Milo McIver State Park

With a pet-friendly campground, an off-leash pet exercise area, and a wide variety of recreational opportunities on offer, Milo McIver State Park is a grrr-eat destination for dog lovers. Covering 951 acres, this popular park is found in Clackamas County near Estacada, on the banks of the Clackamas River.

Water sports are the park's number-one drawcard, with the river at the heart of much of the park's activity. The scenic (and sometimes hazardous) river can be tackled via raft, canoe, or kayak, offering paddling experiences to suit those out for a relaxed paddle and those seeking something a little more adventurous.

If you enjoy fishing, you can make use of the boat ramp and fishing dock on the Estacada Lake, or target steelhead or chinook on the Clackamas River. If you'd rather stay on dry land you can take a hike, ride your horse, or tackle the 27-hole disc golf course.

When you need to rest, the Milo McIver State Park campground is open from March 15 to October 31 and offers sites to accommodate tents and RVs. Happily, pets are welcome in the campground, provided they're confined to your tent, camper or vehicle, or kept on a leash when exploring the park. As always, you'll also need to clean up after your dog and dispose of their waste whenever necessary.

Day-use parking in Milo McIver State Park is $5, while camping fees vary depending on the type of campsite you choose. Tent sites are $18 a night while an electrical site will set you back $26 a night.

Milo McIver State Park offers something for dog lovers of all ages, and for campers looking for all kinds of different holiday experiences. Best of all, it's only 45 minutes from Portland, so it's easy to get to whenever you want an escape from your everyday life.