The 15 Best Dog Friendly Backpacking Trails in Washington (2026)
- Aug 8, 2022
- 24 min read
Updated: Aug 26
Backpacking is one of our favorite ways to explore Washington, and whenever we have the option, we almost always choose a trail where we can bring our dog, Oakley, along with us!
Every trail on this list is either a backpacking trip we have personally done, or a hike we have completed and immediately wished we had brought our packs and stayed the night with Oakley.
We have all had those hikes where you finally reach the destination, look around, and think, “Why didn’t we bring the tent?” A few of these trails were exactly that for us.
When Oakley comes backpacking with us, we bring our three-person Big Agnes tent so all three of us have enough room at camp. After all, the dog paw in the Wandering Washingtonian logo is an ode to our favorite adventure girl, Oakley.
For this list, we focused on dog-friendly backpacking trails in Washington with great scenery, worthwhile camping, and plenty to explore once you drop your pack.
Here is our list of the 15 Best Dog Friendly Backpacking Trails in Washington.
Discover our Best PNW Hikes page and see how they stack up among the 150+ incredible hikes we've conquered in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest!
Before You Go: Dog regulations, leash requirements, permits, camping restrictions, trail conditions, fire restrictions, and road access can change. Always check with the appropriate land manager before leaving home. Dogs are also generally prohibited from most trails within Washington's national parks.
How We Chose These Dog-Friendly Backpacking Trails
When we are deciding where to backpack, whether Oakley can come with us is almost always part of the decision.
If we are choosing between two great backpacking trips and one allows dogs, there is a pretty good chance that is the trail we are picking.
Over the years, though, we have also learned that simply allowing dogs doesn't necessarily make a trail a great trail for them.
When putting this list together, we looked for trips that offer a combination of:
Great places to camp
Water along the trail or near camp
Lakes, meadows, ridges, or side trails to explore
Terrain that experienced hiking dogs can reasonably navigate
Enough shade or water to manage warmer weather
A destination that makes carrying the extra dog gear worthwhile
We also pay close attention to heat, snowfields, talus, sharp rocks, creek crossings, elevation gain, and overall mileage.
A trail can technically be dog-friendly and still be a pretty miserable place to bring Oakley on a hot August afternoon. And yes, bringing Oakley means carrying a little more.
Along with our regular backpacking gear, we bring her food, extra water when needed, a bowl, waste bags, dog first-aid supplies, dog rescue sling, and whatever else she might need for the night.
And, of course, the three-person tent! It adds some weight. For us, having Oakley there is almost always worth it.
Mount Baker Dog-Friendly Backpacking Trails
Ptarmigan Ridge
Mount Baker Area | 9+ Miles Roundtrip | 1,800 Feet of Gain
If you want to feel like you are backpacking directly toward Mount Baker, Ptarmigan Ridge is hard to beat.
Starting from Artist Point, you are almost immediately surrounded by huge mountain scenery. Instead of spending several miles hiking through forest before reaching the views, Ptarmigan Ridge puts you into wide-open alpine terrain from the beginning.
Mount Baker dominates the horizon, Mount Shuksan rises behind you, and the trail crosses rocky volcanic terrain, lingering snowfields, wildflowers, and open ridges.
WTA currently lists the route at 9 miles roundtrip with 1,800 feet of elevation gain and dogs allowed on leash. We recorded this hike on our Garmin at 12.8 miles, thanks to all the exploration opportunities!
The biggest consideration when bringing a dog is exposure. There is very little shade along much of this route, and the mountain sun can be surprisingly intense.
We would carry plenty of water for Oakley and avoid doing the most exposed sections during the hottest part of a very warm day.
Why we like it with Oakley: Incredible views almost immediately and endless alpine terrain to explore. Beautiful turquoise lake for Oakley (and us) to take a dip on a hot day! Also, we love how there seems to be a lot of camping spots near the lake!
Watch out for: Heat, exposed terrain, lingering snowfields, and limited shade.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: We highly recommend camping near Goat Lake or at one of the tarns along the way to the stunning turquoise lake. It makes for an incredible overnight spot, and your pup will love cooling off in the refreshing mountain water after a day on the trail.
If you have the energy, definitely head up to the ridge for great views of Mount Baker in the early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. It makes for a great side exploration with even bigger views. We took Oakley up there without any issues, but as always, explore only as far as you and your pup are comfortable. Read all about this hike on our blog post - Hiking Ptarmigan Ridge and Goat Lake - An Underrated Gem in the Mount Baker Wilderness.
Chain Lakes Loop
Mount Baker Area | 6.5 Mile Loop | 1,820 Feet of Gain
If your dog thinks every alpine lake exists specifically for swimming, Chain Lakes Loop is going to be a hit.
This is one of those hikes where the scenery starts almost immediately.
From the Artist Point area, the trail winds through spectacular Mount Baker scenery with views toward Mount Shuksan, alpine meadows, mountain passes, and several beautiful lakes along the way.
At only about 6.5 miles, it also packs an impressive amount of scenery into a relatively short backpacking trip. WTA currently lists dogs as allowed on leash and established campsites along the route.
The tradeoff is popularity!
Why we like it with Oakley: Shorter mileage, several lakes, lots of water, and huge mountain views throughout the trip.
Watch out for: Crowds and limited camping options. Know where camping is permitted before you arrive.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: This is one of the most accessible and scenic hikes around Mount Baker, so campsites can fill quickly on summer weekends. If you can make it a weekday trip, we would definitely recommend it.
If you are heading out on a weekend, try to get there early. We have also had good luck politely asking campers if they are planning to leave that day. That approach helped us find a campsite on all of our backpacking trips here. Just be friendly and patient. We usually hung out by the lake and waited for groups to let us know when they were packing up and heading out.
Park Butte Lookout
Mount Baker Area | Approximately 7.5 Miles Roundtrip | 2,100 Feet of Gain
There is a reason Park Butte Lookout is one of the most popular hikes around Mount Baker. You get beautiful meadows, huge mountain views, and the chance to visit one of Washington's historic fire lookouts.
It works well as a day hike, but we think spending the night makes the area even better.
Once many of the day hikers leave, you can settle in and watch the evening light change across Mount Baker. That is a pretty great way to end a day on the trail!
One thing we would definitely keep in mind when hiking with Oakley is water. And it is important to note, that water is challenging to find if you are staying in the lookout or camping up near the lookout.
On warm summer days, carry more water than you think your dog will need.
Why we like it with Oakley: Mount Baker views, meadows, and plenty of beautiful terrain around camp.
Watch out for: Hot, exposed conditions later in the day. Ensure you bring enough water!
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: We would recommend setting up camp at one of the established sites around Cathedral Camp or along the Railroad Grade, then exploring Park Butte with a lighter pack and your dog! The tarns along the trail may look like the perfect place to pitch a tent, but camping there is not allowed because of the fragile alpine environment. Please be respectful of this policy!
Once camp is set, head up toward the lookout for sunset or early in the morning when the trail is quieter and temperatures are cooler. Read all about this hike on our blog post - Backpacking Guide: Park Butte Lookout Trail
Yellow Aster Butte
Mount Baker Area | Approximately 7.5 Miles Roundtrip | 2,825 Feet of Gain
If we could choose only one season to backpack Yellow Aster Butte, it would probably be fall!
This place is spectacular when the blueberry bushes and surrounding vegetation begin turning red, orange, and yellow.
We originally visited Yellow Aster Butte as a day hike with Oakley and immediately regretted not bringing our backpacking gear! Once we reached the tarns and saw how much terrain there was to explore, we wished we could have stayed.
This is exactly the kind of place where backpacking makes the experience better.
Drop your packs, wander around the surrounding ridges, watch sunset from camp, and wake up already surrounded by the mountains.
Why we like it with Oakley: Tons of room to explore, mountain tarns, and some of the best fall scenery around Mount Baker.
Watch out for: Exposure and limited shade. Bring plenty of water during warm weather. There are a few steeper sections along the trail, but nothing we found too difficult to navigate.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: We would especially recommend backpacking this one in the fall, when the temperatures are cooler for your pup and the crowds start to thin out. The colors were stunning!
When we were there, we also found a few tarns that provided water where people were backpacking. Once you set up camp, don't stop exploring—there are several nearby trails, ridges, and peaks that are absolutely worth wandering out to if you have the energy.
Lake Ann
Mount Baker Area | Approximately 8 Miles Roundtrip | 2,000 Feet of Gain
There are a lot of beautiful views of Mount Shuksan around Mount Baker, but Lake Ann provides one of our favorites.
This trail starts a little differently than most mountain hikes because you begin by heading downhill.
Eventually you have to earn all that elevation back as the trail climbs toward Lake Ann.
As you approach the lake, Mount Shuksan towers above the basin with glaciers, waterfalls, rocky cliffs, and the lake below. It is one of those places that feels even bigger in person than it looks in pictures.
The trail becomes rockier as you get higher, so we would keep your dog's experience level in mind here. Talus and uneven terrain aren't going to be equally comfortable for every dog. Oakley was able to manage just fine.
Why we like it with Oakley: Water, an incredible overnight destination, and one of the most dramatic views of Mount Shuksan in Washington.
Watch out for: Rocky terrain and lingering snow.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: Lake Ann is a great place to take a quick dip with your pup after the hike in. Just make sure to bring a towel... the water is definitely refreshing!
Also keep in mind that Lake Ann can take a while to fully melt out. If you are backpacking before early to mid-July, there may still be significant snow around the lake and along portions of the trail, depending on snow conditions, so check current conditions before heading out.
Mountain Loop Highway & Central Cascades
Melakwa Lake
Snoqualmie Pass | Approximately 9 Miles Roundtrip | 2,775 Feet of Gain
For a backpacking destination relatively close to Seattle, Melakwa Lake feels surprisingly wild.
The trail begins along Denny Creek before steadily climbing into increasingly rugged mountain terrain.
Along the way you pass forest, waterfalls, rocky creek valleys, and eventually Hemlock Pass before dropping into the Melakwa Lake basin. And once you reach the lake, don't stop exploring.
Continue a little farther and you can also visit Upper Melakwa Lake.
We love backpacking destinations like this because reaching camp isn't the end of the adventure.
Drop the big packs and keep wandering.
Why we like it with Oakley: Two lakes to explore, plenty of mountain scenery, and a great overnight option close to Seattle.
Watch out for: Rocky sections and a climb that can get warm during summer.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: We found some of our favorite campsites on the north side of Melakwa Lake, where you can settle in with great access to the water and beautiful views around the basin.
Once camp is set up, definitely take some time to explore Upper Melakwa Lake. It is a short side trip and well worth the extra effort, especially when you can leave the heavy packs behind.
Minotaur Lake
Stevens Pass Area | Approximately 3.5 Miles Roundtrip | 1,900 Feet of Gain
Don’t let the short mileage fool you—Minotaur Lake is steep!
The trail gains nearly 1,900 feet in just a few miles, and much of that climbing happens right away. Once you reach the lake, though, the payoff is a beautiful alpine basin with Minotaur Lake tucked beneath Labyrinth Mountain.
This can be a great overnight adventure with your dog, but we would only recommend it if both you and your pup are comfortable on steep terrain. The climb is sustained, and the ridge above the lake has significant exposure, so this is not the trail we would choose for a dog—or hiker—that is uneasy around steep slopes or drop-offs.
Once you make it to camp, there is plenty to explore around the lake, and the surrounding high country makes the effort feel well worth it.
Why we like it with Oakley: A short but challenging backpack with a beautiful alpine lake and plenty of exploring once you reach camp.
Watch out for: Very steep climbing, exposed terrain near the ridge, and lingering snow earlier in the season.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: Minotaur Lake is another hike we did as a day hike and immediately wished we had brought our packs for the night.
When you first reach the lake, we found some great-looking camping spots by heading to the left along the shoreline. There are also a few spots higher up near the ridge with beautiful views down into the valley, although we would be extra careful up there because of the steep drop-offs.
This is also a fantastic fall hike. The colors around the lake and surrounding slopes can be absolutely beautiful later in the season!
8. Lake Valhalla
Stevens Pass Area | Approximately 6.5 Miles | 1,400 Feet of Gain
Lake Valhalla is popular for good reason.
The trail leads to a beautiful mountain lake with an unusually nice beach, making this one of the better trips on the list for a dog that loves getting in the water.
The manageable mileage also makes it a nice option if you want an overnight adventure without committing to huge distances.
Later in the hiking season, the area becomes especially beautiful as fall colors begin appearing around the lake.
The downside? Everyone else knows it is beautiful too.
Why we like it with Oakley: A great swimming beach, beautiful lake, and approachable mileage.
Watch out for: Crowds on sunny weekends.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: Hike to Lake Valhalla, get camp set up, and then head up toward Mount McCausland for sunset if conditions are good. This is roughly 600 feet and half a mile to reach excellent mountain views.
The views from above the lake are beautiful in the evening, and it is a great way to make the most of an overnight here without carrying your full pack any farther than you need to.
Just make sure to bring a headlamp for the hike back to camp after sunset, and only continue as far as you feel comfortable with the terrain and fading light.
9. West Fork Foss Lakes to Copper or Malachite Lake
Alpine Lakes Wilderness | 8.4 Miles Roundtrip | 2,400 Feet of Gain
The West Fork Foss Lakes Trail is one of those backpacking routes that just keeps getting better the farther you go.
The trail climbs through forest before reaching a string of beautiful alpine lakes, including Trout Lake, Copper Lake, Malachite Lake, and Little Heart Lake (or even Big Heart Lake). Each one feels a little different, and the abundance of water makes this a particularly great option if you are backpacking with a dog that loves to swim.
The initial climb can feel hot and surprisingly strenuous during midsummer, so we would make sure both you and your pup start with plenty of water. Once you reach the upper lakes, though, the scenery really opens up.
This is also a trip where we would build in extra time to explore after setting up camp. There is a lot more to see than just the lake you choose to sleep beside.
Why we like it with Oakley: So many lakes, plenty of places to cool off, and lots of exploring once camp is set up.
Watch out for: The initial climb can get hot in midsummer, and the rocky terrain higher up may be tougher on some dogs.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: We think Copper Lake or Malachite Lake make great places to set up camp. Once you have dropped the heavy packs, spend some time exploring the shoreline and surrounding trails.
If you still have energy, continue farther into the Foss Lakes basin and see how far you feel comfortable going. This is one of those areas where every extra bit of exploring seems to reveal another beautiful lake or viewpoint. We made it as far as Little Heart Lake before turning around do to the dwindling day.
If your pup loves swimming, this may be one of their favorites. There are plenty of opportunities to cool off along the way, which makes those warmer summer climbs a little easier to forgive.
1o. Surprise Lake & Glacier Lake
Central Cascades | 11 Miles Roundtrip | 2,700 Feet Elevation Gain
Surprise Lake and Glacier Lake make a great overnight backpacking combination, especially if you like having a beautiful base camp with more terrain to explore for a 2-day adventure.
We would recommend camping at Surprise Lake, the first lake you reach, and then using it as your base for the night. The shore line as this lake is easier for a dog to navigate. The next morning, leave the heavy packs behind and continue up to Glacier Lake and beyond for a longer day of exploring.
This trail is ROCKY as you climb through the LONG section of forest, so this is one where both you and your pup should be comfortable and sure-footed on uneven terrain. And ready for a long haul to the beautiful lakes!
Why we like it with Oakley: Two beautiful alpine lakes, a great base-camp setup, and plenty of extra exploring once the heavy packs are off.
Watch out for: Rocky, uneven terrain. Make sure both you and your dog are comfortable with footing before continuing higher.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: Set up camp at Surprise Lake, enjoy the evening by the water, and save Glacier Lake and the higher country for day two. Exploring without your overnight packs makes the rocky sections much more enjoyable and gives you the freedom to turn around whenever you or your pup have had enough.
11. Spider Meadow & Phelps Basin
Lake Wenatchee Area | Approximately 11 Miles Roundtrip to Spider Meadow, and 13 miles to Phelps Basin | 1,900 Feet of Gain
Spider Meadow is one of those backpacking trips where the destination feels completely different from the trail getting there.
The hike into the meadow is relatively gentle, passing through forest, small meadows, and several creek crossings before eventually opening into a huge alpine meadow surrounded by mountains. When we backpacked here, we found most of the campsites near the beginning of Spider Meadow, with a few additional sites farther toward Phelps Basin.
The meadow itself is spectacular during wildflower season, and this is a great option if you want a backpacking trip with plenty to explore after camp is set up.
Why we like it with Oakley: A gentler approach than many alpine backpacks, huge wildflower-filled meadows, great campsites, and plenty of exploring once the packs come off. There is a stream near the spider meadow campsites for water.
Watch out for: Rough road access (I thought we were driving on a river bed - crazy!), creek crossings during snowmelt, and fragile meadow vegetation, stick to established campsites and impacted areas.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: We would recommend setting up camp in Spider Meadow, dropping the heavy packs, and then heading toward Phelps Basin as a side adventure. It is about 1.5 miles beyond the beginning of the meadow and gives you even more beautiful mountain scenery.
Keep in mind that there are several creek crossings on the way toward Phelps Basin. When we visited, one crossing was too high for us in the evening, but we were able to cross successfully the following morning when the water level had dropped. If you are hiking with your pup, only cross where you both feel comfortable.
Also, be prepared for the road. The final stretch to the Phelps Creek Trailhead is rough, and we would strongly recommend checking current road conditions before heading out.
Read more about this hike on our Backpacking Guide: Spider Meadows & Phelps Basin
Mount Rainier Area
12. Sheep Lake – Chinook Pass
Chinook Pass | Approximately 3.6 Miles Roundtrip | 600 Feet of Gain
At only about 3.6 miles roundtrip with 600 feet of elevation, Sheep Lake is the shortest backpacking trip on our list.
That makes it a great option if you are introducing your dog, or yourself, to overnight backpacking.
It is also particularly convenient if you are spending time around Mount Rainier.
Dogs are heavily restricted on trails within Mount Rainier National Park, but Sheep Lake sits outside the park boundary, allowing you to enjoy similar Cascade scenery with your pup.
The short mileage also means you can take your time getting to camp.
Why we like it with Oakley: Short, approachable, and a great first overnight backpack.
Watch out for: Campsites filling quickly because of the easy access.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: The best campsites we found seemed to be in the wooded area to the right and back side of Sheep Lake. Once camp is set up, consider hiking up toward Sourdough Gap for sunset. This will add about 2.8 miles roundtrip and 500 feet of elevation. The climb gives you beautiful views back over the lake and surrounding mountains, including Mount Adams, and it is a great little side adventure without the heavy packs. Just make sure to bring a headlamp for the hike back to camp. Note: Dogs are allow to hike up to Sourdough Gap, but they are not allowed to go any further as this would cross into the Mount Rainier National Park boundary.
If you are visiting during wildflower season, we also recommend exploring the dog-friendly portion of the Naches Peak Loop near Chinook Pass before you leave the area. The meadows can be absolutely incredible, but be very careful with the National Park boundary—the trail eventually enters Mount Rainier National Park, where dogs are not allowed. Turn around before crossing into the park and retrace your steps with your pup!
Goat Rocks Wilderness
12. Snowgrass Flats & Goat Lake
Goat Rocks Wilderness | Approximately 12.7 Mile Loop | 2,700 Feet of Gain
This isn't just one of our favorite dog-friendly backpacking trips. It is one of our favorite hiking areas in Washington, period. Check out our best hikes in the PNW for it's ranking!
The route through Snowgrass Flats and Goat Lake takes you into the heart of the Goat Rocks Wilderness, where enormous mountain views rise above meadows, wildflowers, and rugged ridgelines.
This is also one of those places where backpacking really opens up the possibilities.
Set up camp and there are plenty of trails and viewpoints to explore without carrying your full overnight pack.
WTA currently lists dogs on leash for Snowgrass Flat.
Catch this area during peak wildflowers or early fall color and it is especially hard to leave.
Why we like it with Oakley: Incredible mountain scenery, lots of exploring, and a beautiful place to spend more than one night.
Watch out for: Popular camping areas and exposed stretches during hot weather.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: We suggest hiking this loop in a counter-clockwise direction. We chose to spend two nights on this trail, and it was perfect! On the first night, we discovered an excellent camping spot just beyond the left turn once you reach the Bypass Trail. Be sure to explore the area for stunning sunset views of Mount Adams. On the second night, we camped near Goat Lake and found a fantastic campsite with breathtaking views. We highly recommend this trail for you and your furry friend!
13. Nannie Ridge & Sheep Lake
Goat Rocks Wilderness | Approximately 9 Miles Roundtrip | 2,100 Feet of Gain
Nannie Ridge is another great way to experience the Goat Rocks Wilderness with your dog.
Starting near Walupt Lake, the trail gets down to business pretty quickly.
The initial climb makes you earn the ridge, but once you get there, the scenery starts paying you back.
Views open toward Mount Adams and the Goat Rocks, and the trail continues through beautiful high-country terrain toward Sheep Lake. The lake gives you a natural overnight destination.
What we especially like about Nannie Ridge is the opportunity to make the adventure bigger.
The route connects into the broader Goat Rocks trail system, opening possibilities toward the Pacific Crest Trail, Cispus Basin, Snowgrass Flats, and beyond.
Why we like it with Oakley: Ridge walking, Mount Adams views, a lake at camp, and tons of opportunities to explore farther.
Watch out for: The initial climb and exposed high-country terrain.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: The climb up Nannie Ridge is steep right from the start, so we would get an early start,especially on warmer days. We hiked this on a very hot summer day and it was brutal. Once you reach the ridge, take a minute to enjoy the views before continuing on to Sheep Lake.
There are campsites around Sheep Lake, but if those are full, WTA notes that additional sites can be found about a half-mile farther along the Pacific Crest Trail. After setting up camp, we would definitely explore the ridge or continue a little way along the PCT with lighter packs for even more views of the Goat Rocks and Mount Adams.
Also, don't forget to grab the free self-issued wilderness permit near the trailhead before heading in.
Olympic Peninsula
14. Lower Lena Lake
Olympic Peninsula | Approximately 7 Miles Roundtrip | 1,300 Feet Elevation Gain
Lower Lena Lake is one of our favorite options when we are itching to start backpacking earlier in the season. Because of its lower elevation, the trail typically melts out earlier than many of the alpine backpacking trips on this list, making it a great option from late spring into early summer. We typically avoid going on this hike later in the season because there are numerous other choices available. Visit our best hike in the PNW page for a full list.
The trail climbs steadily through classic Olympic Peninsula forest before reaching the lake, where you will find a number of established campsites tucked along the shoreline.
It is a completely different experience from the exposed ridgelines and alpine basins found on many of the other hikes on this list, but that is part of what we like about it. You get giant trees, plenty of shade, and a beautiful lake waiting at the end.
Why we like it with Oakley: Earlier-season backpacking, plenty of shade, lakeside camping, and a great place for a pup to cool off.
Watch out for: Make sure you know where the Olympic National Park boundary begins if you plan to explore beyond Lower Lena Lake.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: There are several great campsites scattered around the Lower Lena Lake shoreline, so take a little time to explore before choosing your spot. This is also a great backpacking option for warmer weather because much of the hike is shaded and your pup will have the lake waiting at camp to cool off.
Just remember that Lower Lena Lake is as far as you can continue with your dog. The trail beyond the lake eventually enters Olympic National Park on the way to Upper Lena Lake, where dogs are not allowed. Make Lower Lena your destination and save Upper Lena for another trip without your pup.
North Cascades Region
15. Cutthroat Pass Via Pacific Crest Trail
North Cascades | Approximately 10 Miles Roundtrip | 2,000 Feet of Gain
Cutthroat Pass is another one we originally did as a day hike and immediately wished we had brought our backpacking gear.
We hiked it in the fall, and the larches and colors were starting to be stunning! The higher you climb, the bigger the views get, with rugged North Cascades peaks surrounding the pass and plenty of beautiful terrain to explore once you get there.
WTA lists the Pacific Crest Trail route to Cutthroat Pass at about 10 miles roundtrip with 2,000 feet of elevation gain, and dogs are currently allowed on leash.
One important thing to plan for is water. There is no reliable water source right at Cutthroat Pass, so if you are planning to camp near the pass, make sure you carry enough for both you and your pup.
Why we like it with Oakley: Incredible North Cascades views, beautiful fall colors and larches, and a great area to explore once the heavy packs are off.
Watch out for: Limited water near the pass, exposed terrain, and cooler temperatures later in the fall.
Wandering Washingtonian Tip: If we went back to backpack this trail, we would aim for fall. The colors were some of the best we have seen in the North Cascades, and the views from Cutthroat Pass are fantastic. You will be able to find spots to camp along the pass!
Just make sure to plan your water carefully. There isn't a reliable source at the pass, so fill up before climbing higher and carry enough for you and your pup through the evening and morning. Once camp is set, leave the heavy packs behind and spend some time exploring along the PCT and surrounding ridges—as always, only venture as far as you and your pup are comfortable.
Our Favorite Dog-Friendly Backpacking Trails by Type
Still can't decide where to go?
If we were narrowing down our favorites based on the kind of backpacking adventure we wanted with Oakley, these would be some of our picks:
Best beginner backpack: Sheep Lake
Best for swimming: West Fork Foss Lakes or Chain Lakes Loop
Best Mount Baker scenery: Ptarmigan Ridge
Best Mount Shuksan views: Lake Ann
Best fall backpack: Yellow Aster Butte
Best fall colors with huge views: Cutthroat Pass
Best wildflower backpack: Snowgrass Flats & Goat Lake
Best backpack close to Seattle: Melakwa Lake
Best short but challenging adventure: Minotaur Lake
Best beach for your pup: Lake Valhalla
Best base-camp adventure: Surprise Lake & Glacier Lake
Best earlier-season option: Lower Lena Lake
Best for a bigger Goat Rocks adventure: Nannie Ridge & Sheep Lake
Trails We Love That Are Currently Closed
There are a few trails we would normally include on this list, but current road closures are keeping them out for now.
Summit Lake
One of our absolute favorites with Oakley! The lake is beautiful, and the ridge above it has one of our favorite Mount Rainier views. Unfortunately, the Fairfax Bridge closure currently blocks access to the trailhead.
Anderson & Watson Lakes
Another favorite that would easily make this list. Multiple lakes, great camping, and lots of exploring make this such a good overnight with a pup. Current road damage is preventing normal access.
Blanca Lake
Blanca Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Washington, but current road damage has made the trailhead inaccessible. Camping is not allowed directly at the lake, but you can camp on the ridge above it. Therefore, it's best to consider this a dog-friendly hike for the future once access is restored.
We are definitely hoping these reopen soon... they are too good to stay off the list forever, hopefully!
Tips for Backpacking With Your Dog in Washington
Backpacking with Oakley has taught us that a trail being dog-friendly doesn't necessarily mean it is right for every dog. Every pup is different.
Some experienced hiking dogs may be perfectly comfortable covering 10+ miles over rocky alpine terrain, while another may be much happier hiking a few miles to a lake and calling it a day.
Pick the adventure that works for you and your pup, and never feel like you need to push farther than either of you is comfortable.
Bring More Water Than You Think You Need
We pay especially close attention to water whenever Oakley comes backpacking with us.
Don't assume every creek shown on a map will still be running later in the summer.
This is especially important on exposed hikes such as Ptarmigan Ridge, Yellow Aster Butte, Park Butte, Nannie Ridge, and Cutthroat Pass. We would much rather carry a little extra weight than discover halfway up the mountain that we didn't bring enough water for Oakley.
Keep an Eye on Their Paws
Rock, talus, snow, and hot dirt can all be surprisingly rough on a dog's paws.
We periodically check Oakley's paws during longer hiking days rather than discovering a problem once we finally reach camp.
This is especially important on some of the rockier trails on this list, including Surprise and Glacier Lakes, Lake Ann, Ptarmigan Ridge, and Minotaur Lake. We would recommending carrying a dog rescue sling and first aid with you. We always carry are Garmin InReach Explorer+ as well.
Bring the Right Sleeping Setup
When Oakley comes backpacking, we bring our three-person Big Agnes tent.
Could we squeeze into something smaller? Probably.
Would we rather have enough room for all three of us to actually sleep comfortably? Absolutely. We love this tent!
A slightly larger tent gives Oakley somewhere protected to settle in for the night, and gives us at least a fighting chance of keeping part of the sleeping pad.
Pack for Your Pup, Too
Along with our regular backpacking gear, Oakley's gear usually includes:
Food
Extra water when needed
Collapsible bowl
Leash
Waste bags
Dog first-aid supplies
Dog rescue sling
Sleeping gear
Paw protection when appropriate
Plenty of treats, because everyone deserves a good trail snack!
Know the Regulations
Dog rules vary depending on who manages the land, and regulations can change.
This is particularly important around Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades National Parks, where dogs are generally much more restricted than on surrounding national forest trails.
Always check the current regulations before heading out.
Respect Wildlife
Washington's backcountry is home to marmots, deer, mountain goats, bears, and plenty of smaller animals that may be extremely interesting to your pup.
Keeping Oakley under control helps protect her, other hikers, and the wildlife that actually lives there. We always keep her on a leash, and you should do the same when traveling with your pup.
Pack It Out
Yes, that includes dog poop. Being five miles from the trailhead doesn't magically make it disappear.
Enjoy the 15 best dog friendly Backpacking Trails in Washington
For us, getting to share these places with Oakley is part of what makes backpacking in Washington so memorable.
After all, there is a reason the Wandering Washingtonian logo has a paw print in it.
It is our little ode to our favorite adventure girl—and a reminder that some of our best days in the mountains have included four paws hiking right alongside us.
Have a favorite dog-friendly backpacking trail in Washington that we missed? Let us know! We are always looking for another adventure to take Oakley on.
Keep Exploring with Wandering Washingtonian
Looking for your next PNW adventure? Here are a few more of our hiking and backpacking guides to help you keep exploring:
The Perfect 3-Day Mount Baker Getaway – If you are planning to spend a few days around Mount Baker with your dog, this itinerary combines some of our favorite hikes, favorite cabins, and places to eat as well as explore in the area.
Mount Baker Wilderness Hiking Guide: 11 Best Hikes Ranked – Our favorite hikes around Mount Baker, including several dog-friendly trails and great backpacking options.
20 Best Mount Rainier Hikes – Our favorite trails in and around Mount Rainier, ranked from our own experience.
Backpacking Guide: Park Butte Lookout Trail – Everything we learned from backpacking one of our favorite Mount Baker trails.
Backpacking Guide: Spider Meadows & Phelps Basin – A beautiful summer backpack through wildflower-filled meadows in the Central Cascades.
Seven Lakes Basin & High Divide Loop Backpacking Guide – One of our favorite multi-day backpacking trips on the Olympic Peninsula.
Backpacking in Washington: Royal Lake & Basin – A longer forest approach leading to one of our favorite alpine basins to explore.
11 Best Spring Hikes in Washington State – Great options when much of Washington’s high country is still covered in snow.
12 Best Hikes Near Seattle – Some of our favorite hikes within a few hours of Seattle.
Heather-Maple Pass Loop Hike – One of our favorite fall hikes in Washington and an incredible place to see golden larches.
Ultimate Pacific Northwest Bucket List – More than 100 adventures across Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, and beyond.
Not sure where to start? Browse all of our Washington hiking and backpacking guides and find your next adventure.
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