National Forest · OR

Dogs in Willamette National Forest

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

The Willamette stretches 110 miles along the western Oregon Cascades across more than 1.6 million acres, with eight wilderness areas, waterfalls, and abundant day-hiking where dogs are welcome. Its central location makes it an easy dog-friendly getaway for day-trippers.

Dogs can join you on the forest's many day-hiking and backpacking trails, including waterfall routes and Central Cascades wilderness paths. Leash them at campgrounds and developed sites, and keep them controlled on general trails.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs can join you on the forest's many day-hiking and backpacking trails, including waterfall routes and Central Cascades wilderness paths. Leash them at campgrounds and developed sites, and keep them controlled on general trails.

Seasonal closures

The Central Cascades wilderness areas require a limited-entry permit from June 15 to October 15, which applies whether or not you bring a dog.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forest

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Willamette National Forest?

The Willamette stretches 110 miles along the western Oregon Cascades across more than 1.6 million acres, with eight wilderness areas, waterfalls, and abundant day-hiking where dogs are welcome. Its central location makes it an easy dog-friendly getaway for day-trippers. Dogs can join you on the forest's many day-hiking and backpacking trails, including waterfall routes and Central Cascades wilderness paths. Leash them at campgrounds and developed sites, and keep them controlled on general trails.

What is the leash rule at Willamette National Forest?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Willamette National Forest?

The Central Cascades wilderness areas require a limited-entry permit from June 15 to October 15, which applies whether or not you bring a dog.

Are service animals allowed at Willamette National Forest?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.