January 2022

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to take my first international trip to British Columbia, Canada. We took a girls trip that included me, Mom, Mom’s sister, and one of Mom’s best friends. We found an amazing hiking expedition in Golden Ears Provincial Park at Gold Creek Falls. The hike was an easy 3.5 mile trip with little elevation gain, but the mossy rain forest views were like nothing I had ever seen before.

A misty view of the forest. The water was incredibly clear. I was so ready to go for a dip. A view of the pristine Allouette Lake. C’mon, Mom, it’s time to swim! I found the perfect stick to play fetch with. Oof, actually it was slightly awkward. After over an hour of fetch, I was ready to hike! Me and Mom’s friends exploring the foggy trail. The views were captivating. This picture looks like the beginning of a horror movie. We finally reached Gold Creek Falls after about 1.5 hours of hiking. At this point I was over it because it started pouring out, and Mom forgot my raincoat! After the long, beautiful hiking day, I was ready to be bundled up in the car for my nap.

Rating for Gold Creek Falls

I gave this hike 2 paws up because the views were impressive and there were tons of refreshing lakes where I could grab a stick and play fetch. The mossy trees and clear lakes made a stunning backdrop for exploring or a picnic lunch. The trail is rated easy, though it is probably safer to have your dog on a leash on this hike since bears live in the park. According to the park’s site, dogs can be off leash once they are at least 1 km into the trail. I recommend assessing your pups health before the hike, making sure to bring plenty of water, and staying close to your pup throughout the trail in case any creepy critters decide to visit you.

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I explore Vancouver, British Columbia.

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel and #weekendwanderlust communities; join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to take my first international trip to British Columbia, Canada. We took a girls trip that included me, Mom, Mom’s sister, and one of Mom’s best friends. We found an amazing hiking expedition in Golden Ears Provincial Park at Gold Creek Falls. The hike was an easy 3.5 mile trip with little elevation gain, but the mossy rain forest views were like nothing I had ever seen before.

A misty view of the forest. The water was incredibly clear. I was so ready to go for a dip. A view of the pristine Allouette Lake. C’mon, Mom, it’s time to swim! I found the perfect stick to play fetch with. Oof, actually it was slightly awkward. After over an hour of fetch, I was ready to hike! Me and Mom’s friends exploring the foggy trail. The views were captivating. This picture looks like the beginning of a horror movie. We finally reached Gold Creek Falls after about 1.5 hours of hiking. At this point I was over it because it started pouring out, and Mom forgot my raincoat! After the long, beautiful hiking day, I was ready to be bundled up in the car for my nap.

Rating for Gold Creek Falls

I gave this hike 2 paws up because the views were impressive and there were tons of refreshing lakes where I could grab a stick and play fetch. The mossy trees and clear lakes made a stunning backdrop for exploring or a picnic lunch. The trail is rated easy, though it is probably safer to have your dog on a leash on this hike since bears live in the park. According to the park’s site, dogs can be off leash once they are at least 1 km into the trail. I recommend assessing your pups health before the hike, making sure to bring plenty of water, and staying close to your pup throughout the trail in case any creepy critters decide to visit you.

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I explore Vancouver, British Columbia.

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel and #weekendwanderlust communities; join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration.

This is a photo memoir of my first year of dedication to dog-friendly travel. In the past, Mom and Dad took me on plenty of mini road trips through Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. They took an America road trip without me and missed me every single day. As we became increasingly obsessed with traveling together, we realized we wanted to learn and explore dog travel more. We decided to move to Portland, Oregon and our lives changed forever. In the past year, we’ve journeyed across America, explored the Pacific Northwest, and hiked through Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. My purpose is to show dog owners the beauty of traveling with your best friend while raising awareness of breed discrimination. I hope you enjoy these memories and that they inspire you to take your dog along on your next family road trip.

Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Posing at the Tennessee Welcome Sign.  Hiking with Mom on the Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoying downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Enjoying the arch in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Fearing the corn fields in Nebraska. Observing Sioux Falls with Dad in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Looking majestic in front of Sioux Falls in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Enjoying cozy hotel beds. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Enjoying the Badlands National Park.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking with Pluto through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Enjoying more delightful hotel beds. Checking out Mount Hood and the hotel from the Shining in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Staying at a haunted hotel in Centralia, Washington. Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast. Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

How lucky can one dog be? 

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I hike the Painted Hills!

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel community. Join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration. Scarlett is also a regular contributor for Travel Pass magazine where you can read more of her work: www.travelpassmag.com.

The original plan was to head to Seattle for the second part of my birthday excursion. Unfortunately, we were rained out of Washington, so we headed back to Oregon to explore more of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. On the way, we recalled hearing about what locals call the Thousand Acre Dog Park, formally known as the Sandy River Delta Park. The Sandy River Delta Park, located in Troutdale, Oregon, is a dog’s paradise. The park has 1,400 acres of looping trails to explore, endless open fields to run around in, two rivers to swim and play in, wildflowers to adore, and wetlands to admire. The park, which is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, is also very popular for mountain biking, birding, and horseback riding. I have decided that this is my new favorite dog park in Oregon, and I hope to be able to visit often!

Stretching before the hike. There were miles of looping trails to explore. Beautiful wildflowers lined the trails. The colors were beautiful. Dad brought my new birthday present to kick around the trails for me! I popped it almost immediately.  There were paw prints everywhere.  Mom and Dad did not want to play in the muddy parts. We finally happened upon the Sandy River, where buttloads of dogs were playing! Like this one. And this one. To my parents’ surprise, I jumped right in! (I am known to not love swimming in the pool/ocean.) It took me a bit to understand where to go!  I finally got the hang of it when Mom and Dad started playing fetch with this big cigar-looking branch. All the doggies were racing for the cigars! I couldn’t stop smiling because it was one of the happiest days of my life.  After a long, successful day of swimming and hiking, I was pooped!

Rating for Sandy River Delta Park

I gave this park two paws up because it was lively, scenic, and full of adventure. The trails are very easy, and dogs are allowed off-leash unless they are on the handicap-accessible trail, which is marked throughout the park. Always remember to assess your pup’s health before hiking or swimming, make sure to bring plenty of water, and stay close to your pup on your adventure.

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I explore the Oregon coast!

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel, #weekendwanderlust, and #theweeklypostcard communities on Facebook; join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration.

This is a photo memoir of my first year of dedication to dog-friendly travel. In the past, Mom and Dad took me on plenty of mini road trips through Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. They took an America road trip without me and missed me every single day. As we became increasingly obsessed with traveling together, we realized we wanted to learn and explore dog travel more. We decided to move to Portland, Oregon and our lives changed forever. In the past year, we’ve journeyed across America, explored the Pacific Northwest, and hiked through Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. My purpose is to show dog owners the beauty of traveling with your best friend while raising awareness of breed discrimination. I hope you enjoy these memories and that they inspire you to take your dog along on your next family road trip.

Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Posing at the Tennessee Welcome Sign.  Hiking with Mom on the Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoying downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Enjoying the arch in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Fearing the corn fields in Nebraska. Observing Sioux Falls with Dad in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Looking majestic in front of Sioux Falls in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Enjoying cozy hotel beds. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Enjoying the Badlands National Park.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking with Pluto through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Enjoying more delightful hotel beds. Checking out Mount Hood and the hotel from the Shining in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Staying at a haunted hotel in Centralia, Washington. Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast. Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

How lucky can one dog be? 

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I hike the Painted Hills!

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel community. Join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration. Scarlett is also a regular contributor for Travel Pass magazine where you can read more of her work: www.travelpassmag.com.

This is a photo memoir of my first year of dedication to dog-friendly travel. In the past, Mom and Dad took me on plenty of mini road trips through Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. They took an America road trip without me and missed me every single day. As we became increasingly obsessed with traveling together, we realized we wanted to learn and explore dog travel more. We decided to move to Portland, Oregon and our lives changed forever. In the past year, we’ve journeyed across America, explored the Pacific Northwest, and hiked through Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. My purpose is to show dog owners the beauty of traveling with your best friend while raising awareness of breed discrimination. I hope you enjoy these memories and that they inspire you to take your dog along on your next family road trip.

Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Posing at the Tennessee Welcome Sign.  Hiking with Mom on the Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoying downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Enjoying the arch in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Fearing the corn fields in Nebraska. Observing Sioux Falls with Dad in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Looking majestic in front of Sioux Falls in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Enjoying cozy hotel beds. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Enjoying the Badlands National Park.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking with Pluto through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Enjoying more delightful hotel beds. Checking out Mount Hood and the hotel from the Shining in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Staying at a haunted hotel in Centralia, Washington. Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast. Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

How lucky can one dog be? 

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I hike the Painted Hills!

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel community. Join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration. Scarlett is also a regular contributor for Travel Pass magazine where you can read more of her work: www.travelpassmag.com.

The original plan was to head to Seattle for the second part of my birthday excursion. Unfortunately, we were rained out of Washington, so we headed back to Oregon to explore more of the beautiful Columbia River Gorge. On the way, we recalled hearing about what locals call the Thousand Acre Dog Park, formally known as the Sandy River Delta Park. The Sandy River Delta Park, located in Troutdale, Oregon, is a dog’s paradise. The park has 1,400 acres of looping trails to explore, endless open fields to run around in, two rivers to swim and play in, wildflowers to adore, and wetlands to admire. The park, which is part of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, is also very popular for mountain biking, birding, and horseback riding. I have decided that this is my new favorite dog park in Oregon, and I hope to be able to visit often!

Stretching before the hike. There were miles of looping trails to explore. Beautiful wildflowers lined the trails. The colors were beautiful. Dad brought my new birthday present to kick around the trails for me! I popped it almost immediately.  There were paw prints everywhere.  Mom and Dad did not want to play in the muddy parts. We finally happened upon the Sandy River, where buttloads of dogs were playing! Like this one. And this one. To my parents’ surprise, I jumped right in! (I am known to not love swimming in the pool/ocean.) It took me a bit to understand where to go!  I finally got the hang of it when Mom and Dad started playing fetch with this big cigar-looking branch. All the doggies were racing for the cigars! I couldn’t stop smiling because it was one of the happiest days of my life.  After a long, successful day of swimming and hiking, I was pooped!

Rating for Sandy River Delta Park

I gave this park two paws up because it was lively, scenic, and full of adventure. The trails are very easy, and dogs are allowed off-leash unless they are on the handicap-accessible trail, which is marked throughout the park. Always remember to assess your pup’s health before hiking or swimming, make sure to bring plenty of water, and stay close to your pup on your adventure.

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I explore the Oregon coast!

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel, #weekendwanderlust, and #theweeklypostcard communities on Facebook; join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration.

This is a photo memoir of my first year of dedication to dog-friendly travel. In the past, Mom and Dad took me on plenty of mini road trips through Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. They took an America road trip without me and missed me every single day. As we became increasingly obsessed with traveling together, we realized we wanted to learn and explore dog travel more. We decided to move to Portland, Oregon and our lives changed forever. In the past year, we’ve journeyed across America, explored the Pacific Northwest, and hiked through Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. My purpose is to show dog owners the beauty of traveling with your best friend while raising awareness of breed discrimination. I hope you enjoy these memories and that they inspire you to take your dog along on your next family road trip.

Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Kayaking with Dad on the Rainbow River in Dunnellon, Florida.  Posing at the Tennessee Welcome Sign.  Hiking with Mom on the Gatlinburg Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoying downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Enjoying the arch in downtown St. Louis, Missouri.  Fearing the corn fields in Nebraska. Observing Sioux Falls with Dad in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Looking majestic in front of Sioux Falls in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Observing Sioux Falls with Mom in South Dakota.  Enjoying cozy hotel beds. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Posing with goofy roadside attractions. Enjoying the Badlands National Park.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Hiking with Pluto through the snowy Willamette National Forest.  Enjoying more delightful hotel beds. Checking out Mount Hood and the hotel from the Shining in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Tiptoeing through the tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival in Oregon. Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking to the top of Angel’s Rest in the Columbia River Gorge.  Staying at a haunted hotel in Centralia, Washington. Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Discovering my new favorite hobby at the Sandy River Delta in Troutdale, Oregon.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Hiking Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast. Discovering the beauty of the Oregon coast.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking Golden Ears Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada.  Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. Hiking and exploring the Painted Hills at the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.

How lucky can one dog be? 

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I hike the Painted Hills!

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel community. Join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration. Scarlett is also a regular contributor for Travel Pass magazine where you can read more of her work: www.travelpassmag.com.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to take my first international trip to British Columbia, Canada. We took a girls trip that included me, Mom, Mom’s sister, and one of Mom’s best friends. We found an amazing hiking expedition in Golden Ears Provincial Park at Gold Creek Falls. The hike was an easy 3.5 mile trip with little elevation gain, but the mossy rain forest views were like nothing I had ever seen before.

A misty view of the forest. The water was incredibly clear. I was so ready to go for a dip. A view of the pristine Allouette Lake. C’mon, Mom, it’s time to swim! I found the perfect stick to play fetch with. Oof, actually it was slightly awkward. After over an hour of fetch, I was ready to hike! Me and Mom’s friends exploring the foggy trail. The views were captivating. This picture looks like the beginning of a horror movie. We finally reached Gold Creek Falls after about 1.5 hours of hiking. At this point I was over it because it started pouring out, and Mom forgot my raincoat! After the long, beautiful hiking day, I was ready to be bundled up in the car for my nap.

Rating for Gold Creek Falls

I gave this hike 2 paws up because the views were impressive and there were tons of refreshing lakes where I could grab a stick and play fetch. The mossy trees and clear lakes made a stunning backdrop for exploring or a picnic lunch. The trail is rated easy, though it is probably safer to have your dog on a leash on this hike since bears live in the park. According to the park’s site, dogs can be off leash once they are at least 1 km into the trail. I recommend assessing your pups health before the hike, making sure to bring plenty of water, and staying close to your pup throughout the trail in case any creepy critters decide to visit you.

Pin this, pups:

Stay tuned for my next blog post, where I explore Vancouver, British Columbia.

This blog is a member of the #feetdotravel and #weekendwanderlust communities; join us to share travel stories, get travel advice, or read travel inspiration.

One of my favorite dog-friendly places to hike and explore in Oregon is the Painted Hills. The Painted Hills are located about 3 hours southeast of Portland in the desert near Mitchell, Oregon. Known to be one of the seven wonders of Oregon, the best way to describe this area is magical, deserted, and wild. An easy trail to explore with your pup is the Painted Cove Nature Trail.

The view was magnificent The colorful, painted hills Dog-friendly trail Checking out the hills with Dad The texture was very rocky, crumbly, and dry A gorgeous view ahead Cheesin’ in front of these hills I can’t wait to go back to explore more

Rating for Painted Hills:

I would give this area four paws up if I could because we have the best time exploring desert hikes. Although it’s hard to see in the pictures, the hills are vivid reds, greens, and lavender, which makes for a fantastic, eye-opening hike with your pup. I highly recommend packing lots of water and sunscreen since it’s dry, as well as a lunch to enjoy a picnic at the viewpoints. Since the area is desert land, be careful to keep your pup with you at all times to avoid them stepping in any cacti or worse… We actually heard a rattlesnake on this trail! Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for our next dog-friendly adventure.

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Happy trails pups!