In an effort to reflect the values of a large number of its dog-loving residents, the City of Portland takes dog parks seriously, providing 33 off-leash areas for canines to play through its Dog Off-Leash Program.
Although it provides a “Petiquette for Parks” guide to newcomers and attempts to ensure all park users are fully aware of municipal dog regulations, particularly where local parks are concerned, the city acknowledges on its website that “dogs (and their owners!) are among the most active and enthusiastic visitors to Portland’s parks, trails and natural areas.”
The following are Portland’s top five dog parks:
SE Spokane Street and Oaks Parkway
Portland, OR 97202
The Sellwood Riverfront Park includes a 1.5-acre off-leash area among its 7.6 acres. The park is extremely popular for its location along the Willamette River, boat dock, canoe launch, beach area and paved paths. There are also picnic tables at the site. The park is an ideal spot to allow dogs, which are not permitted in city fountains, pools, ponds or lakes, to cool off in the river on hot summer days.
Be sure to bring waste disposal bags and water for your pet, as neither are provided. The park is open from 5 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week, but the parking lot closes at 10 p.m.
2. Mt. Tabor Park
SE 60th Avenue and Salmon Street
Portland, OR, 97215
The nearly 200-acre Mt. Tabor Park offers a 4-acre off-leash area for dogs, one of the city’s largest off-leash dog areas. However, the off-leash area is not completely fenced, so be sure to keep an eye on your dog while he is playing.
The park is home to the annual Doggie Challenge, held in the summer, in which dogs and their humans compete in 5K and 8K runs and walks. The event, which is popular among families and single adults, includes live music, food and beer. Winners receive trophies for their accomplishments.
Other park amenities include a children’s play area, picnic area, basketball court, horseshoe pit, paved and unpaved paths, performing arts stage and amphitheater, public art, tennis and volleyball courts, a wedding site and access to hiking on the mountain.
3. Chimney Park
9360 NÂ Columbia Blvd.
Portland, OR, 97203
This 18.32-acre park includes an entirely fenced in, 5.5-acre off-leash dog area with a walking path. In recent years, the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team and Banfield Pet Hospital contributed a $10,000 grant for improvements, including pet water fountains, to the dog park. Other upgrades include picnic tables, trash cans, wood chips and double-entry gates.
4. Cathedral Park
North Edison Street and Pittsburg Avenue
Portland, OR, 97203
Cathedral Park, located beneath the St. John’s Bridge along the Willamette River, includes a half-acre off-leash dog park among its 23.3 acres. While water is available, dog owners should bring their own waste disposal bags.
The park also features restrooms, a boat ramp and dock, canoe launch, paved paths, picnic tables and stage. It is open from 5 a.m. until midnight every day.
SW Council Crest Drive
Portland, OR 97239
This 43-acre park features a 2-acre off-leash dog area. The park is popular for its sweeping views, a result of Council Crest being the city’s highest point at 1,073 feet above sea level. Bring your own dog waste disposal bags and water, as neither are available at this park.
While the park is open from 5 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week, motor vehicles are only permitted there until 9 p.m. daily. Motor vehicles are prohibited altogether at the park between Nov. 1 and March 31.
Park amenities include paved and unpaved paths, picnic tables, public art, a viewpoint, and a wedding site.
More About Dog-Friendly Portland
Portland is widely known for being a dog-friendly city, with canines accompanying their owners into some food stores and often seen joining them for drinks and appetizers in the outdoor seating sections of local brew pubs, including the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub, coffee shops and cafes.
The city is home to PDXdog.com, a social network for dog lovers that offers information on dog-centric local events, forums for dog lovers, dog-oriented blogs and photos and videos of members and their canine companions.
The Hannah Society and Animal Planet both consider Portland and its suburbs the most dog-friendly metro area in the nation. The organizations cite “ankle-high” drinking fountains for dogs located throughout the city as just one of many reasons for the rating. However, it is the city’s dog parks that seal the deal for Portland’s status as dog-friendliest city on the country.
The City of Portland’s dog-related regulations include a requirement that all dogs be on leashes at all times unless they are in designated off-leash areas. Unleashed dogs are never permitted in city-owned natural areas, playgrounds, gardens or trails. Dogs, unleashed or not, are never permitted on city sports courts, running tracks, sports fields, fountains, lakes, streams or ponds. Dogs are not permitted to chase or harm birds or other wildlife or dig holes, which create tripping hazards.
Owners are required to carry a leash at all times and be in control of their pets at all times, whether dogs are leashed or not. Owners are considered legally liable for any damage or personal injury their dogs may inflict.
Other city dog regulations include the requirement that dog owners collect and dispose of all dog waste, both for aesthetic and health and safety reasons.
2 Point Highlight
The City of Portland takes dog parks seriously, providing 33 off-leash areas for canines to play through its Dog Off-Leash Program.
The park is home to the annual Doggie Challenge, held in the summer, in which dogs and their humans compete in 5 and 8K runs and walks. The event includes live music, food and beer.
