Activities For Dogs In Oregon On Rainy Days

If you're a resident that is used to the frequency of rain in Oregon, you may already have a raincoat for your dog. If not, a rainy day is a perfect opportunity to track one down. Look online and order one or call around and see if you can track a raincoat down that will suit your dog in size.

Of course, like any other day, rainy or otherwise, you'll have to stick to dog-friendly trails, but that doesn't mean you can't find one that's better for rainy days. Any trails that take advantage of the old-growth rainforest are best, as you get to see the plants and animals in their naturally wet environment, but many of those trails are dog-free in an effort to best preserve an American rarity - if you haven't noticed, we don't have many of them! We suggest Opal Creek since the extra water will make the river that runs near the trail that much more powerful, as well as the falls. There are also gorgeous rock formations scattered throughout the trail and near the pools that look extra gorgeous when doused with water. Whatever you choose, make sure there aren't any risky spots such as steep cliff faces or inclines that may increase your risk of falling, especially when there's rain involved.

Once you've procured a raincoat for your dog (and you if you need one), check the weather, pack up the rest of your supplies and hit the road. It's probably best to lay the towels down beforehand so you don't have to do so once you and your dog are already wet, but make sure to save at least one for wiping them (and yourself) off. On your hike, make sure to stick to easier paths if possible. Rain can often move ground or make things slick, so you'll want to make sure you're not putting yourself or your dog in greater danger by hiking in slippery conditions or on slick surfaces. Other than that, have fun! If you prepared appropriately, you should stay mostly warm and dry but if you don't, remember to take notes for next time so you can continually improve your efforts to get outside for a hike despite the rain!

There really isn't much to this one. You really just need to show up and go in, but of course, it's always polite to let them know you have a dog. Make sure to towel them off if they get wet in the rain beforehand so they don't try to shake off on the installations and products. The store itself has a lot to offer. There are tons of weird gifts to buy, books, art, and a bunch of other (literal) odds and ends, and that doesn't even count the museum walkthrough itself. There are only three main rooms, so it isn't particularly large, but there's more than enough to oogle and you can even try some freaky dessert treats if you make it through unscathed.

While there are plenty of dog-friendly places to check out, it's best if you do at least SOME planning ahead to make sure you're not stuck blocks and blocks from the nearest dog-friendly shelter or entertainment. Figure out if you plan to drive, hop Lyfts, or just walk with an umbrella, then measure out how far you feel comfortable stretching in terms of total distance and distance in between locations. In terms of bars and restaurants, we recommend the Tin Shed, Roadside Attraction, White Owl Social Club, the Conquistador, and The Knock Back for starters, as they all offer covered spots, but there are plenty more you should be able to find with a little research and few phone calls. We barely even know where to start for pet shops you can stop in at, as there are at least 20 near downtown from Personal Beast to Salty's Pet Supply.

Once you've picked spots that look interesting, go online and pop them all into a mapping website so you can see where they all fall. If they're close enough and you have a good umbrella, tough it out and walk it. Make your paths in between stops as close as possible so you can dodge the rain. If it's particularly hard or cold, feel free to drive as well, which also means you can stretch your options out a bit further. Hint: check out our other weather-based guides such as Oregon's hot days, nice days, and cold days. Many of Portland's dog-friendly spots are universal (except for uncovered outdoor seating areas), so if you need additional locations to check out, don't hesitate to use us for inspiration.

Once you've picked your locations and mapped it out, it's time to grab your dog, your leash and an umbrella and hit the road! You can always change your plans based on the weather but having a plan in place means you'll waste little time and won't likely get stuck trying to figure it out in the elements. Make sure your dog isn't getting too wet or cold and use your small towel or sham actively to keep yourselves dry and comfortable.