As many people know, Josh and I have two wonderful Bernese Mountain Dogs (Oliver and Duncan), and they are our constant companions.  No one hates crying babies in pubic places more than Josh and me, and likewise, we are completely aware that toting our whiny oafs everywhere angers more than a few people.

But a lot of people enjoy the company of dogs … and those people tend to operate some of the best bars, restaurants, hotels, and parks in the area.  For about a year, I’ve been talking about setting up a website focused on traveling with your dogs in the Northwest, but I haven’t gotten around to it.  At the same time, I’ve wanted to incorporate more personal posts into my weblog.  But then I thought – so many people’s “children” are their dogs.  During the recruitment process, candidates want to know all about area schools and activities for their two-legged kids.  Maybe the parents of four-legged kids would like to learn more about what the area has to offer their families.  After all, as my generation is waiting longer and longer to have children, pampered pooches are assuming an ever increasing importance in the family structure.

So to start, here is my list of favorite parks my pups and I like to visit.  I’m starting a “Dogs in the Northwest” category so I’ll add more as I remember or run across them.  I’ve already compiled a great list of restaurants, hotels, shops, and other attractions … but I realized this post would be mega long if I tried to include everything so I’ll break it up a bit. 

If you know of other pooch friendly places in the Northwest, let me know!   As you will see, my experience is mostly limited to the Seattle area, some parts of Central Washington, and Whistler, BC. 

Parks

Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA – Wow.  What can I say about the Marymoor Off-leash Area?  My dogs are darn lucky to have such a magnificent wonderland just down the road.  We typically visit two or three times a week and even journeyed there after dark during the winter months (while Ollie wore his safety light, of course).  Doggies can enjoy everything from river swimming to field running to socializing.  Just watch out for a few aggressive dogs and negligent owners … but they are few and far between. 

We’ve found the times NOT to go are on beautiful weekend days around lunch time.  You can barely find a patch of grass to call your own!  Marymoor is also a great place for potential dog owners to explore the grounds and learn more about dog breeds.  The owners are always happy to tell you all about their babies; it’s like having your own petting zoo!

The Marymoor Dog Park can be a happening singles scene … not that Josh or I would know.  ;-)  I’ve found Friday nights around 7pm is a good time to find some cute, young singles spending time with their pooches. 

This park is supported and kept running by the passionate folks at S.O.D.A.   Check out their site for more info!

Magnuson Park, Seattle, WA – We’ve only visited Magnuson a few times, and it seems like a fine park, although it’s not nearly as large or magical as Marymoor.  Magnuson is where the cool city dogs congregate. :)  The upside is that it borders Lake Washington so daring pups can brave the waves!  I also like it because it has a few barrier gates which ensure your dogs don’t run off into other sections of the park.  Additionally, Magnuson plays host to Bark in the Park, which I’ll talk about in a later post.

Blackbird Island, Leavenworth, WA - I hesitate even telling you about Blackbird Island as I feel it’s one of the Northwest’s most well-kept secrets.  I think this park in cute Leavenworth is Oliver’s favorite place in the whole world: deep, deep snow in the winter and tall grass in the summer.  During the holiday season, we make a special day trip to Leavenworth just so Oliver can stroll the banks of the Wenatchee.  I can’t wait for Duncan to see this place!

I’ll let these pictures of Blackbird Island tell the rest of the story …

Oliver, Blackbird Island, December 2003

 

 

Oliver and his cousin, Joon, Blackbird Island, May 2004

That’s all for now.  More doggy goodness to follow soon!

gretchen