BEST SHADED SUMMER HIKE
On the northwest slope of Cooper Mountain near Beaverton, just 30 minutes from Portland, Jenkins Estate (Trail Map) offers 1.6 miles of easy, tree-covered trails to explore with your furry friend. This century-old estate’s flower gardens are open to humans and dogs alike, and the nearly two miles of densely forested trails make this spot ideal to hike any time of the year. The Douglas-fir, madrone, hazel and alder trees keep the trails and your pup cool, even on a hot summer day. (See more Beaverton area dog walking parks)
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 239 feet
Time Commitment: 30-60 minutes
Surface: Dirt/Gravel (.5 miles on paved path)
Restrooms: Yes
Picnic Area: Yes
ADA Accessible: Yes (paved trail only)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Drive Time from Portland: 30 minutes
Pro tip: The trail leads through gardens and natural forests, making it a popular spot for flower lovers. Packed dirt and gravel trails can get muddy during rains.
Brew Spot: The 649, in Aloha, is a fun and welcoming bar that offers several seasonal local beers on tap, as well as a host of other beverages. Rest and relax post-hike with your pup on the patio.
BEST ENDURANCE TRAIL
Spanning from the Tualatin Hills Nature Park, 20 minutes from Portland, to Barrows Park, the 7.6-mile, fully paved Westside Regional Trail (Trail Map) follows along an electrical power utility corridor and connects neighborhoods and communities while providing access to the area’s natural areas. The rolling hills on this hike offer a challenge to hikers, but with the rewarding view of the valley below.
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 450 feet
Time Commitment: 2.5-3.5 hours
Surface: Paved
Restrooms: No
Picnic Area: No
ADA Accessible: Yes (paved trail only)
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Drive Time from Portland: 20 minutes
Pro tip: Taken in chunks or the entire route, this crowd-free option is perfect for a weekday or weekend walk, from sunrise to sunset. The trail can be heavily trafficked by both people and dogs making it a good option for social dogs.
Note: Dogs must be leashed on the Westside Trail. Dogs are not allowed on the trails at Tualatin Hills Nature Park.
Brew Spot: Extend your hike and grab a cold brew at The Growerlie while soaking in the view of Progress Lake or Taplandia, a neighborhood gathering spot. Both are just steps away from the trail’s terminus at Barrows Park. Dogs are welcome on the patio.
BEST WEEKDAY MORNING HIKE
Escape the noise of the city less than 25 minutes from Portland and explore the Hyland Woods Natural Area, located in the middle of a South Beaverton neighborhood. The 30-acre Douglas Fir forested park is a perfect dog-friendly hike complete with a trail that loops around the park.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.85 mile
Elevation Gain: 91 feet
Time Commitment: 30-60 minutes
Surface: Soft surface
Restrooms: No
Picnic Area: No
ADA Accessible: No
Dogs Allowed: Yes (must be on leash)
Drive Time from Portland: 20 minutes
Pro tip: For a peaceful hike, visit when children are in school.
Brew Spots: BinaryBrewing.Co and Breakside Brewing are both solid options for craft brews and delicious food. Dogs are welcome on the outside patios.
BEST ACCESSIBLE TRAIL
Wandering through wetlands, forests and parks, the dog- and family-friendly Fanno Creek Trail takes hikers through various Tualatin Valley cities and neighborhoods: Garden Home, Beaverton and Tigard. This quiet, dog-friendly, mostly flat trail is a recreational greenway made for pedestrian and cycling traffic, and its proximity to Portland makes it easy to spend the morning on the paved trail. Parking is available at Garden Home Recreation Center.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 4.5 miles (out-and-back)
Elevation Gain: n/a
Time Commitment: 90 minutes to 1 hour
Surface: Paved
ADA Accessible: Yes
Dogs Allowed: Yes
Drive Time from Portland: 20 minutes
Pro tip: Best to explore this trail on weekday mornings for a calmer dog experience. Some areas along the trail may be flooded during heavy rains.
Brew Spot: The patio at Cooper Mountain Ale Works is more than dog friendly, it’s “dog preferred,” and the welcoming brewery features UK, Belgian and modern styles of craft beer.
These dog-friendly hikes and breweries are the perfect place for you and your best friend to exercise together and see the natural beauty of Tualatin Valley. Please always remember to keep your furry friend on leash while exploring these outdoor destinations.
Looking for accessible trails? For more outdoor adventures, find us on The Outbound.
