Activities For Dogs In Olympic National Park
Introduction
Found in the state of Washington, the Olympic National Park covers 1441 square miles of the state’s Olympic Peninsula. The national park boasts three distinct ecosystems - temperate forests; wildflower meadow and subalpine forest; and the Pacific shore. Because of its fairly unspoiled and wonderful condition, the United Nations has designated the Olympic National Park as both a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. The park’s famed beauty has also made it a top tourist attraction in the country; every year, millions of people visit the park to see the diversity and to get various opportunities at recreation, adventure and exploration. Luckily for visitors who want to bring Fido with them, Olympic National Park is relatively dog-friendly and offers a number of activities that you and your dog can partake in.
Olympic's Trails
National parks are typically a popular tourist attraction for most. However, dog owners normally avoid going to these national parks because of the severe limitations imposed on their four-legged friends. Fortunately, Olympic National Park happens to be one of the dog-friendliest national parks, providing a number of trails where you and your furbaby can do some trekking and exploring. In the park, all pets are welcome in the dirt or paved roads. You can also bring your dogs in the picnic areas and front country campgrounds. Some of the top trails in the park for dog owners are the Peabody Creek Trail, and the July Creek Loop Trail.
Visit the Beaches
The Olympic National Park is composed of different beautiful sights to see. These spots are not limited to just mountains and the wilderness; the park also features some lovely beaches that visitors can see and enjoy. The beach is a great place to visit because of the different recreational activities that can be done here. Plus, your pooch will surely appreciate seeing the new surroundings and playing along the shore. In Olympic National Park, there are a few dog-friendly beaches where you can bring your pooch. Perhaps the most famous one is the Rialto Beach, which lies on the stretch north to Ellen Creek.
Pet-friendly Lodging
After hours of exploring around the dog-friendly spots within Olympic National Park, you can end your day with a stay in one of the multiple pet-friendly accommodations within the area. For those who want to explore the rest of the park, there are some kennels in the Port Angeles area. If you happen to be in the Forks area, some options include Miller Tree Inn and Kalaloch Lodge. In fact, Kalaloch even offers a special “Pampered Pooch Package”, which includes a stay for one night, a homemade doggy treat, pooch toy, waste bags and a set of travel water and food. The prices for these places range from cheap to moderate, depending on the type of room and services you avail.
More Fun Ideas...
Visit Sequim Dog Park
Seeing beautiful nature is one of the appeals of national parks. However, the fun for your pooch shouldn’t stop there. While you’re in the Olympic Peninsula, be sure to check out some of the towns. A fun place where your pooch can freely play is the Sequim Dog Park. Not too far from the national park, this one-acre area is the perfect place to let your dog run free and use up some excess energy.
Check out the Olympic National Forest
Just bordering the national park is the Olympic National Forest, a picturesque area where dogs are welcome in all trails, just as long as they are leashed. If you have seen all there is to see in the park and you have spare time, the forest is worth checking out, especially if you are looking for some amazing hikes.
Conclusion
With an impressive and diverse ecosystem, some of the most picturesque sights and untouched beauty, it comes as no surprise that the Olympic National Park is on top of a lot of people’s “must-see” lists. The best part about coming to the park is that it is also very welcoming of your four-legged companion. Just make sure to follow all the rules and don’t forget to have a grand time with your pooch.