Dog walking in Woodland

Paradise Point State Park

Paradise Point State Park is a pawfect place for you and your pooch to get back to nature! A popular spot for camping, this 88-acre preserve has miles of trails for you and your buddy to sniff and explore. The two-mile loop trail is well worth a walk -- it weaves through firs, cedars and grassland, and features a lovely view over a waterfall. Your fur ball will need to be leashed, of course, and you’ll need to bring your own water, as well as bags to keep the area clean! There’s also a $10 charge for a day pass.

Ridgefield

Located just eleven miles from Woodland, Ridgefield is home to the truly unique Willows Waters. Make no bones about it -- if your pooch likes swimming as part of their off-leash activities, they’ll love this indoor doggy swimming pool! There are helpful lifeguards on hand in case of trouble, making this an ideal exercise option for older furry friends, or those with mobility issues or joint problems that prevent them from running about. Once your buddy is all tired out, why not continue the aquatic theme by stopping in at Pacific Northwest Best Fish Co.? This local seafood joint serves up a delicious fried halibut, and welcomes doggy diners outside.

NE 149th Street

The Lucky Memorial Dog Park in Brush Prairie is a pawfect place to let your furry friend run free! The off-leash area has a whopping 7.5 acres of space for you pooch to leap about and tire themselves out in, and there’s a separate area for small dogs, so your fur baby can socialize no matter their size. Athletic animals will love the park’s well-maintained agility equipment, and owners will certainly appreciate the fabulous views of Mt. Hood. Bags and water are also provided. Careful, though -- the park’s surface is entirely grass, so you might want to bring a towel in case your buddy gets muddy!

Whipple Creek Regional Park

For dog-friendly hiking, look no further than Whipple Creek Regional Park in Ridgefield! This park is over 300 acres of wooded wonderland, and is only a 15-minute drive away from Woodland. You’ll find scenic trails here to suit every age and ability. The main trail is just under 4.5 miles long, but you’ll find others off the beaten path; just be sure to look up a trail before you go! You’ll need to bring your own bags and water, and watch out for horses -- the park is popular with equestrians during the spring and summer months.

Hazel Dell

Ross Dog Park in Vancouver is a real mutts-visit! The dog park is huge -- there’s a whole 8 acres for your pooch to play in, and both the small and large dog areas are pretty spacious. There’s a walking trail to explore, and plenty of seating for tired owners. Bags and water are provided, but keep in mind that parts of the park don’t get much shade, so be careful in the summer! After your workout, you two can chow down at The Frontier Public House, a furrific gastropub on Hazel Dell Ave that caters to canine customers at outdoor tables.