Living in the Inland Northwest means we have the best of both worlds, and that includes a dog-friendly world.
We have all the things we need to sustain our lives, and the great outdoors is right at our doorstep. In 10 minutes, I can be urban hiking at Dishman Hills and, in 20, hitting the Rocks of Sharon for an incredible view of the Palouse.
Once you hit the urban core, we’re covered when it comes to places to hang out with your dog.
Life is dog-friendly in the Inland Northwest
I’ve put together a quick list of my absolute favorite dog-friendly places from Spokane to Coeur d’Alene so you two can adventure out together!
1. Have lunch on a patio
Have you been to Republic Kitchen & Taphouse in Post Falls, Idaho? It’s one of my favorite patios to hang out at. It’s in a converted 1910 home that’s on the National Historic Registry and the patio is framed by a lovely garden. I am in love with the Repub Bowl.
Bella and I are also big fans of Paragon Brewing and Daft Badger Brewing (try the huckleberry bacon!) in Coeur d’Alene. Head toward Spokane and don’t miss the Two-Seven on the South Hill. We walked onto the patio yesterday and were greeted by the smiliest little chocolate Labradoodle. Try the falafel with a side of Greek salad.
2. Stop for a beer
Of course I’m going to mention beer. I’m Canadian and I love my beer! I fell down the craft rabbit hole some years ago and I’m always up for trying a new brew. The aforementioned Paragon and Daft Badger have some great beers to try.
If we go for a hike at Post Falls Community Forest, though, we’re stopping at Post Falls Brewing on the way home. The Stoney McGuyver is a nice, crisp IPA and the Dark Horse is one of the better locally brewed stouts I’ve tasted.
Snow Eater in Liberty Lake and Brick West Brewing in downtown Spokane also have dog-friendly patios.
3. Get outdoors
If you’re no stranger to these pages, then you know what Bella and I are doing in our free time: hiking.We love hitting Dishman, the Rocks of Sharon, Liberty Lake Loop and Antoine Peak. We have to wait a month or two yet before we can hit some of our favorite spots in Idaho, but the hikes down to Lake Pend Oreille in Sagle and Cocolalla should be perfect right now. I’m thinking Mineral Point, Evans Landing and Lost Lake.
We can’t not mention our two gorgeous state parks on the Washington side: Riverside and Mt. Spokane. Then there’s one of my favorite places: Farragut State Park in Idaho.
And don’t forget to download my guide to five great hikes that are close to Spokane Valley.
All are dog-friendly spots. Just remember to stay on leash and pick up your poop.
4. Hang out at the park
OK, hiking might not be your thing. I’ve also noticed Bella starting to slow down now that she’s entered her eighth year. We can’t always think about the 8- and 10-mile hikes. We have to start looking at shorter, easier walks and dog-friendly parks are where we’ll find them.
Luckily, we’re participating in the Great Spokane Parks Challenge and we’re finding new parks around Spokane all the time.
We’re also big fans of McEuen Park in Coeur d’Alene and Corbin and Black Bay parks in Post Falls.
All around the circle
What’s your go-to dog-friendly activity for the summer? Share with me in the comments so we can check it out if we haven’t already.
You know I’m always looking for new locations!
My friends in the pet photographers blog circle are sharing the dog-friendly spots they love in their hometowns.
When you get to the bottom of her post, click the next link in the circle and then keep learning about dog-friendly spots across the United States.
That’s when you know you’re home.
Right where you belong.
A dog on a rock IN THE CITY? Now that’s cool! And how great that you’ve put together a hiking guide for clients to download and keep handy for spending quality time with their pups!
So many great places to go with your dogs in Spokane!