Trails, Lodging, and the Gear We Don’t Leave Home Without
The quest to cover Oregon on four legs continues, with the final segment of “Oregon Dogs Days taking us deep into Mt. Hood Territory and the McKenzie River Valley.
MT. HOOD TERRITORY
OREGON CITY: Kayak with your dog to on the Willamette River to Willamette Falls – the second largest waterfall, by volume, in the United States. Or, trek 8 miles of trails that wind through Mary S. Young State Recreation Area. Or, take the Clackamas River Walk on 7.5 miles of water views and flat paths to the town of Gladstone and back. Lots to do! Get the details here.
Read more about Oregon City in “Against the Tide.”
Nearby Pet-Friendly Lodging: Best Western Rivershore Hotel
Gear of Choice: Pip’s not a great retriever, considering he’s a golden retriever, but we do like the compact, junior ball launcher from Chuckit Fetch Games. Small sized for traveling, slobber-free handle, launches the ball a long, long way.
SALMON RIVER TRAIL: Welcome to the land of the elves, where moss grows on towering trees, sunlight filters down from the heavens and the river races past you to unseen destinations. This five-mile round trip trail takes you along the river’s edge and through a magnificent old-growth forest. Get the details – plus info on Little Zigzag Falls and Trillium Lake.
Nearby Pet-Friendly Lodging: Mt. Hood Vacations Rentals
Gear of Choice: Bark ‘n Boots from Ruff Wear protect your dogs feet from snow and ice when your exploring winter trails.
TIMBERLINE NATURE HIKE: Join a Forest Service Ranger and the 150-pound mascot of Timberline Lodge — the St. Bernard Bruno – for a 1-2 mile nature walk. And introducing Heidi, the new puppy at Timberline, who will accompany you, skidding and sliding her gangly 80+ pound self through the snow. It’s a delightful and enriching experience for kids and adults.
Nearby Pet-Friendly Lodging: Mt. Hood Vacations Rentals
Gear of Choice: Musher’s Secret is a dense, barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog's paws. Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, it provides tenacious protection even in the most extreme conditions.
McKENZIE RIVER VALLEY
KING-CASTLE TRAIL: A creek runs from top to bottom of this hike, so dogs have several opportunities to splash about and sate their thirst. Then it’s onward and upward (11 miles one way) to the summit. If you’ve got the time and the spunk, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the McKenzie River Valley.
Nearby Pet-Friendly Lodging: McKenzie Riverside Cottages; Holiday Farm Resort
Gear of Choice: Ruff Wear’s Approach Pack is a great everyday pack with excellent performance, fit, and functionality. Use it to offset your load, or for training and exercise.
LUCKY BOY MINE TRAIL: Hike or bike any or all of the 27 miles of this trail in Blue River, which follows a gorgeous creek past a hidden gold mine with a cooling-off spot called the “Cliff of Insanity.”
Nearby Pet-Friendly Lodging: McKenzie River Mountain Resort
Gear of Choice: Night falls early in the mountains. When Pip and I travel, I always clip a Ruff Wear beacon to his collar, so I can easily spot him when the sun goes down. The red light illuminates in short flashes, long flashes or a steady beam.
Read "Pip's Oregon Adventures, Part 1."
Read "Pip's Oregon Adventures, Part 2.”
TRAVEL & RECREATION RESOURCES
Mt. Hood Territory
McKenzie River Valley
