Olympic National Park is one of the few U.S. national parks that lets dogs on any trails — but only a handful (the Spruce Railroad Trail, Rialto Beach to Ellen Creek, and a few others). Everywhere else in the park, including the Hoh Rain Forest and Hurricane Ridge, dogs are not allowed.
The good news is that Olympic National Forest surrounds the park, and leashed dogs are welcome on its trails. That is where the real dog hiking on the peninsula happens.
What to know before you go
- Two agencies, two rules. Olympic National Park (most trails off-limits) and Olympic National Forest (dogs welcome on leash) sit side by side. Know which you are on — some trails, like Lower Lena Lake and the Duckabush River, start in the forest and cross into the park, where dogs are no longer permitted.
- Leash required. Dogs must be leashed on national forest trails here (Forest Service rule — checked July 2026).
- A pass may be required. Several Hood Canal and Olympic National Forest trailheads require a Northwest Forest Pass.
- Mind the coast and tidal rocks. Even where beach walking is allowed, tidal rocks can cut paws — keep dogs to sand.
The hikes below are verified, dog-friendly Olympic National Forest alternatives to the park.
Dog-friendly hikes in this region
Murhut Falls
A short, easy walk to a 130-foot tiered waterfall in Olympic National Forest — one of the gentlest dog-friendly waterfall hikes on the Olympic Peninsula.
1.6 mi · 250 ft
Mount Walker
A steep, year-round climb to two sweeping viewpoints over Hood Canal and the Cascades on dog-friendly Olympic National Forest land near Quilcene.
4 mi · 2,000 ft
Lower Lena Lake
A moderate climb through old-growth forest to a classic Olympic Peninsula lake on national forest land, where leashed dogs are welcome up to the wilderness boundary.
6.4 mi · 1,300 ft