Portland is a thriving city, possibly best known for its craft microbreweries, amazing local artists, artisanal coffee shops, and affinity for fixed gear bikes. Thanks to the IFC show Portlandia, the City of Roses is also often viewed as the hipster capital of the world, much to the chagrin of locals. What many may not know, however, is that Portland natives are also quite passionate about pups. In fact, last year, Portland was named as the sixth most dog-friendly city in the United States. The high ranking only makes sense, as Stumptown boasts numerous incredible dogs parks, enjoyed by both people and pups alike. Here are the 6 best dog parks in Portland. 

Chimney Park 

Chimney Park is extremely spacious, ensuring that you and your pup can socialize without ever feeling crowded. Once your furry friend is tired of playing fetch in the 5-acre fenced in area, you can stroll the park’s  idyllic walking path. If desired, you can spend almost 20 hours a day at the park, as its hours are 5am to 12am. 

Sellwood Riverfront Park 

Granted, Sellwood Riverfront Park is not necessarily a dog park in the traditional sense. That being said, it is an extremely popular place for people to bring their pups, especially during the warmer months. The park, that spawls for 7 acres, is essentially a slice of the Willamette River’s shoreline and is a wonderful place to have a picnic, while your pooch splashes in the water. The only downside is that Fido will most likely come home extremely sandy and smelling quite literally like a wet dog, so a bath will probably be necessary before you allow him to curl up on the couch. 

Mt. Tabor Park Off Leash Dog Area 

Mt. Tabor Park, located at SE Lincoln Street, has a quaint, four-acre off-leash dog area where doggos, big and small, are free to frolic. The partially fenced-in area is surrounded by lush greenery and has numerous amenities, including waste bags, water stations, and benches. The park is open daily, rain or shine, from 7 am to 9pm. 

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

If your pup is on the more sophisticated side and can’t be bothered to fetch a stick, consider spending the day at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden. Again, the botanical garden is not exactly a dog park, but it is a park where your pup can stop and smell the roses, so it technically counts. Dogs who visit the gorgeous garden, full of flora and fauna, must be exceedingly well-behaved and be on a leash at all times. The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is open daily from 5am to 10pm and admission is $5. 

Hondo Dog Park 

While the Hondo Dog Park is located about 17 miles outside of Portland in Hillsboro, dog lovers will agree that it is well worth the trek. The park is split into two well-maintenanced areas, one for larger dogs and the other for pint-sized pups. In addition, the park has both a grass and gravel area, with the latter being particularly popular during the rainy season (which let’s face it, is most of the year in Portland). 

The Fields Park  

The Fields Park is a newly established recreation area in the Pearl District. Doggos can play at the park’s  8,000 square foot, fenced-in area from 5am to 12am. A major bonus of The Fields Park is that it is within walking distance of the Java Hound Coffee Bar, that can be found inside of Portland’s popular pet boutique Hip Hound on NW 23rd Ave. The cafe is super dog-friendly and offers a menu full of CBD infused drinks. 

For our PNW friends and people living or traveling to Seattle, check out Woof Republic’s favorite dog parks in Seattle