As one of the biggest cities on the West Coast, Portland has its fair share of beautiful parks scattered throughout the metropolis. While all the parks welcome leashed dogs, it can be a challenge to find areas where your dog can run free, even in a dog-friendly state like Oregon.
That is why we found these amazing off-leash dog parks in Portland for you to explore. Whether you live in the center of the city or on the outskirts, there are plenty of places for your dog to run around and meet new canine friends.
The 15 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Portland, OR
1. Wilshire Park Off-Leash Areas
Make sure your dog obeys recall commands, as there is no fence surrounding the park.
The dog park is a 1-acre plot within a larger 14-acre park, so make sure you’re in the right place before letting your dog off-leash.
Wood chips prevent the park and dogs from getting muddy in wet weather.
Plenty of shade and tree coverage for sunny days.
There are dog waste bags and fresh water available.
2. Fernhill Park Dog Off-Leash Area
Not the best for dogs that don’t obey recall commands, as there is no fence surrounding the off-leash area.
Plenty of shade to keep the area cool during hot days.
4 acres of space within a larger park for dogs to run around and socialize in.
The water stations on-site are kept stocked by other dog owners, but take your own to return the favor.
Many squirrels are living in the trees for dogs to sniff out.
3. Mt. Tabor Off-Leash Dog Park
The trees provide plenty of shade and keep the park cool during hot summers.
Wear reliable shoes, as it gets muddy during the rainy season.
Most of the park is fenced, but there are several openings for dogs to escape through.
Fresh water is supplied on-site.
Surrounded by walking trails and a beautiful view, but your dog needs to be leashed outside of the off-leash area.
4. Hazeldale Park/ Dog park
Three fenced sections for small or big dogs.
All three areas have plenty of shade and seating areas.
There is a water hose located by the gate for drinking or washing muddy paws.
Each entrance is double-gated to keep dogs safe inside the park.
Located inside a larger park with sports courts, a kid’s playground, and a walking path.
5. Happy Valley Off-Leash Dog Park
There are three fenced areas to give your dog space to themselves or to socialize with other canines.
Sheltered seating areas are in all three areas.
Water and doggy waste bags are provided in the three parks.
Popular among dog owners and great for making plenty of new friends.
6. Sacajawea Park (Dog Park Off-leash Area)
It’s best to visit early or late in the day during summer due to the limited shade.
Make sure to wear reliable shoes, as the park gets muddy during wet weather.
Fully fenced off-leash area with water available on-site.
Take water during the winter, though, because the water station is turned off.
There are two double-gated entrances.
7. Dog Bowl
Offers a beautiful view of the sunset during evening walks.
There are no fences around the park, but it’s surrounded by steep hills.
No garbage cans or dog waste bags are supplied at the park, but remember to pick up after your dog.
8. Irving Park Dog Park
The off-leash area doesn’t have a fence, which can be a problem for dogs that like to wander.
There are no waste bags or water stations on-site, so you’ll need to bring your own.
Bring a towel, as the dog area gets muddy.
There is plenty of space for dogs to run around, play fetch, and enjoy each other’s company.
9. Argay Park Off-Leash Area
🗺️ Address:
📍 Portland, OR
🕐 Open Times:
5 a.m. to midnight
💲 Cost:
Free
🐕 Off-Leash:
Yes, but only in the designated off-leash section
No fences, so there are no separate areas for big or small dogs.
There is only street parking available and the park can get busy.
Dogs should be kept on a leash in the rest of the park, especially around the sports courts and playground.
There are no water stations or dog waste bags at the park, so remember to bring your own!
10. Willamette Park Dog Park
Limited shade, and it can get hot and dusty on summer days.
There is a water station, but it’s turned off during the winter months.
Fully fenced and double-gated to keep dogs from wandering off.
Right next to Willamette River, though the park doesn’t have access to the water.
The sand and dirt mix makes it muddy during wet weather.
11. Gabriel Dog Park
There are two spaces available for summer and winter visits.
Surrounded by wooded paths, a community garden, an apple orchard, and sports courts.
The winter park is completely fenced but the summer park is not.
While the summer park is mostly grass, the winter park is a sand/dirt mix to help limit mud.
12. Luuwit View Dog Park
There is a water station on-site but it is often turned off, so bring your own just in case.
The dog park has few trees to provide shade during hot days, so visit when it’s cooler!
Completely fenced and double-gated to ensure that dogs can play safely.
Only one fenced area for all dogs, so small or shy dogs might be intimidated.
Offers a gorgeous view of Mt. Hood.
13. Wallace Dog Park
The ground is covered with wood chips to keep it free from mud.
Water is available on-site and there are shaded seating areas.
Fully fenced and double-gated to ensure that dogs stay safe.
There isn’t a small dog area, and shy or small breeds might be bullied by larger dogs.
No doggy waste bags are supplied at the park.
14. Normandale Park
There are three fenced areas to keep dogs with different personalities safe.
Take towels to clean your dog’s feet with, as the park gets muddy.
There is plenty of shade for staying cool on sunny days.
Water is provided in the mixed-dog area.
Local dog owners provide dog waste bags.
15. Lynchwood Park
Drinking bowls and water are provided in the park.
Popular among local dog owners, with many regular visitors.
Double-gated and completely fenced play area for all dog breeds.
Can get dusty on warm days and muddy during winter.
In Conclusion
Portland might be a massive city, but it has plenty of beautiful parks to break up the gray of the concrete jungle. The best places include a space for dogs to run free, with plenty of shade, seating areas, and water stations to keep them hydrated. If you’re new to the area or just want to explore a new dog park , we hope that this list has helped you find an off-leash area that your dog will adore.
Featured Image Credit By: Blulz60, Shutterstock