Hey, fellow Portland dog lovers! Fall is here, and there’s no better time to get outside with your furry friend. The cooler weather and stunning autumn colors make Portland’s trails absolutely magical this time of year. Whether you and your dog are seasoned hikers or just looking for a beautiful spot to enjoy a walk, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the top 10 dog-friendly fall hikes around Portland. We’ve broken it down so you can easily pick the perfect adventure for you and your pup.
1. Forest Park’s Wildwood Trail
Why We Love It: Forest Park’s 80 miles of leafy paths turn into a fall wonderland. The Wildwood Trail, roughly 30 miles long, offers endless options to hike a mile or make it a day trip. Your dog will love the forest aromas, and there are plenty of spots to stop for water and snacks.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: Choose your own adventure. The long, continuous trail makes it easy to tailor the hike to your dog’s stamina.
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- Leash Required: Yes! Dogs must stay on leash and owners must pack out waste
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- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or weekdays to avoid the crowds.
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- Closures: As of late 2025, a bridge at mile 15.2 is closed; a stepped bypass has been installed. The Maple Trail and the Ridge Trail parking area are also closed, so check Portland Parks updates for detours.
Pro Tip: Pack layers and a snack for your pup. The fall air can be chilly, and there are plenty of logs to sit on while you both refuel.
2. Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Why We Love It: Just minutes from downtown, this 665‑acre forest feels worlds away. In autumn, vine maples set the understory ablaze while firs keep the canopy green.
What You Need to Know:
- Distance: The park has 14 miles of hiking trails plus horse and bike paths and an accessible loop. Create your own loop or enjoy a short stroll.
- Leash Required: Yes. Pets are allowed on trails but must stay on leash; keep them out of the creek to protect native fish
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- Fees and hours: Open 7 am–sunset; the nature center operates 9 am–4 pm. A $10/day parking fee at the main lot began October 2025
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- Best Time to Visit: Mornings are quiet, and the maples glow in low light.
Pro Tip: Bring a camera! The mix of evergreen and deciduous trees makes for some fantastic fall photos.
3. Powell Butte Nature Park
Why We Love It: Sweeping vistas, open meadows and forested paths make this extinct volcano a fall favorite. When the clouds lift, the summit offers panoramic views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: Over nine miles of multi‑use trails with loops from 1–4 miles and an accessible 0.6‑mile paved loop
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- Leash Required: Yes. Dogs must stay on leash and off‑trail
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- Hours: Park gates are open 7 am–8 pm in fall, 7 am–6 pm in winter, 7 am–8 pm in spring, and 7 am–10 pm in summer
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- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon is perfect for catching the golden hour light.
Pro Tip: Head to the summit for the best views of the Cascades and Portland. Keep your pup on leash, wildlife is active in the fall.
4. Mt. Tabor Park
Why We Love It: Hiking on an extinct volcano never gets old. The park’s network of forested trails and stairways leads to crater reservoirs and city vistas. A renovated off‑leash area lets dogs romp after the hike.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: Several loop trails, ranging from 1 to 3 miles.
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- Leash Required: Yes, except in the designated off‑leash area (open 7 am–9 pm)!
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- Park hours: Open 5 am–11:59 pm; vehicle access 5 am–10 pm; no cars on Wednesday
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- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are quieter, perfect for a peaceful walk.
Pro Tip: Bring a ball or frisbee if you plan to use the off-leash area!
5. Latourell Falls Loop Trail
Why We Love It: A short drive into the Columbia River Gorge leads to this 2‑tiered waterfall framed by basalt cliffs. In autumn, bigleaf maples turn gold against the dark rock.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: About 2.5 miles, with some moderate climbs.
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- Leash Required: Yes, and be cautious as some areas can be slippery.
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- Access: No permits are required, but a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway east of Multnomah Falls will be closed from Oct 6 2025 through spring 2026; use I‑84 instead
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- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning to early afternoon when the light hits the waterfall just right.
Pro Tip: Pack a towel for your dog; there’s a good chance they’ll want to splash around in the creek!
6. MacLeay Park to Pittock Mansion
Why We Love It: This hike combines lush forest, local history and unbeatable city views. Starting in Lower Macleay Park, you’ll wander past Balch Creek, the “Witch’s Castle” (Stone House) and then climb to a grand estate.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: From Lower Macleay Trailhead it’s 0.8 mile to the Stone House and another 2.5‑mile climb to Pittock Mansion, so the round trip is about 5 miles
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- Leash Required: Yes, and it’s a good idea to keep your dog close, especially near the mansion.
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- Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for fewer crowds and beautiful light.
Pro Tip: Bring water and treats for your dog. It’s a steady climb, and they’ll appreciate a snack break.
7. Dog Mountain
Why We Love It: For adventurous pups and humans, Dog Mountain delivers. The trail winds up steep slopes to wildflower meadows and expansive views of the Columbia River Gorge.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: Around 7 miles round trip with over 2,800 ft of elevation.
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- Leash Required: Yes, and make sure your dog is up for the challenge. This one’s tough!
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- Permits: From Apr 26 to Jun 15, 2025, each hiker needs a reservation permit, and there’s a $5 recreation fee. Shuttle passes from Stevenson are available and often the easiest option.
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- Best Time to Visit: Early mornings outside of the spring permit season.
Pro Tip: This trail is popular, so go early. Bring plenty of water and maybe some extra motivation (like their favorite treat) for your dog!
8. Silver Falls State Park
Why We Love It: Called the “crown jewel” of Oregon state parks, Silver Falls dazzles with multiple waterfalls and a dense temperate rainforest. However, not every trail is open to dogs.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: Dogs on leash can explore the Rim Trail and more than 25 miles of other trails
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- Leash Required: Yes, but a fenced dog park is located in the South Falls day‑use area
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- Best Time to Visit: Mid-week, to enjoy the falls without too many other visitors.
Pro Tip: Combine the Rim Trail with a visit to the dog park. Check state park updates for trail closures and bring $5 for parking.
9. Angel’s Rest
Why We Love It: Offering one of the Gorge’s best viewpoints, Angel’s Rest rewards a moderate climb with panoramic vistas of the river, forests and, in autumn, flaming vine maples.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: About 4.8 miles round trip with ~1,500 ft elevation gain.
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- Leash Required: Yes, and be cautious of steep drop-offs near the top.
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- Best Time to Visit: Early morning for the best lighting and to avoid the crowds.
Pro Tip: Pack a camera; this hike is one of the Gorge’s top photo spots in the fall. Wear traction shoes in wet weather.
10. The Oregon Coast Trail at Ecola State Park
Why We Love It: Dramatic sea cliffs, Sitka spruce and the crash of waves make this coastal hike unforgettable. Autumn brings moody skies and fewer tourists.
What You Need to Know:
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- Distance: Ecola encompasses eight miles of the Oregon Coast Trail and the 2.5‑mile Clatsop Loop Trail. The Crescent Beach Trail (2.5 miles) descends to a secluded beach, and the Indian Beach Trail (4.7 miles) was rerouted inland and reopened in 2021
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- Leash Required: Yes, especially near the cliffs.
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- Fees: A $5 day‑use fee is required
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- Best Time to Visit: Anytime! The coast is beautiful year-round, but fall is especially stunning.
Pro Tip: After your hike, take a stroll along the beach. Your dog will love the sand and surf.
Bonus: Sandy River Delta Park (1000 Acre Dog Park)
Looking for a true dog playground? Head east to Sandy River Delta Park, a 1,400‑acre floodplain at the confluence of the Sandy and Columbia Rivers. There’s a 4.4‑mile loop through cottonwoods with minimal elevation gain. Dogs may roam off‑leash, but they must be on‑leash in the parking area and within 100 feet of the Confluence Trail, and a Northwest Forest Pass or $5 day‑use fee is required. The park is open year‑round with seasonal closing hours (closing around 6–8 pm in fall and winter). Bring towels, muddy paws are part of the fun!
After‑Hike Treat: Tin Shed Garden Cafe
Reward yourself and your pup with brunch at Tin Shed Garden Cafe, one of Portland’s most dog‑friendly eateries. Located on NE Alberta, Tin Shed serves a dog dinner of chicken and sweet potatoes and a dessert of bananas, peanut butter and yogurt. Its covered patio welcomes furry guests, and proceeds from dog bandanas benefit animal rescue groups. It’s the perfect place to refuel and bask in post‑hike bliss.
Tips for a Successful Fall Hike with Your Dog
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- Leash Up: Always keep your dog on a leash. It keeps them safe and helps protect the local wildlife.
- Bring Water: Even in cooler weather, your dog needs plenty of water. A portable bowl and extra water are must-haves.
- Check the Weather: Portland’s fall weather can be unpredictable. Dress in layers and pack a waterproof jacket for you and your pup.
- Leave No Trace: Keep our trails beautiful by packing out all waste, including your dog’s.
Let’s Hit the Trails, Portland!
Portland’s fall hikes are some of the best around, and they’re even better when you bring your dog along. Whether you’re up for a challenging climb or just want a peaceful stroll through the woods, there’s a trail on this list that’s perfect for you and your furry friend. So, grab your leash, pack some snacks, and head out to enjoy the best of Portland’s fall scenery with your dog by your side. We’ll see you out there!
