Silver Falls State Park

With a well-earned reputation as one of Oregon's most spectacular state parks, Silver Falls State Park is one to add to your bucket list. Boasting breathtaking waterfalls, myriad recreational opportunities, and a pet-friendly campground, this beautiful park is well worth checking out with your canine pal.

Encompassing 9,200 acres of pristine wilderness, Silver Falls is Oregon's largest state park. Found in the foothills of Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, less than an hour east of Salem, it draws admiring visitors all year round.

As its name suggests, this park's most-loved feature is its waterfalls. Best experienced on the appropriately-named Trail of Ten Falls, a famous hiking trail that winds its way through dense forest, these waterfalls will have you reaching for your camera at every opportunity.

The star of the show is the famous South Falls, and the trail even lets you walk behind this amazing 177-foot cascade of water. The trail leads you along a rocky canyon and eventually descends to a pretty creek. Unfortunately, no pets are allowed on the Canyon Trail. But the good news is that pets on-leash are allowed on all other trails.

Throughout the rest of the park, you'll find 35 miles of backcountry trails to explore, as well as barbecues, picnic shelters, a playground, and even an off-leash exercise area.

If you're staying the night, there are plenty of dog-friendly campsites to choose from. Four of the park's 14 cabins also welcome pets, so you can stay in a little extra comfort if that's what you'd prefer.

As always, make sure you stick to all posted rules about where you can and can't take your dog. Make sure your pet is on a leash of six feet or shorter at all times, and that you clean up after your furry friend whenever required. 

If you can manage these simple responsibilities, you and your dog will have a truly grrr-eat time in one of Oregon's favorite state parks!