Dog walking in Medical Lake

City Center

Of course no trip to Medical Lake would be complete without a visit to the lake itself. Head over to the City Center and spend some quality time with your furry friend. Dogs must be leashed while visiting the lake. Although they are not allowed on the beach, they can live it up on the surrounding trails. For a lengthier walk, follow the three mile Medical Lake Loop all the way around the lake. If your pup’s tail starts to wag, chances are she’s caught sight of one of the local rabbits, raccoon or squirrels. The Waterfront Park Trail is just under half a mile and also has nice lake views. 

South Medical Lake

South Medical Lake is home to Clear Lake, a 377 acre lake surrounded by cliffs and groves of trees. Head over for a day of forested fun. If you’re four legged companion makes a great fishing buddy, be sure to take advantage of lake’s prime fishing spots. If he’d rather move around, there is plenty of hiking in the area. Sun Cove Resort is on the north end of the lake, and has pet friendly RV sites and campgrounds. This is a puptastic place to stay while you explore the region’s other lakes and ponds. Since deer tend to wander around the Resort, dogs must be leashed at all times

Amber/ East Cheney

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge is 12 miles southeast of Medical Lake in the Cheney area of Amber and East Cheney.  Pack up your pup and head over for a pupperific adventure. Spanning over 18,000 acres, Turnbull is home to creatures such as moose, elk, coyotes and badgers. To avoid any run ins with wildlife, keep your pup leashed at all time. Several trails lead through diverse terrain such as woodlands, wetlands, prairies and forest. Treat your buddy to a walk on the 5.6 miles loop trail leads to Stubblefield Lake. He can commune with nature while getting his daily exercise. 

Nine Mile Falls

Riverside State Park is twenty miles north of Medical Lake in Nine Mile Falls. Your pup won’t want to miss out on this beautiful state park. Since this park attracts horseback riders, rock climbers, hikers and snowmobilers, it’s important to keep your dog on leash at all times. There is no shortage of trails, so your pooch can hike to her heart’s content. Check out the Riverside State Park Loop. Clocking in at 3.7 miles, this is perfect for stroll in the woods. Centennial Trail West is a little longer at 5.8 miles. For something shorter, head out on the 2.1 miles Bowl and Pitcher Trail. No doubt your pup will take a long car nap on the way home!

Scribner