Cathedral Gorge State Park
Cathedral Gorge State Park began its life as an ancient volcanic region. Over millions of years, the area was repeatedly covered with ash hundreds of feet thick. As the years have gone on, these areas have eroded in such a way that they have created deep gorges that are covered with beautiful and unique patterns.
These gorges are the main attraction at Cathedral Gorge, with several of the hiking trails winding through them. If you are looking to get you and your canine onto these trails, there are five miles to choose from. The less-traveled parts of the park are available via the large, 4-mile loop that winds through the majority of the gorges.
There is also a one-mile trail that connects the loop to the Miller Point overlook that provides a great view of the entire park grounds. If you are looking to get into these paths with your canine, make sure to keep them on a leash at all times. These paths are dog-friendly, and come stocked with doggie stations and refuse bags for anything your canine may leave behind.
Camping is huge in Cathedral Gorge as well. There are 22 sites available, and each of them has a shaded pavilion, fire pit, and hookups for electricity. The shower and bathroom facilities are located directly adjacent to the site. Handicap accessible sites are available upon request and are located specifically in the group areas.
Canines are allowed on campgrounds provided they stay on a six-foot leash or shorter. While no dog area exists, this particular park is very dog-friendly. Canines are welcome within almost every area of the park, except indoor structures. While no dog park exists, there is a small canine "restroom" with a large, grassy, fenced in area and a source of water.
The visitor center at Cathedral Gorge State Park houses a few exhibits outlining the history of the park, as well as a few displays about what sorts of wildlife occupy Cathedral Gorge. You can find it as soon as you enter the park from the southern entrance. However, canines are prohibited from any indoor structures.
