Pets

Following the rules of BARK!

NPS photo

Guidelines for dog owners visiting Olympic National Park. Please follow the rules of BARK!

Bag your pet's poop
Pet owners are responsible for removing pet waste from all areas in the park including campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots, roads, pet-friendly trails, and other developed areas.

Always wear a leash
Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Respect wildlife
Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away.

Know where you can go
Pets are allowed on the following trails:

• Peabody Creek Trail (Olympic National Park Visitor Center in Port Angeles)
• Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek (1/2 mile)
• The beaches between the Hoh and Quinault Reservations (Kalaloch area)
• Madison Falls Trail (Elwha)
• Spruce Railroad Trail (North shore of Lake Crescent)
• July Creek Loop Trail (North shore of Lake Quinault)

Pets are not permitted - on any trails not listed above, in public buildings, on interpretive walks, or in the wilderness.

Additionally pets are welcome in drive in campgrounds and picnic areas as well as paved or dirt roads, but no digging or rolling on plants as that will damage vegetation.

Do not bring dogs onto tidal rocks as the sharp stone, along with barnacles and mussels, can cut their paws and lead to infection.

Pets should not be left unattended. Summer heat poses a threat to pets left in vehicles.

Service animals are an exception to these rules and may accompany their owner to all park locations. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

 

Leashed pets are allowed on trails in Olympic National Forest. Please note that this is a different entity than Olympic National Park. Please keep your pet free of seeds to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.

 

Become a Bark Ranger
Well-behaved dogs are invited to bring their human companions and become official Olympic National Park Bark Rangers! Learn the rules of B.A.R.K., where and how to enjoy Olympic National Park with your pet, and earn your Bark Ranger Badge! To participate in the Bark Ranger Program, please visit the Kalaloch Ranger Station.