Maps 
The DogPAC brochure contains a map of dog-friendly forest trails. Pick up the brochure at local pet shops, at Bend Park and Recreation District headquarters, or at kiosks in the off-leash areas. The "
adventure map" is available in local bike and outdoor stores and is a great resource for running and biking trails, as well as XC ski trails. The map is not always accurate about leash regulations.
Your dog's health
Trails can get hot in the summer. Sometimes the heat is tough on paws (Musher's Secret can help protect paws). More common is that dogs overheat, especially if you're running or mountain biking. Keep an eye on your pooch and be sure to provide "cool down" breaks and access to water for drinking/swimming. Check out Meredith's
heatstroke tips.
Your dog's poop
Leaving poop on or alongside trails is inconsiderate and damaging to our cause. Be sure to keep trails poop-free. Dogs often poop near the trailhead, so have a bag handy and keep a close eye on your pooch when he gets out of the car. Please pack out the poop (zip-locs help seal the smell). Alternatively, bury the poop in a cathole. With a
trowel to dig and bark/sticks/rocks for pushing poop into the hole, it's easy! Bet you never thought owning a dog could be this much fun...
Is your dog unfriendly?
We want all dogs to get the exercise they need, especially since exercise can reduce behavior problems (a tired dog is a good dog). However, if your dog is unfriendly (or way too friendly), we encourage you to use areas where you won't encounter other people or dogs. The Deschutes National Forest and BLM lands around Bend have many little-used dirt roads. Get a copy of the "
adventure map" and go explore, but be safe and don't get lost!
The Deschutes National Forest
Leash restrictions are rare on national forest trails, but the Deschutes National Forest has more restrictions on summer trails than all other national forests in Oregon combined. We're working to change that. Currently, dogs are
not allowed off-leash:
- In developed sites, such as parking areas and campgrounds.
- Between May 15 and September 15 on the Deschutes River Trail between Benham Falls and Meadow Camp.
- Between July 15 and September 15 on trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness between South Sister Climbers Trail and Todd Lake.
- Shevlin and the River Trail upstream from Bend to the footbridge above the Southern Crossing are Bend Park and Recreation areas, and dogs are not allowed off-leash on those trails.
- Dogs are allowed off-leash while playing "river fetch" in the national forest, even along restricted trails.
Remember that many Forest Service parking areas require the Northwest Forest Pass or day pass.
Specific trail information below.
Mountain bike trails
Dogs are allowed on most mountain bike trails on the national forest. We ask both dog owners and mountain bikers to be courteous and considerate of other trail users. For safety, avoid busy trails and move off the trail with your dog when a mountain bike approaches.
Good Dog! Trails
An informal and popular location for dog walking. There's a network of trails and dirt roads, and the river is accessible if you walk/run/bike in a ways (to the south). The portion to the east (toward Entrada Lodge) is open and can get hot in the summer; the portion to the west (toward Widgi Creek and Meadow Camp) has more tree cover. There is
cheatgrass along some trails in this area.
Getting there: Drive west on Century Drive. After you pass Entrada Lodge on your left, look for the brown Forest Service recreation fee sign on your right. Take the small turn-off on your left Immediately across the highway from that sign. The Forest Service has bouldered off most of the parking there (we're working on restoring it...).
Deschutes River Trail
The River Trail is great near-town quality hiking -- and it follows the river, so dogs have opportunities to drink and swim. Dogs must be on leash between May 15 and September 15 in the orange hatched area in the map below. Dogs may be off leash when in the water, so you can play "river fetch" at any point on the river trail -- but be aware of logs and rocks below the surface. The leash regulation ends about a quarter mile downstream of the Meadow parking area (about where people climb) .
Getting there:There are multiple access points. To get to
Meadow Camp, take Century Drive out of town and look for the Forest Service (brown with white lettering) sign for Meadow Picnic Area. It's just before Widgi Creek golf course. Take a left and drive the short distance on the dirt road. To get to other areas, take Century Drive out of town. After you pass Seventh Mountain Resort (Inn of the 7th), look for the turn-off on your left (Conklin Road/41 Road). Turn-offs for the various parking areas are signed along Conklin Rd.
Tumalo Falls
Tumalo Falls provides great hiking fairly close to town. The "dogs on leash" sign applies only to the parking lot, but please keep leashes on until you're past the viewpoint for the falls (that short stretch is very popular). Follow the North Fork trail along the creek above the falls.
Getting there: Drive west on Galveston, which turns into Skyliners Road. Take that to the end, veer right, cross the bridge, then follow the dirt road up to the trailhead (close to the falls).
The Badlands
You’ll find a rugged beauty in Oregon’s Badlands, dry and prickly with ancient juniper and volcanic ridges. Fifty miles of trails wind through 29,000 acres, 16 miles east of Bend on Highway 20. You’ll encounter hikers, horseback riders and wildlife in the Badlands, so make sure your dog is in your control at all times. Trails of note include Badlands Rock Trail, Flatiron Rock Trail, and Tumulus Trail.
These are spring, fall and winter trails as summertime brings hot sandy soil that burns our dog's feet.
Three Sisters Wilderness
The Three Sisters Wilderness provides awesome hiking relatively close to Bend. Many of the trails are scenic and with good water access.
Getting there: Take Century Drive out of town until you get to your favorite trail or lake. Unfortunately, many trails are also leash restricted during the peak season (see the DogPAC brochure for a map of restricted trails). Thanks to DogPAC's efforts, the Broken Top Trail up to the tarn (small lake northeast of Broken Top) is now off-leash legal. The Broken Top Trail to Green Lakes remains leash-restricted. Some notes on the Broken Top "Tarn Trail", and check out this
PDF with pics from Broken Top.
- great trail with amazing views
- very rough road (370, then 380) to access the trailhead
- exposed alpine environment, so be prepared for changeable weather
- the Tarn Trail branches to the right of the main trail near a wilderness sign approx. 10 minutes in from the trailhead -- the branch is unmarked, but easy to see if you're looking for it
- there are dry stretches, but in decent snow years there are enough snow patches and streams to keep pooches cool
- the trail can be difficult to follow over snow patches, so best to go with someone who knows the trail
- the end of the trail (the ridge beyond the tarn) has a very steep drop with no barrier, so have your dog on a leash or otherwise under close control at that point
- the signs still say that leashes are required, and not all rangers have "gotten the memo;" if a ranger tells you leashes are required on the Tarn Trail, direct them to Marv (Lang) or Chris (Sabo) for current info.
