There's no reason to leave your furry loved ones at home when road tripping on the Cascade Loop! Just spend a little extra time plotting your course! Nobody wants to be cooped up in a car for too long--no matter if you're the driver or the canine companion. The Cascade Loop offers a world of activities for both you and your traveling companion too! Get out and stretch your legs at designated Dog Parks, dog-friendly trails and destinations that just happen to cater to pets noted on the map below.  Check out this article from a gal who documented her latest pet friendly trek on the Cascade Loop: http://pawtripping.com/index.php/2018/12/27/cascade-scenic-loop-mt-baker-scenic-hwy/

Pet Friendly Traveling 101

1. Plan your trip itinerary in advance ensuring that you and your pet have exercise and potty breaks about every two hours.
2. Select pet-friendly accommodations and understand and comply with each property's policies. There is no surprise so unpleasant as to find that your baby will not be allowed in and trying to find a new place to stay on the fly--no fun at all!
3. Pack the Must-Haves: Bottled water and enough food for the trip plus extra, feeding and watering bowl, treats, leash and collar/harness with identification tags (and perhaps an extra, just in case), pet cleaner and paper towels in case of potty accidents, waste bags, your pet's favorite blanket, toys and crate (if they are used to using one), your pet's medications (if needed) and a couple old towels to dry off your pet after swimming, muddy playing or simply yucky weather. Also be sure to have a current photo of your pet (we know you have a bunch on your phone!) just in case the unthinkable happens and you are separated during your outing. Bringing current medical records and immunizations is also a great contingency plan in case of emergency illness or injury.
4. Take practice trips ahead of time so your pet is used to and comfortable traveling. If you find that they have motion sickness or anxiety, consult your veterinarian.
5. Certain trails are pet-friendly but require a pet permit (Methow Trails for example) so please do your due diligence and have your pet permit ready if needed

Don't Even Think About...

1. Leaving your pet in a hot vehicle!!!
2. Sneaking your pet into non-pet-friendly lodgings or attractions.
3. Taking your pet off-leash in leash-required areas.
4. Leaving your pet's potty waste behind for others to step in--gross and rude!
5. Taking your pet into areas and activities that are unsafe, uncomfortable, or scary to your pet.
6. Encouraging your pet to go overboard or to hop into unknown moving bodies of water. 
7. Pretending your pet is a service animal or an emotional support animal when they are not. 

National Parks, Forests, State Parks and Pets

The North Cascades National Park is one of the most popular destinations on the Cascade Loop but like many National Parks, there are limitations to our furry friends' access. Please be sure to respect the rules.

• Dogs and other pets are not allowed within the National Park except on a leash on the Pacific Crest Trail, and within 50 feet of roads. Service animals are allowed for those with disabilities.
• Pets are allowed on a leash within the Ross Lake and Lake Chelan National Recreation Areas. Pets are also allowed on most surrounding national forest lands.
• If you are not sure where you can hike with your pet, please call the Wilderness Information Center at 360-854-7245 for trip suggestions.

Dogs are permitted on U.S. Forest Service trails. There are several areas, however, where dogs are not permitted or must be on leash. These include the popular Enchantments area and Ingalls Lake Trail, where heavy hiker use and the fragile ecosystem mean dogs are not allowed.

Dogs also must always be on leash in the popular Alpine Lakes Wilderness area near Leavenworth. This includes most trails accessed from I-90 and on Highway 2 west of Stevens Pass. Leashes are also required on several popular trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Dogs are welcome at state parks but must always be on a leash. Dogs are not allowed at swimming beaches.

Trail Etiquette for Dogs on Trails

• Follow the rules unique to the trail or region you are exploring. Some trails are closed to dogs and many require leashes. Please do your research in advance and respect the rules posted at the trailhead. 
• Only allow your dog off-leash in designated areas and only if they heel on command.
• Do not allow your dog to bark and disrupt other guests' experiences.
• Yield the right-of-way to hikers. When dog owners meet other hikers, step well clear of the trail to allow other users to pass.
• When meeting a horse on a trail, yield the right-of-way. Make sure the dog stays calm, and does not bark or approach the horse. When you can, step onto the downhill side of the trail  and hold your dog close until the horse has passed,
• Pick up and pack out all of your pet's waste. Do not leave a baggie by the side of the trail for someone else to clean up!
• Just like you wouldn't undertake a difficult or steep hike your first time out, don't do that to your dog either. Take your pooch on small practice hikes first and help them get into shape so that your bigger hikes are fun and exciting, and nobody goes home miserable or injured.

Not only is there exceptional lodging all the way around the Cascade Loop, there are many great places to stay with your canine traveling companions. Check out the map below along with the property listings that follow to find the accommodations that are right for your traveling party.