By Stacey Wittig
Ready to sniff out a new city with your four-legged traveling companion? Set your sights (and your cold noses) on Portland, Oregon. The Willamette River is the scenic centerpiece with plenty of riverside parks and nearby quirky coffee shops—more than you can shake a stick at.
Portland isn’t just another stop on the dog-friendly map—it’s ranked #5 most dog-friendly city in the USA according to the same USA TODAY study that recently crowned Flagstaff #1.
Begin your Portland adventure in the Pearl District, where old warehouses have been transformed into art galleries, indie boutiques, and patios packed with locals and their pups. You and your furry friend can strut your stuff along cobblestone streets, pausing for a pup cup at a sidewalk café.
Here, dog-watching is practically a competitive sport. Expect to see everything from dapper dachshunds in raincoats to golden retrievers sporting bandanas.
When the tummy rumbles hit, sniff out Tin Shed Garden Café on Alberta Street. You’ll find a dog-friendly patio and at least one tasty treat for your four-legged traveling companion on the main menu. The patio is a scene straight out of a dog lover’s daydream with bowls of water, friendly staff, and plenty of new sniffing buddies for your four-legged sidekick. Don’t be surprised if your companion gets more attention than you do: Portland folks know how to treat a visiting pup.
Craving some green time? Forest Park is your urban wilderness fix, boasting more than 5,000 acres of towering evergreens and mossy trails. The Wildwood Trail is a favorite for leash-led adventures where you and your furry explorer can soak up the sights, sounds, and scents of the Pacific Northwest. Pause at a clearing for a snack and take in the view of the city skyline shimmering beyond the treetops.
After a day of adventure, check in at a pet-friendly hotel like the Kimpton RiverPlace, where your four-legged companion is greeted by name and treated to plush beds and gourmet treats. The concierge will even hand you a map of Portland’s best dog-friendly breweries and parks. In this city, every guest gets the VIP (Very Important Pup) treatment.
As dusk settles, leash up for a riverside stroll along the Willamette where city lights twinkle on the water and off-leash green spaces invite a game of fetch.
For dinner, the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub is a must. Here, dogs are welcome inside and out, and the vibe is as laid-back as a golden retriever on a Sunday morning.
Swap stories with fellow travelers, share tips on off-leash parks, and toast to new friends—both two- and four-legged.
Before you head home, make time for a romp at Sellwood Riverfront Park, where the Willamette’s gentle shallows are perfect for a splash or a game of stick-chasing.
As you drive away, your four-legged traveling companion will be happily tuckered out, dreaming of all the sniffs, sights, and snacks that made Portland a pup-tacular destination.
And remember: while Portland may be #5, Flagstaff still holds the top spot for dog-friendly fun. Now that’s something to bark about.
Stacey Wittig is a travel writer based near Flagstaff. Get more tips for taking your dog on the road at UnstoppableStaceyTravel.com.
