Slough to Sea Trail South Trail Stats Trail: Slough to Sea Trail South Location: Clatsop State Forest Distance: 2.3 miles (AllTrails.com) / 3.8 miles (I added some distance by starting at the Visitor’s Center) Difficulty: Moderate (Ups and down might be a bit much for creaky knees) ADA Accessible: Maybe. The trail looks like it might be designed for all mobilities, but the ups and downs are steep and at places kind of narrow. There was also a downed tree in the path when I went. Also, one of the bridges was under construction and I didn’t see any signage until I was at the bridge. Grade Padme’s Paws: 3 (out of 4) My rating: B+ (A to F) Summary The Slough to Sea trail offers a scenic and diverse hiking experience for dog owners, with beautiful wooded areas, bogs, and meadows to explore. While the trail provides plenty of...

Gnat Creek Trail Trail Stats Trail: Gnat Creek Trail Location: Clatsop State Forest Distance: 7.2 miles out and back / I did 3 Difficulty: Moderate (Length, some ups and downs for creeky knees) ADA Accessible: Absolutely not (roots, uneven terrain) Grade Padme’s Paws: 4 (out of 4) My rating: B+ (A to F) Summary Gnat Creek Trail offers a lush, peaceful hike filled with mossy forests, creekside paths, and just enough elevation changes to feel rewarding. Padme, my trail-loving companion, had a blast exploring the smells, water, and natural obstacles. I appreciated the quiet, the beauty, and the mental clarity the trail brought—despite a brief road crossing and a few signs of human carelessness. This hike reminded me how far I’ve come, both physically and mentally, especially in how I face challenges like challenging terrain. Why It’s Good for Padme Anywhere with smells and water is heaven for Padme. She...

Summary: This trail is perfect for both dogs and humans alike, offering a scenic, accessible route through diverse landscapes with minimal mud. Padme, who loves new places to explore, enjoyed being off leash, splashing in the creeks, and running wild along the bay. For me, the educational signs and the unexpected beauty of the bay at the turnaround point made the hike a delightful and refreshing escape from the usual routine. Grade: Trail Stats Parking – Easy with a side of Potholes Parking at this hike is incredibly easy. The navigation took me straight to the parking lot, which is split into two sections. The first section has a park host and restrooms, while the second section has the trailhead. In between the sections are a few backyard-pond-sized potholes that are easy enough to drive through if you take it slow. I didn’t see a way around them, so I...

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) A- Hiking the Kwis Kwis to Fort to Sea Trail was a rewarding adventure for both Padme and me. Located near the Fort Clatsop Visitor Center, the trail provides not only scenic views but also a rich, immersive experience. As we walked, Padme delighted in the unique smells of the coastal landscape, making it a perfect spot for her to explore and play.  With diverse flora and lush greenery surrounding the trail, the environment is as soothing as it is captivating, even for someone like me who enjoys the solitude of the outdoors. The trail offers a refreshing mix of forested sections and open areas, perfect for both dogs and humans alike.  While I took my time to enjoy the sights and sounds, Padme was busy sniffing her way through the terrain, making our hike more about the journey...

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) C- Hiking the Latourell Falls Loop in Guy W. Talbot State Park is an experience full of stunning sights, physical challenges, and a few unexpected surprises. This 2.85-mile trail offers breathtaking views of waterfalls and the Columbia River Gorge, but it’s not without its hurdles. Whether you’re bringing your furry hiking buddy or exploring solo, this trail has something to offer—but you’ll want to prepare for its quirks. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience hiking this trail with my dog, Padme, a 90-pound Rottweiler/Husky mix, including why it earned a “C-” grade and only 2 out of 4 paws on my dog-friendliness scale. From parking and accessibility to trail highlights and challenges, here’s everything you need to know before lacing up your boots. Trail Stats Parking and Facilities The parking situation is relatively easy, with a small...

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) C- Exploring the Fort Cascades Loop Trail with Padme turned out to be an easy and scenic adventure, but not without a few challenges. The hike is perfect for those seeking a short, low-elevation walk, but the presence of Poison Oak made it a bit more stressful than expected. Despite this, the beautiful views of the Bonneville Dam and the fascinating petroglyphs kept the experience memorable. It also provided some valuable moments for leash training and reinforcing our bond. Padme had a great time exploring the trail, and it reminded me of how important it is to be prepared when hiking with a dog. Though the trail is manageable for most, it’s essential to be cautious of hidden hazards like Poison Oak and to practice good leash etiquette. In this post, I’ll share how the hike went for Padme...

Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) A Trail Stats Parking – Easy Eagle Fern County Park offers a spacious parking lot with a convenient kiosk to pay the $8 fee. If you prefer, you can use one of the following passes: There’s also a nice bathroom building with flushing toilets and heat, which can be very useful on colder days. Why It’s a Great Hike for Dogs: Exploring Padme’s Favorite Spots This trail is special to me and Padme. It’s where we first began hiking together, and it’s one of the best dog-friendly hikes in Oregon. When we first started coming here, there were several downed trees that you had to get around or over, so she learned how to jump and balance. Also, the first portion of this trail runs parallel to the river, with several places to get down to the water. That’s where I...

Summary: Spending time outdoors is enriching for both Padme and me, offering her new scents and sights while providing me with peaceful escapes. On the Wildwood Nature Loop, a flat and scenic trail, Padme enjoyed exploring safely on-leash, though I wish she could run freely. While an unsettling encounter at the end of the hike shook my sense of security, I still found the trail beautiful and enjoyable overall. Grade: Padme’s Paws (Out of 4) My Grade (A to F) B Trail Stats Parking – Easy Peasy: Parking is not a problem at all. There are a few of parking lots. You will need a pass: Why It’s Good for Padme Just being outside is good for Padme. The more smells and landscapes I can introduce her to in the PNW, the better. One of the things I always consider when hiking with Padme is whether it’s safe to let...

Summary: Goat Marsh Trail in Gifford Pinchot National Forest is a scenic, easy hike with a mix of forest paths, golden marsh views, and a rewarding lakeside view of Mount St. Helens. The drive to the trailhead can be rough for low-clearance cars, so be prepared. Padme enjoyed exploring downed trees and open spaces, while I appreciated the magical landscape that felt like stepping into a storybook. Hikers should be mindful of some knee-challenging spots and stay alert, as I encountered an armed hiker on the trail, which was a surprising reminder of the need for caution. Grade: Trail Stats Parking – Confusing Parking at or near the trailhead for this hike was very easy for me. I let AllTrails.com give me directions, and it took me right there. It was extremely easy to find a place to pull off the small road. As far as I could tell, and...