early start: Milepost Manor, Mt Bachelor Retreat, and Atomic Ranch
Distance: Open play area · Dogs: Off-leash allowed in designated fenced area · Permits: None; free to access
Not a trail in the traditional sense, but Pine Nursery earns a spot on this list because it's one of the best off-leash areas in Bend. The Pine Nursery Park Bob Wenger Memorial Off-Leash Area covers 18.8 acres and is fenced with a seasonal spray feature and a small dog area.
After several days of on-leash hiking, your dog will love the chance to stretch their legs and socialize. The park also has pickleball courts, a fishing pond, running trails, and a playground, so it’s a worthwhile stop for the whole family.
The Still House is just 4 minutes from Pine Nursery Park, making it the most convenient property in our family of homes for easy access to off-leash play.
Staying in a vacation rental with a fenced yard and room for your dog to decompress after a day of adventures is essential. Most of our Sojourn Homes properties welcome well-behaved dogs. Here are a few of our favorites:
Baltimore Bungalow — Mostly fenced yard, walkable Westside location close to Good Life Brewing and the Galveston Corridor.
Atomic Ranch — Nearly half-acre private yard on Bend's Westside, steps from the Haul Road Trail. Plenty of outdoor space for active dogs.
Delaware House — Fully fenced, grassy yard and a 5-10 minute walk from Downtown Bend, Old Mill District and the Box Factory.
Tallpine Tuckaway — Two acres just 10 minutes from downtown Bend with a large grass area and mostly fenced yard. The neighborhood is also very quiet and walkable!
Pet policies, weight limits, and fees vary by property. Check individual listing pages or send us a message and we'll help match you with the right fit.
Browse All of Our Bend Vacation Rentals
Bring more water than you think you need for your dog, especially on exposed trails like Green Lakes on a warm afternoon. Carry waste bags on every outing and pack them out. Know the leash rules for each trail before you arrive, as they vary significantly depending on whether you're on city or national forest land. And check current road and trail conditions before heading out to the Cascade Lakes Highway, which opens in late spring and closes in the late fall, depending on weather and snow.
The trails around Bend reward early risers. Popular spots like Tumalo Falls and Riverbend Park are noticeably more pleasant before 9AM on summer weekends, and your dog will have a better time with fewer people and dogs around.
See you on the trail. 🐾
