3 of Our Favorite Summertime Hikes in Bend with Your Dogs
All of the staff at High Desert loves the outdoors, hiking especially. In the clinic, we are often recommending places to take your dog on walks in local open spaces. Here are our go-to, top 3 favorite spots and the links to Alltrails for details about each location.
GOOD DOG PARK
Good Dog at Rim Rock off Century Drive is Disneyland for dogs. But don’t take our word for it, visit Good Dog to experience what a happy retreat for big dogs and sturdy smaller dogs this park is. With so much to offer, it’s a delight to experience the almost uncontainable excitement of your dog when you pull into the familiar parking lot and the joy of knowing you have the next hour outside with your happy pup. With so much open space, it’s easy to forget you’re in a designed off-leash dog park, which makes it a great escape for all!
With a mix of trails, navigating can feel confusing, but trust that most trails take you to the river
Great place for swimming on the hottest dog days of summer.
For details and a downloadable map, get more information here.
FIRST STREET RAPIDS & DESCHUTES RIVER TRAIL
First Street Rapids Trail begins at 1st Street Rapids, just north of downtown. It follows the trail above Sawyer Park along the canyon above and across from Archie Briggs Canyon Natural Reserve area. This is a wide path with a gradual incline and gorgeous views! It is generally considered an easy hike away from most crowds. Reward your pup with a splash in the river after the hike.
5.9 out and back trail, and lots to offer even for a shorter hike
Exceptional canyon views!
Dogs need to be on leash
For details and a downloadable map, get more information here.
CANAL TRAIL
Try the Canal Trail for a mellow day walking or biking on the 10.8-mile out-and-back gravel trail weaving through the heart of Bend. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 3 h 11 min to complete. This trail is great for running and walking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Dogs but be warned the wagging duck bottoms are tempting to chase.
Flat, paved path
Dogs must be on leash
Learn more about the Canal Trail here.
What are your favorites? Share them!
We’re always on the lookout for new dog-friendly walks to enjoy with our furry friends! If you have a favorite spot, we’d love to hear about it. We’re curating a list for a future post and would be thrilled to include your suggestions.
As autumn approaches and the leaves begin to change, where do you love to hike with your pup? Share your ideas, and we’ll feature them in our upcoming post on the best seasonal hikes with our canine companions.
