Parks, Trails and Off-Leash Areas in Portland

Off-leash zone: None. All dogs must be leashed everywhere in Forest Park, and off-leash dogs are listed by the city among the park's prohibited activities alongside fires, drones and camping. Pack out your dog's waste rather than leaving a bag beside the trail. The park is open 5:00 to 22:00 and the Park Rangers call centre is +1 503 823-1637.

💡 Start at the Lower Macleay trailhead in north-west Portland: it is the closest entrance to the downtown and Pearl District hotels, and the creekside stretch is shaded and cool on a hot afternoon.

Off-leash zone: Fully fenced, with separate sections for large dogs and for small or shy dogs, so a nervous animal is not forced into the main run. Leash your dog on the way in and out, carry the leash inside the enclosure, bring no more than three dogs, and do not bring food into the area. A Portland Loo public toilet stands beside it.

💡 Jamison Square, two blocks south, has a fountain that fills and drains on a cycle in summer. Dogs are not allowed in city park fountains, so walk past it and use The Fields instead.

Off-leash zone: The city's rule for Mount Tabor sets the off-leash area's hours at 7:00 to 21:00. The area is not fenced, so only release a dog with a reliable recall. Everywhere else in the park the leash rule applies, and dogs are excluded from the amphitheatre entirely.

💡 Go at the end of the day for the sunset from the west side, but check the posted hours at the entrance to the off-leash area first, since they close before the park itself does.