| Dog walking - "Woof" is a Four-letter Word |
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And so is “walk.” Betcha your dog knows that one! Grab the leash, the little plastic bags and the tennis ball and get out there! Oregon State Parks has acres and acres to explore and miles and miles of trails to hike with your best buddy.
For dogs whose social life could use a boost, we have some parks with roomy off-lead areas, perfect for sniffing, rolling around and — OK, let’s be honest — getting dirty. Hey, they’re dogs.
Champoeg State Heritage Area
7 miles east of Newberg
Off-lead area is in the Riverside day-use area. The area is easy to find and boundaries are obvious. A four-mile bicycle trail begins near the dog play area, and winds through meadows, along the river and ends at the park’s Butteville General Store. The store has summer hours. Hint: dogs like ice cream too, you know. (But skip the chocolate. Bad for pooches).
1 mile north of Interstate 84 exit 353
A fenced, off-lead area gives your canine pal plenty of space to stretch her legs. "Mutt mitts" available.
4 miles west of Estacada, along the Clackamas River
Four grassy acres for off-lead play, with a parking lot, water and doggie waste bags conveniently located nearby. After your romp, you can walk some or all of the 7 miles of trails that wind through meadows and forested hillsides. Come back for a picnic, and don’t forget the dog biscuits.
Molalla River State Park
Near Canby
This park sits at the confluence of the Willamette, Molalla and Pudding rivers.
It offers plenty of grassy field areas for picnics and games and an off-lead area the size of a football field. “Mutt mitts” on site. The riverside trails are particularly inviting, and really, who doesn’t looooooove a wet dog?
Rooster Rock State Park
In the Columbia River Gorge, 25 miles east of Portland
Your dog will beg to visit the big off-leash area. It’s located next to the marina, so playtime is splash time! Retriever alert!
Silver Falls State Park
26 miles east of Salem
Your children and pets both have a place to play while you get ready for a picnic. The one-acre off-lead area is next to a playground and Picnic Area E. "Mutt mitts" on site.
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