Gateway to the Pacific Northwest
By Laura Cameron
March 22, 2010

Seattleites are famously outdoorsy – their city does boast the flagship store of REI, the ultimate recreational outfitters that sell a huge line of pet adventure gear. These hardy Puget Sound folks sport shorts year-round, as they jog with their dogs along Alki Point’s waterfront paths or trot briskly past cruise ships on the Elliot Bay urban trail through Myrtle Edwards park.

A favorite with Seattle’s dogs is Magnuson Off-Leash Dog Park, a 9-acre gem with access to a pebbly beach on freshwater Lake Washington, a 2.2-acre off-leash park (complete with a fenced area for shy or small dogs), and a paved, wheelchair-accessible path.

But with snow-capped Cascade Mountains glistening on the horizon, it’s just as tempting to head out of town for more venturesome hikes.

An hour from downtown (via I-90) is Snoqualmie Pass and the lush forested hills surrounding Snow Lake. Dogs on leash are welcome to huff and puff up 3.5 miles of switchback trails between granite peaks to a fine vista overlooking mountains and Snow Lake, about a half mile downhill at your feet. You can dabble in the icy waters or walk right round the shoreline between banks of heather and early wildflowers.

Pet-friendly hotels in central Seattle include the Alexis Hotel, one of the popular Kimpton Group, and the more traditional Crowne Plaza.
The Alexis has the trendier attitude, adorned with contemporary art, located amid art galleries and boutiques two blocks from Seattle’s highly regarded art museum. Dogs are welcomed by chalkboard greeting, and are treated to a personal bowl-and-bed combo in the guestroom, all for no extra charge. The Crowne Plaza is very convenient for I-5 highway access, great for getting out to hiking destinations; it charges a $50 nonrefundable pet fee for dog-guests in standard rooms.

If You Go: Another pet-friendly hotel choice is W Seattle

For More Information: Seattle CVB

Photo credits:
Magnuson Dog Park: ExplorerDog.com
Snow Lake: Susan M. Mueller/Washington Trails Association