Dog Friendly Central Oregon-Bend & Beyond
Paulina Lake, Oregon
If dog-friendly pine forests, alpine lakes, lazy rivers, and wide-open trails sound like a great way to spend the summer, then Bend and La Pine, in central Oregon, should be at the top of your adventure list! Luna & Linus loved hiking, swimming in rivers and lakes, and exploring new landscapes. Here are a few of our favorite dog-friendly spots in Central Oregon:
Paulina Lake Tucked inside a collapsed caldera—much like its bigger, more famous sibling, Crater Lake—Paulina Lake is a shimmering gem. Its crystal-clear waters stay refreshingly cool, making it an ideal summer escape for dogs and humans. We brought our paddle boards and also rented a pontoon boat from Paulina Lake Lodge, giving Luna and Linus plenty of opportunities for some cold plunges. For safety, be sure to pack a dog life vest—even for pups who are strong swimmers.
For hiking, the Paulina Lakeshore Loop Trail is a 7.5-mile, dog-friendly trail that circles the lake, offering stunning views in every direction. This moderate trail is a great way to see the lake and let your dog cool off at various points along the way.
La Pine State Park-Located along the Upper Deschutes River, La Pine State Park is a peaceful, dog-friendly retreat. With over 14 miles of multi-use trails, it’s a perfect basecamp for forest walks and off-the-beaten-path adventures. We explored several routes during our stay, including the Cougar Woods Loop and Fall River Loop—both quiet, mostly flat, and lightly trafficked. The park also features a pet-friendly campground with RV hookups, tent sites, hot showers, and cozy log cabins—five of which welcome dogs. Here’s a trail map to plan your next adventure!
Little Deschutes River-While staying in La Pine, we launched our paddle boards into the Little Deschutes River, a gentle, less-crowded tributary perfect for a leisurely day on the water. Since Luna and Linus would rather swim than ride, this calm stretch was ideal for an easy float. Predictably, Luna and Linus spent more time dog-paddling alongside us than resting on our boards!
Shevlin Park in Bend, Oregon, is a dog-friendly paradise with miles of forested trails to explore. We hiked the 6-mile loop, winding through towering old-growth pines and crossing Tumalo Creek, where Luna and Linus happily took splash breaks. The park has free parking, restrooms, and picnic areas, making it an easy and comfortable place to spend the day. Best of all, the trails felt peaceful and uncrowded. We only wish we lived closer!
Crater Lake National Park is known for its deep blue water and dramatic caldera views. But like most national parks, access for dogs is limited. That said, there are a handful of dog-friendly trails where leashed pups are welcome:
Lady of the Woods Trail (when free of significant snow)
Godfrey Glen Trail (also snow-dependent)
Annie Spur Trail, which connects PCT hikers to Mazama Village
Grayback Drive, accessible when East Rim Drive is open
The official Pacific Crest Trail (dogs allowed on this section—but not the Rim Trail)
For more information and park maps, see the Crater Lake hiking page.
Central Oregon checked all the boxes—cool rivers and lakes, miles of trails, and nonstop adventure. From Bend to La Pine and beyond, there were so many places for Luna and Linus to roam, sniff, splash, and explore.. If your pups love adventure, Central Oregon is a must on your dog-friendly travel list, and for other dog-friendly spots in Oregon, check out our visit to the Oregon Coast.
Milk Way over central Oregon
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