Head out in any direction for a Bend summer day and you’re likely to see a few pooches with their heads out the car window, ears blowing in the wind, along for whatever adventure their humans are embarking on. Many of Bend’s dogs have mastered the arts of balancing all four legs on paddleboards, riding in the backpacks of bikers, or accompanying their human diners al fresco. But the classic dog-friendly activity remains a summer hike, and this is an area where Central Oregon really delivers, offering miles of high desert trails, shaded forest paths, scenic waterfall hikes and alpine lakes for a mid-walk cooldown. From quick after-work loops to scenic half-day escapes, these four dog-friendly hikes near Bend capture the range of what makes the region such a paradise for people and their pups.
Shevlin Park
Just minutes from downtown, Bend’s 981-acre Shevlin Park provides shade, water and plenty of trail options to suit different dogs.
From the parking area, follow the Tumalo Creek Trail upstream along the water, and find plenty of spots for dogs to dip in the creek to chill or get a drink. At the southern end of the park, either continue on to connect to Deschutes National Forest trails, take a left and cross the bridge to loop back on the hilly Shevlin Loop Trail, or take a right to return on the paved Fremont Road Trail. Better yet, let your dog choose.
Dogs need to stay leashed here, but the sensory payoff is still rich, with plenty of water, wildlife scents and shaded stretches that keep things cool, even in summer.
Rimrock Trail (GoodDog!)
Ask around Bend for the best off-leash hiking for dogs, and you’ll likely hear the same answer again and again: GoodDog!
Head out of Bend on Cascade Lakes Highway just a few miles and then turn left into the parking area for this trail system that caters to dogs, who are welcome off-leash year-round. Head south from the parking area on a network of trails that eventually wind down to the Deschutes River, where dogs can enjoy swimming, fetching and socializing on a hot summer day.
The terrain is classic Central Oregon, with rocky outcrops, a mix of sandy paths and pine forest, and areas with wide-open views. There are lots of ways to loop around this area to create a short or long hike, depending on the day or your dog’s energy level.
Tumalo Falls
Who says dogs can’t appreciate a beautiful view? Tumalo Falls is a popular hiking area that begins with a viewpoint to a 100-foot cascading waterfall, but continues on with hiking trails alongside Tumalo Creek beyond the falls.
From Bend, travel 11.6 miles west of town on Skyliners Road, then veer left and head 2.6 miles west on Forest Road 4603 toward signs for the falls. Dogs must remain on-leash in the parking area, and it’s a good idea to keep them leashed near the busy waterfall viewing area. Leashes are not required while hiking the North Fork Trail beyond the viewpoint, but are useful until the crowd thins out on this popular trail.
Dogs can enjoy splashing around in Tumalo Creek at various stops along the path, which continues for 3.7 miles one way, with more than 1,300 feet of elevation gain and several more waterfall viewings, before connecting to more forest trails.
Todd Lake
For a peek of the Cascade Range in its most serene state, head 24 miles along Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway up to Todd Lake. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks in early summer, this alpine loop delivers big views with relatively little effort. The trail circles the lake for 1.7 miles through meadows that burst with wildflowers in summer.
Dogs must be leashed for their hike from July 15 to September 15, but can otherwise be off-leash, and can always be free when entering or exiting the water for a swim. Expect company on warm weekends, but know there’s a reason this spot is so beloved. Few places capture the essence of a Central Oregon summer quite like this.
Where to Eat After Your Hike
In Bend, the après-hike ritual is just as important as the trail itself. Fortunately, the city’s bustling dining and brewery scene is as dog-friendly as its trails, offering lots of options to enjoy a post-hike refreshment. Try a brewery with outdoor lawns—Crux Fermentation Project, GoodLife Brewing Company and Bend Brewing Company are good options.
Yappy Hour
Visit a dog-friendly food truck pod, such as On Tap and Midtown Yacht Club.
If you’re looking for table service, grab a seat on the back patio at J-Dub in downtown Bend, where dogs can order from a menu of dog-friendly snacks, or enjoy a beefy “Pooch Hooch” dog beer to sip on after a fulfilling Central Oregon summer adventure.
