Having the nation’s highest number of dog parks per capita at a total of 33 across the city, Portland may just be the best city to live in for dog lovers who love to spend a little bit of quality time outdoors with their four-legged pals. In the following list, we are going to show you some of the best places to spend time with your canine companion.
Whether you love playing fetch with frisbees, make new friends, or just want to go on a leisurely stroll, there is a place for you. These parks are among the favorites of locals and have been carefully vetted and hand-selected by dog lovers, so what are you waiting for? Grab your pooch and check them out today!
The Fields Park
Located along the banks of the Willamette River, the Fields Park is a great place to hang out and relax in the heart of Portland. The 3.5-acre park, formerly a railyard site, has an approximately 8,000 square foot off-leash area for your pets to run around in and get some fresh air. With a view of the river and bridge and surrounded by the urban cityscape, it is a popular hangout for pet owners and many others who want a place to stretch their legs and relax.
Even at night, the park remains very well-lit, so if you are working late and can’t take your dog out until afterward, this could be a great place for you to come after work. If you are concerned about having to keep an eye on your dog, then don’t worry because the off-leash area is fenced off to ensure they remain close by. You can find the park at 1099 NW Overton St., and it is a fantastic place to play or have a picnic with your furry pal.
Sellwood Riverfront Park
With 1.5-acres of off-leash area for you and your pet to enjoy, Sellwood Riverfront Park is a perfect spot to escape the summer heat and stretch your legs. If you are happy to let your dog splash around, walking along the river makes for a serene way to spend an afternoon in the fresh air; however, it is also a great place for you and your friends to enjoy a swim as well! For those interested, there is also a boat dock if you want to take sail along the river and enjoy the wind rushing past you.
If swimming is not really your thing, there are wide areas along the riverbank for you and your dog to run around and play catch in. The park also has paved and unpaved walking trails if going on a leisurely stroll with views of the river sounds appealing to you as well as dedicated picnic areas for a day out with friends or family. You can find the park at 1221 SE Oaks Park Way in central Portland along the Willamette River.
Chimney Park
Formerly the site of the city’s incinerator, Chimney Park is now an approximately 17-acre park that includes a fully fenced, off-leash area for your dogs to play in. The fully fenced enclosure for your pets means owners can enjoy the walking trails that are fully shaded by trees all around the park without having to always keep an eye on their dogs.
As a favorite spot among the locals, visiting the park is a great opportunity for you to meet other dog lovers as your pets get to know each other and play together in the enclosure, making this a perfect spot for those who love meeting new people. The park is located at 9360 N Columbia Blvd., in the northwest corner of the city along the Columbia River, so if the parks in central Portland are a bit inconvenient for you and you happen to be on the north side of the city, consider checking it out!
Sandy River Delta
At 1,500-acres wide, Sandy River Delta is one of the best and biggest parks you could take your pets to. Entry to the park costs $5.00 per vehicle per day (don’t forget to place your pass on a visible spot once you have parked!), but just remember to keep your dog on a leash while walking through the parking lot and anywhere within 100 ft of the Confluence Trail. Otherwise, the park features a massive off-leash area for dogs, multiple walking trails for people who love taking a stroll, mountain bike trails, and even areas for horseback riding!
On the north side of the powerlines, waterfowl hunting is legal, and anglers are welcome to fish in the river and streams around the Sandy River Delta. With how popular this park is, make sure to arrive early to secure a parking spot since they can fill up quickly, especially on the weekends. The park is a little further away than the other options listed above, located at Thousand Acres Rd., but it is well worth the drive for a day outdoors.
Happy Valley Dog Park
Although a smaller park by all standards, especially compared to some of the parks on this list, this neighborhood park is nonetheless a great place to visit if you live in the area. Located at 13770 Southeast Ridgecrest Rd., this park features three different dog pens – one for small dogs, another for larger canines, and a mixed pen – making this a perfect spot for owners who would prefer their dogs not to mingle with others that might be a lot bigger! Additionally, you will find drinking fountains for yourself and your pups as well as walking trails outside of the pens to take them on a walk (on-leash).
The sheer amount of off-leash dog parks in Portland means no matter what part of the city you live in, there will be one not too far away from you. If you enjoy beautiful views, are eager for a chance to meet other dog owners, or are looking to jump into the water with your pal, you just might be in the best city in the United States to be a dog owner!
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