Dogs on trails

Shevlin and the River Trail upstream from Bend to the footbridge above the Southern Crossing are city park areas, and dogs are not allowed off-leash on those trails (we hope that will change...). Dogs are generally allowed off-leash on Forest Service trails. They are not allowed off-leash:

• In developed sites, such as parking areas, campgrounds, and boat launch sites.
• Between May 15 and September 15 on the River Trail between Benham Falls and Meadow Camp.
• Between July 15 and September 15 on trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness between South Sister Climbers Trail and Todd Lake.
  

The River Trail and wilderness restrictions, implemented in 2003, have had a large impact on dog guardians -- as these trails are popular for both humans and dogs. We're working with the Forest Service to regain partial access, and we've made some progress this past year.

Remember that many Forest Service parking areas require the Northwest Forest Pass or day pass.

The "adventure map" is available in local bike and outdoor stores and is a great resource for running and biking trails, as well as XC ski trails. The map is not always accurate about leash regulations.

Mountain bike trails

Please remember that mountain bike trails were made by and for mountain bikers. Dogs are "guests" on these trails -- they are legal off-leash on most mountain bike trails, but avoid busy trails and get your dog off to the side of the trail whenever a mountain bike is approaching.

Your dog's health

Trails can get hot in the summer. Sometimes the heat is tough on paws (Musher's Secret can help protect paws). More common is that dog's overheat, especially if you're running or mountain biking. Keep an eye on your pooch and be sure to provide "cool down" breaks and access to water for drinking/swimming. Check out Meredith's heatstroke tips.

Your dog's poop

Leaving poop on or alongside trails is damaging to our cause, so be sure to scoop poop that can be seen or smelled by others. Many dogs poop at or near trailheads, which gives us a couple easy options:

• Have a bag handy and keep a close eye on your pooch from the time he gets out of the car until you're several minutes into the trail. Trailheads don't always have trash cans, so you may need to pack it out -- but, hey, it's summer and you can open your car windows (and zip-locs help seal in the smell).
• Leash up your pooch, go down the trail a piece without stopping, take him off-trail into the forest/bushes, then remove the leash -- there's a decent chance he'll poop there. A good next step is to follow Leave No Trace principles and bury the poop in a cathole. You can find cheap and light trowels for this purpose in local outdoor gear shops. With a trowel to dig and bark/sticks/rocks for pushing poop into the hole, it's easy! Bet you never thought owning a dog could be this much fun...
  

Unfriendly dogs

We want all dogs to get the exercise they need, especially since exercise can reduce behavior problems (a tired dog is a good dog). However, if your dog is unfriendly (or way too friendly), we encourage you to find less-used areas. The Deschutes National Forest and BLM lands around Bend have many little-used dirt roads. Get a copy of the "adventure map" and go explore, but be safe and don't get lost!

River Trail

The River Trail is great near-town quality hiking -- and it follows the river, so dogs have opportunities to drink and swim. Dogs must be on leash between May 15 and September 15 in the orange hatched area in the map below. Dogs may be off leash when in the water, so you can play "river fetch" at any point on the river trail -- but be aware of logs and rocks below the surface. The leash regulation ends about a quarter mile downstream of the Meadow parking area (about where people climb the rocks on the left).

Getting there:There are multiple access points. To get to Meadow Camp, take Century Drive out of town and look for the Forest Service (brown with white lettering) sign for Meadow Picnic Area. It's just before Widgi Creek golf course. Take a left and drive the short distance on the dirt road.

To get to other areas, take Century Drive out of town. After you pass Seventh Mountain Resort (Inn of the 7th), look for the turn-off on your left (Conklin Road/41 Road). Turn-offs for the various parking areas are signed along Conklin Rd.

Entrada-Meadow Camp Area

This is an informal and popular location for dog walking. There's a good network of mountain bike trails and dirt roads, and the river is accessible if you walk/run/bike in a ways (to the south). It gets dusty in the summer, and be aware of the occasional vehicle using the dirt roads. The portion to the east (toward Entrada) is open and can get hot in the summer, but the portion to the west (toward Widgi and Meadow Camp) has tree cover.

Getting there: Drive west on Century Drive. After you pass Entrada Lodge on your left, look for the brown Forest Service recreation fee sign on your right. Immediately across the highway from that sign is a small turn-off on your left. Take that turn-off and slow for the large drop as you go from asphalt to dirt road. Take a left or right at the "T" and park along the side of the road.

Tumalo Falls

Tumalo Falls provides great hiking fairly close to town. The "dogs on leash" sign applies only to the parking lot, but we recommend that you keep leashes on until you're past the viewpoint for the falls (that short stretch is very popular). Follow the North Fork trail along the creek above the falls.

Getting there: Drive west on Galveston, which turns into Skyliners Road. Take that to the end, veer right, cross the bridge, then follow the dirt road up to the trailhead (close to the falls).

Phil's Trail System

These trails are close to town and popular amongst mountain bikers, trail runners, dog guardians, and combinations thereof. Please avoid busy trails with your dog. A good rule of thumb -- don't park in the parking lot during evenings or weekends when the trails are snow-free. Instead, use trails and/or dirt roads on the periphery. Drive further up Skyliners Road to access pull-outs and dirt roads such as 4610 or 300. Or drive past the gate to the left of the Phil's Trail parking lot and explore the network of dirt roads in that area. Don't get lost...and be aware of increased traffic due to the new Lair area. Be sure to bring water for your dog, as most of this area lacks surface water.

Getting there: Drive west on Galveston, which turns into Skyliners Road. Once the forest starts, take your first left (it's signed for bikers). The Phil's Trail parking lot is a short drive up the road.

Three Sisters Wilderness

The Three Sisters Wilderness provides awesome hiking relatively close to Bend. Many of the trails are scenic and with good water access. Unfortunately, they're also leash restricted during the peak season. The restrictions apply July 15 to September 15 on the trails outlined in yellow in the map below -- however, the Broken Top Trail up to the tarn (small lake shown northeast of Broken Top) is now off-leash legal. The Broken Top Trail to Green Lakes remains leash-restricted. Some notes on the Broken Top "Tarn Trail":

• great trail with amazing views
• very rough road (370, then 380) to access the trailhead
• exposed alpine environment, so be prepared for changeable weather
• the Tarn Trail branches to the right of the main trail near a wilderness sign approx. 10 minutes in from the trailhead -- the branch is unmarked, but easy to see if you're looking for it
  
• there are dry stretches, but in decent snow years there are enough snow patches and streams to keep pooches cool
• the trail can be difficult to follow over snow patches, so best to go with someone who knows the trail
• the end of the trail (the ridge beyond the tarn) has a very steep drop with no barrier, so have your dog on a leash or otherwise under close control at that point
  
• the signs still say that leashes are required, and not all rangers have "gotten the memo;" if a ranger tells you leashes are required on the Tarn Trail, direct them to Marv (Lang) or Chris (Sabo) for current info
  

Getting there: Take Century Drive out of town until you get to your favorite trail or lake...