By Theresa Shaw
July 16, 2010

Long before many people became eco-conscious Portland embraced public transportation and pedestrian and bicycle friendly pathways. The result is a fun, stress free and easy town for visitors to navigate.

Bike and Hike

You’ll see bicyclists everywhere, why not join them? Waterfront Bicycles has rentals with a basket or a burley trailer so your dog can come along. Travel the 10.3 mile waterfront loop along the Willamette River and enjoy the city skyline.

Take a casual stroll or hike through the winding paths on Mount Tabor which is all that remains of an extinct volcano. Mt. Tabor’s off-leash dog park in the middle of a pine forest has enough stimuli to entertain them most demanding dog. Caution: there are a few unfenced openings.

Where/Info: Water Front Bikes
Map of Mt. Tabor Dog Park

Drink, Eat and Meet

Lucky Lab Brewing Company is the place for locals and pets. Chow down under the covered outdoor patio and sip a Super Dog, the pubs most popular beer. Dog treats made from the spent grains used in brewing are on the menu. Check out the bulletin boards in the bar full of photos of patrons’ dogs and add your own photo.

For excellent French cuisine, head over to Fenouil in the Pearl District. From the outdoor patio your dog will enjoy the people watching in the square.

Where: Lucky Lab has 4 locations including 915 SE Hawthorne Blvd.; Fenouil, 900 NW 11th Ave.
Info: Fenouil

Shop

The Northwest District will whet the appetite of anyone who loves to shop and not just because Oregon has zero sales tax. Your pup will be welcomed most places including Three Monkeys which is sure to satisfy your desire for all things kitschy. At All For Paws pet boutique, you’ll be greeted by Fancy Pants, the owner’s border collie.

Where: Start at NW 23rd Street and Burnside and walk north. Then head over to NW 21st Street.
When: Most shops open M-Fr 10am to 7pm and Sunday 11am to 6pm
Info: Shopping guide to Portland
All For Paws

Snooze

Locals recommend the hipster Jupiter Hotel where pets are welcome in all 81 modern rooms including the LexiDog suites. The last Wednesday of every month the Jupiter hosts Waggy Hour, a happy hour benefitting the Oregon Humane Society. Because you’re hip, you’ll want to take in the Indy Rock bands playing next door at The Doug Fir Lounge.

For those who want the familiarity of a pet friendly chain, the Residence Inn by Marriott is located downtown along the waterfront path. Both hotels can recommend pet sitters.

Where: Jupiter Hotel, 800 E. Burnside in the Lower Burnside district; Residence Inn, Riverplace 2115 SW River Parkway in Downtown
Info: Jupiter Hotel
Residence Inn Riverplace
Doug Fir Lounge