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Top 5 Dog Friendly Hikes: Washington State Edition

Updated: Nov 8, 2022



The Pacific Northwest is a hard place to beat when it comes to outdoor adventures! We've been fortunate enough to live here for the last four years and are always exploring new hikes, particularly in Washington State. Sometimes it's hard to find dog-friendly locations, but luckily Apache and Delta are avid trail finders and provided us with awesome experiences to share with you all. We highly recommend that you and your four-legged friends check these out.


Let's get into it!


For you, by @camphusky


Lace up your hiking boots, buckle your dog's harness, attach the leash, and stash some treats! We're about to arm you with ideas that will make your pup an exceptionally happy camper.


But wait, before we get too far let me detail what we bring with us on our hikes to keep us all ready for any situation.


In our Ruck (GORUCK Rucker 4.0) for Apache & Delta:

  • Water source (we use a Hydro Flask to keep water cold)

  • Water bowls (we use collapsible bowls by Wolf Republic)

  • Medical kit

  • Treats

  • Dog food (a small portion for longer duration hikes)

  • Extra waste bags

Plus


The Ten Essentials for Hiking:

  1. Navigation (we use All Trails & keep a Garmin inReach Mini on us for emergencies)

  2. Headlamps (with extra batteries)

  3. Sun protection (sunglasses, sun screen, hats, etc.)

  4. First aid kit (for humans this time)

  5. Knife (or multi-tool)

  6. Fire (matches and a lighter)

  7. Shelter (we bring a poncho)

  8. Food (beyond the minimum snacks and such)

  9. Extra water (you can never have enough)

  10. Clothes (extra layers for changes in temperature)

Now that you're packed and ready to go, let's talk trails. All of the locations we discuss are 100% dog friendly. The list below is also linked to each section for your convenience.


#5: Sequalitchew Creek Trail

(DuPont, WA)


#4: Goose Rock Summit via Cranberry Lake Trail

(Deception Pass State Park, WA)


#3: Dirty Harry's Balcony via Little Balcony

(Snoqualmie Pass, WA)


#2: Bridal Veil Falls and Lunch Rock via Lake Serene Trail

(Stevens Pass, WA)


#1: Mailbox Peak

(Middle Fork Snoqualmie, WA)

 

#5: Sequalitchew Creek Trail

(DuPont, WA)


Rating: Easy

Distance: 3.0 Miles

Elevation Gain: 216 Feet

*Source: AllTrails


Pass Required: None



Sequalitchew Creek Trail is a well-defined and fun trail that is super easy for humans and dogs alike. During the initial part of the trail, you will make your way through overhead tree cover and generally have shade for most of the trek. Once you approach the end of the trail, you'll pass through a tunnel and arrive at a peaceful beach (pictured above). We had a few snacks and Delta and Apache enjoyed taking a dip. Once you are ready to head back, simply take the same route that you took in. Highly recommend for a quick trip.


 

#4: Goose Rock Summit via Cranberry Lake Trail

(Deception Pass State Park, WA)


Rating: Moderate

Distance: 6.1 Miles

Elevation Gain: 800 Feet

*Source: AllTrails


Pass Required: Discover Pass



Deception Pass State Park is super unique and absolutely worth a visit. The route we took handrails the shoreline for the majority of the time then loops you up to the top of Goose Rock before guiding you back towards the way you started. Apache enjoyed taking a quick break at the water near the iconic Deception Pass bridge. This trail will require a bit more effort than our previous recommendation, but it's super manageable and sure to offer a good time.

 

#3: Dirty Harry's Balcony via Little Balcony

(Snoqualmie Pass, WA)


Rating: Moderate

Distance: 4.0 Miles

Elevation Gain: 849 Feet

*Source: AllTrails


Pass Required: Discover Pass



This route on this trail is exceptionally easy to follow as it is nearly straight up the mountain and back down (with a couple switchbacks). Though it has a simple heading, it will still ignite your legs. We had a blast and enjoyed tree cover for shade for a good portion of the adventure. When you get to the top, you are greeted with a phenomenal view of nearby mountains (and seemingly mini cars traveling along the I-90).


 

#2: Bridal Veil Falls and Lunch Rock via Lake Serene Trail

(Stevens Pass, WA)


Rating: Hard

Distance: 7.6 Miles

Elevation Gain: 2,690 Feet

*Source: AllTrails


Pass Required: Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass (Pro Tip: It is free at any National Park entry point for US Military)



If you plan to dedicate a good amount of your day to an adventure, this journey out and back to Lake Serene is a must-do. With water, treat, and photo breaks along the way, this hike took close to six hours (round trip) for us to complete. Along the route, you'll enjoy overhead cover and encounter Bridal Veil Falls -- a super cool waterfall. Continuing along, Lunch Rock provides a top-tier view of Lake Serene and the surrounding mountains. A good challenge and super scenic views are in store for you here.

 

#1: Mailbox Peak

(Middle Fork Snoqualmie, WA)


Rating: Hard

Distance: 10.3 Miles

Elevation Gain: 3,999 Feet

*Source: AllTrails


Pass Required: Discover Pass



Mailbox Peak, where do we start...? Well if you are looking for a challenge, this is it. We took the "new" route up and down (more switchbacks, more distance, more safe). The "old" route is shorter but significantly steeper, and we weren't too comfortable taking Apache straight up or down that grade. Now, back to the adventure! There are lots of trees along the way and a very well-defined trail, that is until you pop out of the wood-line and reach the boulder area. Once there, you'll notice giant rocks that essentially create steps up a couple boulder mountains and lead you to the lone Mailbox. Some days you'll have an awesome view, other days you'll be lucky enough to be greeted by a wall of fog (above, haha!). Overall, it is a tough challenge that will continue to build your bond with those you tackle it with!

 

Now let's roll!


We hope you enjoyed this post! It was super hard to narrow down the countless Washington trails to just a Top 5, but this is our best take at the time. We are looking forward to hearing what some of your favorites are.


Cheers!

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