7 of the best WA hikes for dogs, as told by local dog owners

One of the best parts about outdoor adventuring across Washington is the vast collection of canine-friendly hiking trails carved into our federal lands and state parks.

My own dog Harrison and I hit the trails at least once a week and have our own favorites like Mount Pilchuck and Yellow Aster Butte (Northwest Forest Pass required for both) — but we also like to mix things up. 

To get some inspiration, I asked several other hikers for their (and their pups’) favorite Washington hikes. Between mountain peaks, gurgling creeks and beautiful forests, there’s a trail suggestion below for all dogs and hikers, regardless of age and skill level.

As always, be sure to check for trail updates, maintenance reports and potential road closures before you head out. Pack extra water along with your 10 Essentials, only bring pets where they’re allowed, abide by the standard doggy do’s and don’ts, and have a blast out there with your furry friends!

Izzy, 9, mixed breed

Owner: Jon Lawrence (Issaquah)

Trails: Mount Ellinor (Northwest Forest Pass required) and Squak Mountain State Park (Discover Pass required)

Izzy, a very good girl, isn’t a newcomer to amazing outdoor adventures. “One of our favorite, first adventures when we moved to Washington was Mount Ellinor,” Izzy’s owner Jon Lawrence told me. “We had the pleasure of hiking on a less-busy day and got to take our time and see some wildlife (at a safe distance). On this trip we were able to hike, paddleboard and explore the Olympics.” 

Mount Ellinor is a 6.2-mile trek with 3,300 feet of elevation, so it’ll definitely get your heart pumping. That said, the views up top of Lake Cushman are simply stunning. Also, as the southernmost prominence in the Olympic Mountain range, it’ll give you and your pet some epic peak-bagging privileges.

For something a little tamer, Squak Mountain State Park in the Issaquah Alps is another Izzy-approved excursion.

Murphy, 3, English chocolate Lab

Owner: Mikaela Redman (Marysville)

Trails: Heather-Maple Pass Loop (Northwest Forest Pass required) and the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (no pass needed)

The North Cascades area is a hiking mecca for people and pets alike. It’s one of the wildest and most awe-inspiring areas in all of Washington (and, personally, one of my favorite places to explore).

Murphy and his owners Mikaela and Jesse enjoy driving north up Highway 20 to hit the ground running on the wilderness trails surrounding the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. While National Park land is largely off-limits to dogs in areas beyond the parking lot, this stretch of wilderness is an exception, as long as they’re kept on-leash.

It’s tough to narrow it down to a favorite, but nearby Heather-Maple Pass Loop is one that keeps Murphy coming back. That’s especially true in late September and early October when the larches start turning from vibrant green to stunning autumnal gold. Cross over the highway and be sure to traverse Cutthroat Pass (Northwest Forest Pass required) for another stunning larch trek.

Anaiya, 4, German shepherd, Alaskan malamute, Siberian husky and gray wolf mix

Owner: Dawnielle Coleman (West Seattle)

Trails: Coal Creek Falls (no pass required)

Though their names sound decidedly un-dog-friendly, Cougar Mountain and Tiger Mountain are both ideal spots to bring your canine companion. “We love hiking both places because there are tons of trails each place,” Anaiya’s owner Dawnielle told me. “We’ve been both places more times than I can count, and we haven’t hit all of the trails yet. I usually don’t run into too many people on those trails.”

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park near Lake Sammamish has some awesome easy to moderate trails to choose from, including Coal Creek Falls. The 2.5-mile excursion is a nice, rustic journey — and the waterfall payoff near the end isn’t too shabby, either!

Gus, 6, mastiff, pit bull, Great Dane and boxer mix

Owner: Shayna Sellers (North Bend)

Trails: Granite Creek Trail (Discover Pass required)

Among Mount Si, Twin Falls, Rattlesnake Ledge and Mailbox Peak, there is no lack of amazing hiking trails running throughout the Snoqualmie Corridor. That said, the Granite Creek Trail to Granite Lakes just a few miles off Interstate 90 near North Bend shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s certainly a favorite of Gus — named after Augustus McCrae from Western TV miniseries “Lonesome Dove” — and his owner Shayna.

Listen to a soundtrack of flowing creeks and streams during your 4.4-mile ascent up 2,270 feet of elevation before you eventually reaching the lake itself. During the height of summer, is there anything better than soaking in cool alpine water after an arduous haul?

Olli, 4, mini goldendoodle

Owner: Chris Berry (Issaquah)

Trail: Tiger Mountain State Forest (Discover Pass required)

Olli and his owner Chris Berry are another pair of Issaquah Alps admirers. They spend a lot of their time together hitting the trails around the Tiger Mountain State Forest.

There really are no lack of options in this area for all skill levels. The Grand Canyon of Fifteenmile Creek is one of their favorite spots. It’s a quick trip, just 1.5 miles with only 350 feet of elevation.

For a more challenging adventure, they enjoy tackling a traverse that takes them from High Point trailhead to the Nook Trail to Section Line Trail hitting West Tiger Mountain 2 and 3, before returning to the start via the Tiger Mountain Trail. It’s a calf-burner, but a great day outside.

Correction: This story has been updated to correct dog owners Shayna Sellers and Chris Berry’s names.