Dog Friendly Day Trip from Seattle: Easy Trails & Best Eats for Families in Summer

My family loves fall with the crispy leaves and chill on the cheeks while walking in the woods, but summer is the time we are most active out about to avoid muddy shoes and drenched coats. My parents always visit in summer too, and as active as they are, they are no fans of vigorous outdoor activities. Our summer outings usually include a short hike on an easy trail, lounging at the beach, a nice walk in a neighborhood with little shops, and always accompanied by yummy food.

These following locations have been some of our favorites. They are all north of Seattle since that is where we live and we don’t usually feel like spending too much time driving. Most of them are very dog-friendly as you can imagine in the PNW.

• The Vibe: downtown Leavenworth is a charming little Balvarian town, with many shops and restaurants to visit. The Balvarian-style buildings with the Casacades in the backgroun are definitely something you want to capture. There are also many trails around if you do not feel like jostling around with too many people.
• The Trail: Icicle Gorge Trail. NO Discover Pass; you pay the fee in an envelope. 4.2-mile loop, low elevation. Many different scenics along the trail. Engage the kids with bridges, water spots and animals.
• The Refuel: 59er Diner. Just a short drive from downtown Leavenworth; it’s kid- and pet-friendly. It can be pretty busy even on weekdays, but evenings are not bad. Staff are awfully friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxing.

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• The Vibe: this is the place where you admire the nature, and if you are into outdoors activities, it offers something every season.
• The Trail: Lake Wenatchee State Park. Discover Pass. Such a beautiful place with different level of trails. The snowshoe trails are your best bet if you just want to take a quick 30-minute walk while still enjoying various scenics including the beach. Easy access from the parking lot.
• The Refuel: The Wild Huckleberry. This is a charming little breakfast/lunch place that is kid- and pet-friendly.

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• The Vibe: each part of Whidbey Island has its charm, but overall laid back and coastal small town feeling.
• The Trail: Not trails so much but a lot of places for easy walks in the woods or on the beach. We particularly like:
  Rosario Beach – this is within Deception Pass Sate Park, so Discover Pass required. Go at low tie to see sea life!
  Ebey’s Landing – I recommend to start at the parking lot near Ebey’s Landing Road. You can access the beach easily from there.
• The Refuel: Gordon’s Fushion Cuisine in Coupeville. A good variety of choices and nice drinks. Outdoor seating if you are travelling with your doggie.

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• The Vibe: Edmonds Waterfront is simply beautiful, great at all times (if you don’t like crowds, avoid summer weekends at all costs.) You have access to the water or just sit back to enjoy the beach. So many great restaurant choices as well!
• The Trail: Edmonds Marina Walkway – about 1.7 mile between Edmonds Marina Beach Park and Brackett’s Landing. Paved walkway, and kids can spend all day on the beach.
• The Refuel: Charcoal or Niles Peacock Kitchen & Bar for dinner. Both have great food, great cocktails and patios for dogs! The Crumpet shop for breakfast or afternoon snack.

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• The Vibe: this is a beloved trail, easy enough with just a bit challenge at the end. You can spend some time taking pictures near the waterfall and cool down.
• The Trail: Northwest Forest Pass. 2 mile roundtrip; slight elevation but not difficult. Not exactly stroller-friendly but the trail itself should not be a huge problem for kids.
• The Tips: Strongly recommend to avoid the restroom or bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper because this trail is VERY popular and let’s just say that the facilities are not catching up with its popularity.

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• The Vibe: a smaller zoo with a lot of engaging animals. Kids love it!
• The Trail: the zoo itself of couse is not dog-friendly, but if you want to go for a hike after the zoo, Coal Creek Falls is not too far away.
• The Tips:
  – Arrive earlier during summer breaks as the parking lot is pretty small; street parking is available.
  – Bring your homemade lunch to the zoo for a picnic!

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• The Vibe: the Fairhaven neighborhood to me is a historic village with a modern and chic twist. Very walkable and close to the water.
• The Trail:
  Whatcom Falls Park. There are multiple routes overlooking the creek and still pools.
  Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway. Stop by Larrabee State Park or simply enjoy the views along the road. It is awfully beatufiul.
• The Refuel: Besides various restaurants in Fairhaven neighborhood, we also enjoyed Fiamma Pizza in downtown. They have a patio that allows dogs. You can also try Filling Station, which is also pet-friendly.
• The Shop: please visit Village Books in Fairhaven! Great store for book lovers, and you can bring your dogs inside too!

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• The Vibe: small, cozy costal town.
• The Trail: Walk along the waterfront.
• The Refuel: Nell Thorn. Outdoor seating overlooking the water. Food is not bad and staff are friendly. There are also picnic tables intermittently along the water if you bring your own food or buy from a nearby eatery.
• The Shop: Strongly recommend Vintage La Conner Non-Profit Thrift Shop if you like to find your treasure. They rearrange items and showcase new things frequently so it will never be boring to revisit.

If you are planning to travel south bound with family (and pup!), Portland and Vanoucer WA have a lot to offer for your summer fun as well!