BringFido's Guide to the Oregon Coast

Posted by Billy Francis

The Oregon Coast encompasses more than 360 miles of stunning shoreline. Four-legged trekkers to this spectacular area can explore windswept beaches that feature famous rock formations and a historic shipwreck, eat fresh fish from the Pacific and cuddle up around the fireplace in a cozy room at a beachfront hotel.

Things to Do

“Things are getting steamy up here.” Photo by BringFido/Lisa

Take a pet-friendly train or trolley, get up close to an actual shipwreck and play freely in the sand when you go coastal with your canine.

Full Steam Ahead!

All aboard the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, a pet-friendly steam train adventure that leaves the station in Garibaldi, OR. Dogs are welcome to join in the fun on this historic, repurposed train that winds along tree-lined and coastal tracks, taking in views across Miami Cove and Tillamook Bay. Pups will love the refreshing breeze from their assigned seats in the open-top section of the train.

Sniff Out a Shipwreck

If you’re planning a pet-friendly road trip down the Oregon Coast on Highway 101, stop for a break at Fort Stevens State Park. Begin your tour on the paved trail that leads from the campground and through the woods to views of the Columbia River. Then, explore the historic fort that was built near the end of the American Civil War. Finally, make your way to the beach, where you’ll find the Wreck of the Peter Iredale, a vessel that ran ashore in 1906.

Have a Blast in Astoria

Founded in 1811, Astoria is Oregon’s oldest city. Start your walk down memory lane on the South Slough Trail, a twisty pathway that weaves through forests and features a shady boardwalk, at Lewis and Clark National Historical Park. Then, take a ride on the Astoria Riverfront Trolley which began operating in 1913. Fido can join you as you ride up and down the track on an hour-long narrated journey. Along the way, shout “Hey, you guys!” to passersby as you hear about movies like “The Goonies” being filmed in the area.

Hanging out at Haystack Rock. Photo by BringFido/Janet

Say Hey to Haystack Rock

Check out the rock formations that lie beyond the coast from eight miles of the Oregon Coastal Trail at Ecola State Park, one of the best dog-friendly state parks on the West Coast. Then, continue your coastal stroll to Indian Beach to make a splash in the rock pools, before ending up at Cannon Beach below it. This iconic windswept beach is home to the famous Haystack Rock and welcomes four-legged visitors to play off leash in the sand.

Discover the Dunes

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area spans a whopping 54 miles, which makes it one of the largest temperate coastal sand dunes in the world. Pups who love to get sandy paws can go for a hike on one of the easy pet-friendly trails like Taylor Dunes Trail, Bluebill Lake Trail or Tahkenitch Creek Trail. For pups with a need for speed, carve a path through the dunes on a pet-friendly rental from Spinreel Dune Buggy & ATV Rental instead.

“Can you come out to play?” Photo by BringFido/Holly

Say “Hi!” to Sea Lions

If it starts to pour, make your way to the Seaside Aquarium, one of the oldest aquariums on the West Coast. Large leashed pups and smaller dogs who can be carried can join you inside the aquarium as you stop by the touch tanks to view and feel aquatic creatures, and feed some treats to the rehabilitated seals.

In the “Ruff”

Go for par with your pooch at Sunset Bay Golf Course, located in a natural valley with gorgeous landscapes to enjoy along the way. Canine caddies are welcome to keep score without a leash at this dog-friendly golf course while you drive the ball down wide-open fairways, luscious green turf and manicured greens.

Places to Stay

“This sand will be perfect if we need to put it out.” Photo by Facebook.com/surfsandresort

Breathtaking Pacific views, private beaches and pet-friendly trails await you and your pooch at these awesome lodging options on the Oregon coast.

Sun, Sea and Surfsand

Surfsand Resort offers sweeping views of Haystack Rock and the Tillamook Head Lighthouse. At check-in, Fido can enjoy a biscuit from the cookie jar, and in his room, he’ll find a dog bed and basket filled with extra sheets, towels, placemat and feeding bowls. After a day exploring the beach, clean your pup’s sandy paws at the wash station outside.

Ocean Views in Bandon

Sunset Oceanfront Lodging offers a variety of pet-friendly rooms on Bandon's coastline. Book one with an ocean view and wake up to the sound of the waves with your morning coffee. Later in the day, snag a tasty treat from reception on your way to a sunset stroll with your furry best friend on Bandon Beach.

Balcony and Bonfires

Casa Del Mar is a beautiful boat-shaped home in Cloverdale, OR. This unique A-frame boasts floor-to-ceiling views of the Pacific Ocean, an enclosed balcony where Fido can sunbathe without a leash and a nice backyard with a bonfire area. For morning walks, head out the backdoor and investigate Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area with your leashed pooch.

Room to Roam

Located in the Oregon Coastal Range, Salishan Coastal Lodge is a “coastal playground” for people and pups who want to reconnect with nature. Dogs receive treats, beds and bowls at check-in and are permitted to explore most of the 250 acres of forested bluffs and trails around the lodge, which includes the private beach, too. If your pooch has muddy or sandy paws by the end of the day, head to the dog wash station to clean her up before she crashes like a wave in your room.

“Another awesome dog basket successfully delivered!” Photo by Facebook.com/thewayside.cannonbeach

A Welcome Basket to Remember

Wake up to ocean views with your Vizsla at The Wayside Inn on the south end of Cannon Beach. While human guests will love the easy beach access and fireplaces to warm chilly paws on cold nights, pups will be blown away by the pet amenity basket with bowls, towels and treats. There are even sheets included so your four-legged family members can snuggle up on the hotel’s comfortable beds.

Columbia River Views

After a day at Fort Stevens State Park, you’ll be stoked to head to your home away from home, Hammond Hillton. This pet-friendly Airbnb has a gorgeous fenced front yard with incredible views of the Columbia River and beyond that can be enjoyed from a variety of different vantage points. There’s also a nice dog-friendly beach within walking distance. Inside, there are hardwood floors for easy cleanup.

Beach Views from Every Pet-Friendly Room

At Hallmark Resort Newport, Fido will receive a welcome package with dog tags, treats and a flying disc. He can test out his new favorite toy in the large grassy area reserved for canine guests. Then, enjoy dinner together at the on-site restaurant and grab a seat in an Adirondack chair overlooking the Pacific Ocean to admire the sunset.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

“Well, that’s put my mind at ease!” Photo by Facebook.com/SeasideBrewingCompany/

Dig into fish and chips by the ocean, sip on exceptional local wine and meet four-legged staff members waiting to show Fido around.

Raise Your Glasses!

Sip on in-house craft beers while you relax on the spacious patio at Seaside Brewing Company. This popular hangout dishes out water bowls and treats to pups and offers a menu for humans with fish tacos and other favorites to devour.

“Not a bad place to work.” Photo by Facebook.com/thewineryatmanzanita

Waggin’ Over Wine

Pinot the black Lab is the furry face of The Winery at Manzanita. This dog-friendly winery and tasting room welcomes Fido outside in the courtyard, or on the second-floor ocean-view deck. Visitors can sample great local wine around a fire pit while the sun sets. If you’re feeling peckish, order your pack a delicious cheese plate or charcuterie.

Fish, Chips and Cider

Pick up fish and chips at the walkup window at The Bowpicker in Astoria, then head to Fortune & Glory Cider Company to wash it down with a refreshing brew at a picnic table on the pet-friendly patio.

Americana in Seaside

Ruby’s Roadside Grill is named after the black Lab featured on its sign. This popular eatery’s pretty pet-friendly patio offers nice views toward the Necanicum River and a big fire pit to warm doggy diners’ paws. While you enjoy Ruby’s gourmet burgers and fries, your pooch can dig into items from the Canine Cuisine menu like chicken breast, a beef patty or a hot dog.

Drift in and Dine

Go from driftwood dodging on the beach to Driftwood Restaurant & Lounge to eat scrumptious chowder on the pet-friendly patio. Pups can cool down with a refreshing bowl of water on sunny days and warm up next to a heater or fire pit table on chilly nights.

Where’s Fido’s favorite dog-friendly stop on the Oregon Coast? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by BringFido/Claire.