Plan Your Adventure With Your Pup

By Cate Battles

You know what makes Grants Pass’s pristine wilderness, world-class wine country, and charming downtown even better? Getting to explore it with your favorite furry friend. Plan a trip to Southern Oregon and experience some of the best wildflower trails, wineries, eateries, and pet-friendly hotels in the region.

Tails and Trails

There’s no shortage of great hikes within an hour of Grants Pass—best of all, almost all of them are pet-friendly. From panoramic mountains and moss-covered forest trails to scenic riverside hikes, there are a wide array of adventures that will leave both your tails wagging. Follow Redwood Highway to the Illinois Valley and plan a day exploring the ADA accessible 8 Dollar Mountain Botanical Trail or the Jeffrey Pine/Falls Loop. Renowned for its diverse flora, botanists since the 1880s have noted its biodiversity. While walking the trail, spot carnivorous Darlingtonia fens, Western azaleas, Bolander lilies, and colorful paintbrush. Just past Cave Junction, stop by Rough and Ready Wayside, a botanical wonderland home to Oregon’s largest concentration of rare and special status plants.

For something a little closer to town, explore the wildflower bloom at Cathedral Hills, just minutes from downtown Grants Pass. The 10-mile trail system boasts an interconnected network of paths that can be accessed at various trailheads. With trails rated easy to strenuous, you and your pup can choose your own adventures you pass through manzanita tunnels and hillsides blanketed by warrior plume and shooting stars.

Merlot with your Pup

When it comes to exploring Southern Oregon’s famed wine country, you’re in luck. Almost all wineries allow well-behaved pooches at their patios and picnic areas. Plan an afternoon of wine tasting at one of the more than 20 wineries and tasting rooms sprinkled across Applegate Valley. Sip wine at Apricity Vineyards, the nearest winery to downtown Grants Pass. This family-owned boutique vineyard is open Thursday-
Sunday and offers live music and food trucks every Sunday.

Follow Williams Highway to Wooldridge Creek Winery, Applegate Valley’s only Winery and Creamery, featuring estate wines, artisanal cheese, and small batch ferments. Grab a snack, take in the sweeping views, and enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine. If Fido needs a little exercise beforehand, the Enchanted Forest Trailhead is located just minutes from their gate.

Shopping in Downtown’s Historic District

While many big cities aren’t as welcoming to pets, you’ll find Grants Pass to be a haven for dog owners. While walking along the sidewalks, you’ll see water bowls in front of boutiques and even furry ambassadors greeting you at the door. What you won’t find are chains. Part of what makes the historic district the charming downtown it is today are the “Ma and Pop” shops that line the streets. Whether you’re sniffing out the best places to purchase gifts, shoes, kitchen supplies, or hand-crafted goods, you’re sure to fetch something for everyone.

While downtown, take a self-guided public art tour and check out the murals, sculptures, and decorated bears throughout the Historic District.

Overnight Digs

When it comes to places to stay, you’ll find plenty of accommodations that cater to pet owners around Grants Pass. For Rogue River views, book a stay at the Riverside Inn, just minutes from the Historic District. With balconies facing the river, a pool, and continental breakfast, this is the perfect spot to call home during your visit. For something within walking distance to downtown shops and restaurants, the Redwood Hyperion Suites offer a multitude of packages, with access to their pool, hot tub, fitness room, and free breakfast. It also has a designated place for pets and a playground for two-legged kids.

Pooch-Friendly Breweries

Spend a sunny afternoon enjoying a cold one with your ride-or-die at a local brewery. In downtown Grants Pass, drop by Climate City Brewing for drinks and food at their beautiful patio. Cozy up next to their outdoor fire pit and check out their 12 beers on tap, craft cocktails, and tasty menu. For food trucks and beer, head to Weekend Beer Company on the North side of town. Open 7/days week, this pet-friendly destination
has permanent food trucks on site like Catalyst Pizza, Tacomania, Valentinos Burgers, and Wheelhouse Coffee. Spread out throughout the property, pick a table inside the tasting room or outside on the lawn, play a game of corn hole, and enjoy this Southern Oregon watering hole.

Dog Parks

Looking for a safe place for Fido to run around and play with some friends? Have a ball at one of the local dog parks. Nearest to downtown Grants Pass, Greenwood Dog Park offers a quiet and spacious area for off-leash dogs to run around along with a short trail that leads to the river. Find additional dog parks at Gilbert Creek, Redwood Park, and Schroeder Park with most offering separate small dog and large dog spaces. During the summer months, pups can cool off at Schroeder park’s splash pad area, created just for dogs.

Bone Appetite

While pets (with the exception for service animals) are generally not allowed inside restaurants, almost all eateries with outdoor tables allow pets to join for meals. Whether you’re looking for a place to brunch, a Friday date night, or a quick snack to go, you’ll find it all in downtown’s Historic District. Plan to brunch at Ma Mosas, an award-winning scratch-made eatery located on E Street that serves farm-to-table cuisine. Featuring the finest local, organic, and GMO-free ingredience, their main menu is always accompanied by seasonal specials as well as vegan/ gluten free options. For dinner, plan to dine at The Bohemian, located next the the Grants Pass Art Museum on G Street. This cozy tavern-style bistro offers outdoor seating as well as top notch food paired with specialty cocktails.