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dog on beach
JODI WADE / NWSOURCE
Dogs are allowed to run leash-free on the beach at La Push.
 
Traveling with dogs in the Northwest

Where do you go with dog as your copilot? If you have a furry, four-legged traveling companion, you want to head for a destination that both you and your dog will enjoy, and find a hotel or motel where your pet is allowed. Dogs are often a no-no in national parks and on public beaches, but there are plenty of beautiful pet-friendly places in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia that will get your dog's tail wagging. Make sure to verify pet policies and fees before you go.

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BRINGING PETS FROM THE U.S. TO CANADA:
· Current rabies vaccination and papers required.*
· Always carry all your pet documents with you.
· More info: Pet Inspection Web site
*If your dog is less than three months old you do not need certificate of rabies vaccination.

WASHINGTON

La Push

The main attraction at La Push is simply the setting: James Island and other rocky points sit just offshore, and waves break against First Beach. Your dog can run wild on the beach at Ocean Park Resort at La Push — no leashes required. The resort also has some rustic, pet-friendly cabins.

Orcas Island

Relax with your pooch on one of the most beautiful islands in the San Juans. Deer Harbor Inn, North Beach Inn and West Beach Resort offer pet-friendly cottages and cabins.

Long Beach and Ocean Shores

Your dog can chase seagulls along the beach, dig in the sand and fetch driftwood from the sea. The Breakers (Long Beach) and The Polynesian (Ocean Shores) are among the hotels and motels that allow pets.

"Every hard-working dog deserves his day at the beach"
 
Winthrop & Methow Valley

Your dog will love hiking the trails in the summer and romping in the snow in the winter. The Methow Valley Trails Association maintains a few cross-country ski trails that are designated as dog-friendly (one of these is named — humorously, we hope — "Cougar Bait"). The Methow Valley has several hotels that allow pets, including The Virginian Resort and The Best Western Cascade Inn in Winthrop. The Blue Spruce (509-997-5000) and Idle-A-While are two dog-friendly budget options in Twisp.

OREGON

Cannon Beach

The broad stretch of beach highlighted by Haystack Rock provides a contemplative experience, especially in the off-season when you and your dog are allowed some space to wander. Surfsand Resort, McBee Motel and others offer pet-friendly rooms.

Cannon Beach lodging where pets are welcome
 
Bend

Hiking trails, fishing streams, white-water runs and ski slopes have made Bend Oregon's leading destination for active travelers — and their dogs. Many hotels and resorts in Bend and Sunriver allow pets. Two examples are Best Western Inn and Suites of Bend and The Riverhouse, but there are many others.

BRITISH COLUMBIA

Whistler

You can tell by the dogs lounging around in the outdoor seating areas of village restaurants that Whistler is a very pet-friendly resort. Pets are allowed at several hotels, motels and lodges, including the Whistler Village Coast Whistler Hotel and Crystal Lodge.

More about pet-friendly Whistler
 
Kamloops

If you're heading along the TransCanada Highway, stop in Kamloops for a picnic on the banks of the Thompson River where your dog can cool off with a swim. There are many motels and hotels in Kamloops that allow pets, including the Accent Inn, the Travelodge and the Hospitality Inn.

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