Trails, Treats, and High Desert Freedom
A Dog Lover’s Guide to Bend
Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Spots in Bend
If you travel with your dog, Bend, Oregon might just be paradise. Between the miles of trails, welcoming patios, and plenty of wide-open spaces to explore, it’s a city where dogs are not just tolerated, they’re celebrated.
Bend has something for every type of curious and cuddly canine companion. This is a place where mornings start on the trail, afternoons end in the river, and no one thinks twice when your dog claims the best seat on the patio. Wide-open landscapes, miles of trail, and a culture that genuinely welcomes dogs make Bend a near-perfect destination for traveling with your dog.
When it’s time to settle in for the evening, The Westman Hotel makes sure your dog feels just as welcome as you do.
While the dog-friendly options are countless in Bend, here are a few of our personal favorite recommendations around town.
1. Good Dog Trail
(Off-Leash)
If you ask locals where to take your dog for a true Bend experience, Good Dog
Trail almost always tops the list.
This massive off-leash area includes miles of trails through juniper forest and open high desert landscapes, with plenty of access to the Deschutes River. Dogs with good recall are allowed to roam freely throughout most of the area, making it a favorite for energetic pups who love to run, play, and explore, before cooling off with an afternoon swim.
With multiple trails and loops, this adventure can be as short or as long as your dog prefers. Just make sure to bring lots of water, as there are long stretches without much cover so pups can get warm in the summer months.
2. Smith Rock State Park
(On-Leash)
There are few places in Central Oregon as iconic as Smith Rock State Park.
Towering rock spires rise dramatically above the Crooked River, creating one of the most scenic landscapes in the state.
Dogs are welcome throughout the park, but we recommend The River Trail, which is both a popular and relatively gentle option for visitors with dogs, offering stunning views without the steep climbs found on some of the park’s other loops.
It’s a fantastic place for a scenic morning walk or sunset outing with your four-
legged friends, just make sure to keep your dog on leash whenever visiting here.
3. Phil’s Trail System
(Mixed Use)
Fast, flowing, and full of energy.
Phil’s is a local favorite for a reason. Trail runners, mountain bikers, dogs—it all overlaps here. If your dog has solid recall and isn’t fazed by bikes, it’s a great place to move.
Think of it as a shared playground. Stay aware, and it’s a blast.
4. Deschutes River Trail
(Mostly On-Leash)
For a scenic stroll close to town, the Deschutes River Trail is hard to beat. This beautiful path follows the river through forests, parks, and lava rock landscapes.
Enjoy river views, shady paths, and plenty of spots to pause and take in the vast beauty of Bend.
Perfect for a morning walk or a reset between bigger adventures.
5. Pine Nursery Dog Park
(Off-Leash)
Pure play. Wide open, fully fenced, and always full of energy. If your dog is social, this is the move.
You’ll come for “just a quick stop” and leave an hour later with 200 photos on your phone.
6. Alpenglow Community Park
(Off-Leash Area)
A little more structure, same happy chaos.
Separate areas for big and small dogs, agility features, and plenty of room to run. Clean, well-loved, and easy to drop into.
7. Crux Fermentation Project
Bend is famous for its breweries, and Crux Fermentation Project is one of the most dog friendly places in town. The brewery’s large outdoor lawn and patio area welcomes dogs, making it a perfect spot to relax after a hike or river adventure.
Grab a pint, enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains, and let your dog settle in
beside you.
If you’re in town during the summer, their concert series is worth building a night around.
8. The Bite (Tumalo)
Casual, local, a little bit of everything.
Food trucks, cold drinks, open space, and dogs everywhere. It’s easy, it’s social, and it feels like Bend at its most relaxed.
9. Bend Pet Express
Bend Pet Express is a locally loved pet supply store that specializes in high quality foods, treats, and gear. Many visitors stop here to stock up before heading out to the trails.
Bonus: dog wash stations for when your adventure gets… muddy.
10. Ruffwear
(Bend-Based, Field-Tested Gear)
Built here. Tested here.
We are proud to feature Ruffwear beds, bowls and toys for furry guests. Ruffwear isn’t just a brand you’ll find in Bend—it’s part of the culture. Designed for dogs that actually get after it, their gear is made for trail miles, river swims, and everything in between.
Visit the local store for all kinds of outdoor gear for your adventuring pup. Harnesses that hold up. Leashes that don’t tangle. Boots for hot trails or cold days. It’s all been tested in the same high desert conditions you’re about to explore.
If your dog is logging serious adventure time, this is where you upgrade.
11. Winter Bonus: Wanoga Sno-Park
(On-Leash)
Different season, same energy.
Snow-covered trails, quiet forests, and crisp mountain air. Dogs are welcome (on leash), and the setting feels like a reset button.
Just don’t forget a Sno-Park permit in winter.
Stay at The Westman
After a full day out, you’ll both be ready to land somewhere that feels considered.
At The Westman, nearly every room is dog-friendly—no trade-offs, no “pet rooms,” no side-eye. Your dog gets the VIP treatment (Very Important Pup), with a proper bed, bowls, and a few well-earned extras.
We’re set right in the middle of it all—walkable to downtown, close to the river, and within easy reach of Bend’s best trails. And through partners like Ruffwear, we’re always looking for ways to make sure your dog is just as ready for the day ahead as you are.
Because the best trips aren’t just about where you go—they’re about who you get to bring with you.
Final Thought
Bend makes it easy.
Miles of trail. Water everywhere. Patios that welcome you both without question. It’s a place built for movement, connection, and a little bit of freedom—for you and for them.
And when you’re done chasing the day, we’ll be here—ready to welcome you back in.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
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