Written by Greg Johnson, travel writer
Ruby the Mini-Aussie is a Central Oregon resident who regularly hikes on trails and urban walkways throughout the Pacific Northwest. Here are some of her favorite Urban Dog Walks:
The Wildwood Trail
Ruby and her canine friends like to walk this trail whenever she ventures to Portland. The trail takes you through more than 30 miles of Forest Park, America’s longest forested urban trail. Other highlights include the Portland Zoo and the Pittock Mansion. The Audubon Society is also located at Forest Park, however, you need to leave pets at home when visiting Portland Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary trails.
Columbia River Renaissance Trail
The Columbia River Renaissance Trail in Vancouver, Washington connects Esther Short Park in downtown Vancouver with the waterfront. Walkers, joggers, bikers and roller bladers enjoy stunning Mount Hood views while trekking the paved five-mile long riverfront trail.
Major trail features include the Water Resources Education Center, Marine Park, Kaiser Viewing Tower and Shipyards, and Tidewater Cove. Along the way are shops, restaurants and great places to picnic, play or just enjoy the view.
Trailheads are located at Wintler Community Park, Marine Park and Waterfront Park in downtown Vancouver.
La Center Bottoms
The 314-acres of wetlands and forested uplands in the La Center Bottoms in La Center, Washington, is a premier spot to enjoy wildlife viewing.
An 8-foot-wide trail runs on the east side of the East Fork Lewis River and is dotted with interpretive signs and wildlife blinds that offer camouflaged viewing areas to observe animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
Seattle’s Seward Park
Forested Seward Park boasts an amphitheater, a native plant garden, an art studio and breathtaking views of Mount Rainier hovering over beautiful Lake Washington.
Walkers can enjoy miles of hiking trails, beaches, old growth forests and possible eagles’ nest sightings. They may even catch a glimpse of Billionaire Paul Allen’s floating helipad and compound on Mercer Island. Allen, who passed away in 2018, had the home built with a main mansion, four guest houses, a “mom’s” home, indoor tennis and basketball courts, a concert hall and indoor/outdoor pools.
Bird lovers should definitely visit the Seward Park Audubon Center. The center helps a diverse mix of youth and adults explore the natural world through environmental science, outdoor exploration and play. You can also find an array of animal puppets, children’s books, puzzles, science toys, backyard bird feeders and nest boxes at the center’s nature store.
Old Mill District
Historic mill buildings in Bend, Oregon were turned into outdoor retail mall with shops, restaurants and a riverside trail.
Dogs love the asphalt trail along the Deschutes River which leads to a romp over a bridge adorned with colorful flags.
The Old Mill District has hiking and biking trails, bike rentals, live music summer concerts, events, wineries, a day spa, and an IMAX 16-screen movie theater. Watch the many canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and rafts float by.
Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System
The Ruth Bascom Riverbank Path System is a collection of interconnected multi-use paved paths running along the Willamette River.
The 12 mile path system connects the two cities of Eugene and Springfield, Oregon. The path system follows the river’s edge, weaving through open spaces, parks and five pedestrian/bicycle bridges. Our favorite walk is the South Bank section which connects to the University of Oregon, Skinner Butte Park and the Owen Rose Gardens.
Lacamas Park Trails
Hike the Lacamas Park Trails for amazing views of lakes, creeks, waterfalls and spectacular spring lily fields.
I spent a recent Thanksgiving morning with my Australian Shepherd roaming the scenic network of trails near Round and Lacamas lakes in Camas. We had hiked here in the past. however, we were re-amazed at the views we saw on over six miles of hard surface and dirt trails.
Round Lake offers one, three and five-mile moderate loop hikes. We took the 1.2-mile loop around the lake for views of the dam and Pothole Falls. The round, pockmarked pools, visible during summer low water, were created by swirling floodwaters.
In April, explore the seven-mile Camas Lily Field loop for forest and meadow views of the Camas lily blossoms. The brilliant blue Camas Lily, discovered by Lewis and Clark during their famous Columbia River journey, grows in clearings along the river.
