Dogs in the National Forest
Many hikers enjoy taking their dog along on the trail, whether for a day hike or backpacking. National Forest guidelines require that dogs be on a six-foot leash at all times when in developed recreation areas (means an area which has been improved for recreation) and on interpretive trails. There is no leash requirements for most of the forest. There are some trails and areas requiring your dog to be leashed.
If you plan on bringing your dog with you to the national forest familiarize yourself with the trail you want to hike, situations that can be hazardous for a dog, other hikers, or for other trail users like horseback riders. Update all vaccinations, provide flea and tick control for your pet and make sure your dog has identification tags, tattoos and/or chips in case you are separated.
Be sensitive to other visitors who are uncomfortable around a dogs. Unless your dog responds well to voice commands and is comfortable around people then keep your dog leashed especially while at busy trailheads, and parking lots.
Dogs are NOT allowed to chase game animals.
Hiking/Camping
There is nothing better than having your dog with you on hiking and camping trips, especially when you keep in mind your dog's physical conditioning.
Wildlife/Flora
A highlight when hiking and camping is seeing wildlife; however, the presence of a dog will frequently eliminate this possibility, and a loose dog will disrupt the feeding and nesting patterns of many species. In addition, dogs can be injured by wildlife such as porcupines, bears, and coyotes. For the sake of your pet, wildlife, and other hikers and campers, keep your dog on a leash, do not leave him unattended at your campsite, and leave him at home if he likes to bark.
The dog will experience pain with a risk of severe swelling in its throat, a reaction to the histamine in the wasp’s venom, and can be life threatening. You might want to carry an antihistamine (like Benadryl) just in case.
Other Trail Users
Most of the trails on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forests are open to hikers but some of our trails are available to horse and mountain bike traffic as well. So you and your dog need to be prepared to meet all type of trail users.
Even if your dog is very friendly, you may encounter others who will not appreciate your dog getting close to them; they may be afraid of dogs, or their dog may be frightened by yours. You have no way of knowing this before your dog approaches others, so please use common courtesy and control your dog at all times.
Your dog may run ahead and could startle a mountain biker or equestrian, causing the rider to be thrown before you can intervene. Trail etiquette requires hikers to yield to equestrians. On a narrow trail, a dog should be held close on a short leash. Encourage your dog to remain calm and sit as a horses passes. Never stop on the uphill side of the trail, when waiting for a horse and rider to pass.
Camping with Your Dog
At night, your dog is probably best kept inside your tent. Most animals will not attack your dog. However, bears, raccoons, skunks, etc, will be attracted by the odor of the dog's food. Be sure to feed the dog well away from your tent. And be sure to hang the dog's food (and all other food and scented items) high in a tree well away from your tent site.
Summing Up
All these situations are less likely to occur if your dog is on a six-foot leash, because the dog moves at your pace and you will see the situation before it becomes a threat to the dog, to you, or to other trail users.
Please Help Us
The Forest Service hopes you enjoy your time spent out on the forest with your dog. However, we ask that you help us protect the land, the lakes, rivers and streams, and the wildlife of this beautiful place. One easy way to help, keep your pet on a leash, under control and pick up after your dog. Remember to pack out all garbage, which dog poop bags are! You could be cited for littering.
Snoqualmie Ranger District
- Commonwealth Basin Trail 1033 (area is unavailable)
- Denny Creek Trail 1014
- Granite Mountain Trail 1016
- High Lakes Trail Trail 1012
- Kaleetan Lake Trail 1010
- Ira Spring - Mason Lake Trail 1038
- Melakwa Lake Trail 1011
- Mt. Defiance Trail 1009
- Pacific Crest Trail 2000
- Pratt Lake Trail 1007
- Snow Lake Trail 1013
- Talapus Lake Trail 1039
- Thompson Lake Trail 1009.01
Skykomish Ranger District
- West Fork Foss Trail 1064
- Necklace Valley Trail 1062
- Surprise Creek Trail 1060
- Tonga Ridge Trail 1058
- Dorothy Lake Trail 1072
Mt. Baker Ranger District
No Dogs Allowed Table Mountain Trail 681
Interpretive Trails