The Reactive Dog’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest

Exploring parks, hikes, trails and hotels FOR reactive dog owners

about the markus project

It’s stressful travelling with a reactive dog.

You want to visit new parks or trails, but it’s hard to know what to expect. Does it get busy? Are the paths narrow? Will other dogs be off-leash? Maybe you’re tired of other dog owners saying things are fine because their dog is friendly.

We get it.

As a rescue dog, Markus developed reactive tendencies and he doesn’t do well in confined spaces like dog parks or narrow paths where he’s forced to be in close proximity to other dogs. Good thing we live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where the expanse of the great outdoors is more his style.

Our mission is to empower reactive dogs in the Pacific Northwest to experience what we get to call our backyard. It won’t always be easy, but we hope to pave the way by sharing our experiences at new parks or trails from the perspective of reactive dog owners. Our hope is that you and your pup will get to explore openly, free of anxiety, because you know what to expect.

Learn about Markus and the project

Featured Pacific Northwest trails

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Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

On a trip to Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, we stopped by the Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park for a hike. The actual hike takes about 2 hours with a dog, but you'll likely spend more time taking in the best part of the hike: the views.

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Trails, Washington

Rosario Head Trail

Trails, Washington

★★★★★

If you're like me, you're all about those easy-win hikes. You know what I mean - the low effort/high reward type hikes. If you're looking for one of those, the Rosario Head Trail was easy to do and the view at the end is absolutely outstanding.

Trails, Washington

Trails, Oregon

Henline Falls Trail

Trails, Oregon

★★★★★

On a trip to Portland, we hiked the Henline Falls Trail in Oregon. Although the trail is a farther drive south of Portland and the road was bumpy with pot holes, this low-trafficked trail has quickly become one of our favourites in the Pacific Northwest.

Trails, Oregon

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Lighthouse Park

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

If you've heard of Lighthouse Park, you likely know about its view. Located on the coast of West Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is a great spot for a hike that ends up at a beautiful viewpoint by a lighthouse.

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Trails, British Columbia

Bosuemarne Falls

Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

Compared to Chilliwack Lake and Lindeman Lake, Bosuemarne Falls is less popular, but not any less beautiful. Although this hike is more hidden and can be a little tricky getting to the end, the view at the end of the waterfalls is absolutely amazing.

Trails, British Columbia

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Minnekhada Regional Park

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

We made the trip out to Minnekhada Regional Park, which is about an hour from downtown Vancouver. With three lookouts along the way, this was one of the more enjoyable trails and slightly challenging trails that we've done in the past little while!

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Sombrio Beach

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★★★☆

We took some time to visit Sombrio Beach, one of the beaches along the western-most coast of Vancouver Island. Sombrio Beach is a popular spot, but the thing that drew us to the beach was a hidden secret!

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Trails, British Columbia

Lindeman Lake

Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

Lindeman Lake is a vibrant small lake with amazing colours in Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park, British Columbia. It is a popular hiking spot and people will make a trip out from Vancouver to do this hike over the weekends.

Trails, British Columbia

Train Wreck Trail

Trails, British Columbia

★★★★☆

The Train Wreck Trail is a fascinating trail by Squamish, British Columbia with a suspension bridge taking hikers across the Cheakamus River to the other side where a site of an old train wreck from the 1950's sit.

Trails, British Columbia

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Kinsol Trestle

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★★★☆

While we were recently staying at Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island, we did a walk on a beautiful man-made structure known as the Kinsol Trestle. Not sure what a trestle looks like? No worries, I didn't either. It’s beautiful.

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Trails, British Columbia

Quarry Rock, Deep Cove

Trails, British Columbia

★★★★☆

We love going to Deep Cove, North Vancouver. With the many things you can do, it's one of our favourite ways to spend an entire day. One of the things that people love to do is the Quarry Rock hike, which we recently got to do with Markus.

Trails, British Columbia

Parks, British Columbia

Ambleside Beach Park

Parks, British Columbia

★★★★☆

Before we adopted Markus, Ambleside Beach was one of our favourite beaches to frequent located just over the Lions Gate Bridge from downtown Vancouver. Catch it during the sunset and it is a taste of the beauty that Vancouver has to offer.

Parks, British Columbia

Featured trails & Parks in British Columbia

Blog

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Smuggler Cove Marine Provincial Park

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

British Columbia, Parks & Trails, Trails

Seton Lake Lookout

British Columbia, Parks & Trails, Trails

★★★★★

Located near Lillooet, the Seton Lake Lookout is a quick but challenging hike that offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape, including a hairpin turn, Seton Lake and the majestic mountains behind.

British Columbia, Parks & Trails, Trails

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Lighthouse Park

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

British Columbia, Parks

Qualicum Beach East Beach

British Columbia, Parks

★★★☆☆

Our stroll along Qualicum Beach East Beach with our reactive dog Markus was a serene yet potentially challenging experience due to the popularity of the spot, allowing for a buffer zone on grassy stretches but requiring vigilance amidst the beach's allure and stunning sunset views.

British Columbia, Parks

British Columbia, Trails

Hole in the Wall

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

The Hole in the Wall hike near Port Alberni, although potentially crowded due to its touristy nature, offered a trail through a lush forests, river views and the awe-inspiring rock formation with rushing water.

British Columbia, Trails

British Columbia, Parks

English Bay Beach Park

British Columbia, Parks

★★★★☆

The scenic walk along English Bay Beach and the iconic Vancouver seawall is a fantastic way to feel the breeze on a warm summer day. The highlight of the walk for us was visiting the inukshuk at English Bay Beach Park.

British Columbia, Parks

Lions Park

British Columbia, Parks

★★★★☆

Lions Park in Port Coquitlam, with its unexpectedly serene atmosphere, revealed a hidden riverside oasis perfect for families and dogs to enjoy a safe summer escape.

British Columbia, Parks

British Columbia, Trails, Parks

Pitt Meadows

British Columbia, Trails, Parks

We recently spent some time in Pitt Meadows for a friend’s wedding and while we were out there, we got to experience a number of reactive dog-friendly activities. Here’s a list of some of the fun things we got to do!

British Columbia, Trails, Parks

British Columbia, Parks, Trails

Derby Reach Regional Park & Edgewater Bar Campground

British Columbia, Parks, Trails

★★★☆☆

Our exciting visit to Derby Reach Regional Park provided us with a positive experience, as we explored serene trails and the scenic Edgewater Bar Campground, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the park's natural beauty and escape the city's hustle and bustle.

British Columbia, Parks, Trails

British Columbia, Trails

Kanaka Creek Cliff Falls

British Columbia, Trails

★★☆☆☆

Kanaka Creek Falls in Maple Ridge offers scenic viewpoints and a well-maintained trail, but the falls are restricted by fences, making it less engaging for both dogs and humans. The peaceful ambiance and fresh natural surroundings can still make it a worthwhile destination for a serene walk.

British Columbia, Trails

Pitt River Regional Greenway by Harris Landing Park

British Columbia, Trails

★★☆☆☆

The Pitt River Regional Greenway in Pitt Meadows is known for its rich biodiversity, attracting various wildlife and bird species and provides a flat and accessible surface for walkers, hikers, cyclists and enthusiasts with their dogs.

British Columbia, Trails

British Columbia, Parks

Queen's Park Loop

British Columbia, Parks

★★★☆☆

Queen's Park in New Westminster is a beloved urban park that offers a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and towering trees that includes a spray park and historic arena, the park provides a vibrant space for community engagement.

British Columbia, Parks

British Columbia, Trails

Niagara Falls Goldstream

British Columbia, Trails

★★★★☆

Niagara Falls Goldstream in British Columbia is a must-visit destination for those seeking a waterfall adventure. Accessible from two routes, the culmination of the journey is the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the cascading water.

British Columbia, Trails

Sandcut Beach

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

Sandcut Beach on Vancouver Island is a stunning coastal gem that offers a trail with beautiful views and a small waterfall for those who venture further, but its rocky terrain and limited accessibility may not make it suitable for everyone.

British Columbia, Trails

Creyke Point

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

Creyke Point offers a peaceful trail that leads to breathtaking views. With its serene ambiance and hidden wonders, this trail is a delightful escape, but be mindful of the rocky areas going up Creyke Point.

British Columbia, Trails

British Columbia, Trips

Whistler

British Columbia, Trips

Whistler, BC offers a captivating experience for both outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions. From dog-friendly trails to breathtaking natural beauty, this renowned destination sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure where you and your dog can create lasting memories together.

British Columbia, Trips

British Columbia, Trails

Alpha, Nita & Alta Lake

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

Discover the natural wonders of Whistler, BC, through a picturesque trail that connects the enchanting lakes of Alpha, Nita, and Alta. This leisurely stroll offers breathtaking views and a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of these stunning lakes.

British Columbia, Trails

British Columbia, Trips

Lower Lonsdale

British Columbia, Trips

Experience a serene retreat at the Seaside Hotel in Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. This charming boutique hotel, with its waterfront location and luxurious amenities, provides the ideal setting for a relaxing staycation, away from the city's hustle and bustle.

British Columbia, Trips

British Columbia, Trails

Twin Falls Loop at Lynn Canyon

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

Discover the perfect outdoor adventure at Lynn Canyon Park's Twin Falls Loop. This short rewarding trail near North Vancouver offers a blend of natural beauty and a suspension bridge, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

British Columbia, Trails

Little Qualicum River and Falls

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

Visit Little Qualicum Falls Park for an exciting trail that combines breathtaking scenery with a touch of adventure. As you set off on your hike, the rushing waters of the majestic falls will welcome you near the trail's starting point.

British Columbia, Trails

British Columbia, Trips

Ucluelet

British Columbia, Trips

While Tofino may steal the spotlight with its stunning beaches and surfing, we are fans of the vacation destination of Ucluelet. Located on the breathtaking west coast of Vancouver Island, Ucluelet offers a laid-back and tranquil getaway.

British Columbia, Trips

British Columbia, Trails

Amphitrite Point Lighthouse Trail

British Columbia, Trails

★★★★☆

Experience the coastal charm and stunning scenery of the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse trail. Enjoy the wide path, with small nooks with benches and take advantage of the beach access for breathtaking views and a refreshing connection with the ocean.

British Columbia, Trails

Rainforest Figure Eight Trail

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

Embark on a peaceful detour through the Rainforest Figure Eight Trails near Tofino for a serene and immersive experience in nature's beauty.

British Columbia, Trails

British Columbia, Parks

Tipperary Park

British Columbia, Parks

★★☆☆☆

Tipperary Park is a peaceful and picturesque spot right in the heart of the New Westminster and a hidden treasure worth discovering if you’re looking for a short and quiet walk with your dog.

British Columbia, Parks

British Columbia, Trails

Westminster Quay Boardwalk

British Columbia, Trails

★★★☆☆

Enjoy a serene stroll along the New Westminster Walkway, hugging the shimmering Fraser River. The walkway offers ample space for pedestrians and leashed dogs, although certain areas are narrower. Pause at Quayside Park's charming playground before continuing to the bustling River Market where the walkway becomes busier.

British Columbia, Trails

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Confederation Park

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

★★☆☆☆

Since it's been extremely smokey outdoors in the last couple days, we wanted something that was quick to do and the trail at Confederation Park in Burnaby, British Columbia was exactly what we were looking for.

Parks, Trails, British Columbia

Trails, British Columbia

Jug Island Trail (Belcarra Regional Park)

Trails, British Columbia

★★★☆☆

When the sun's shining in British Columbia, one of the things we love to do is hop into a lake to cool off. Belcarra Regional Park is a place for families to spend an afternoon on a lake, at one of their many facilities or doing a hike on a trail!

Trails, British Columbia

Trips, British Columbia

Harrison Hot Springs

Trips, British Columbia

With the recent news that our provincial restrictions were being lifted and recreational travel within our region was allowed, we booked a trip to Harrison Hot Springs which included hot springs, waterfalls, tunnels and so much more!

Trips, British Columbia

Trails, British Columbia

Whippoorwill Point

Trails, British Columbia

★★★★☆

Harrison Hot Springs is a hot spot and popular location - a quick getaway known for its relaxing spas and hot water pools. Before you start thinking that the Whippoorwill Point Trail is an extension of the relaxing feeling of the town, think again!

Trails, British Columbia

Bosuemarne Falls

Trails, British Columbia

★★★★★

Trails, British Columbia

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Featured trails & Parks in Washington state

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Trails, Washington

Rosario Head Trail

Trails, Washington

★★★★★

Trails, Washington

Trips, Washington

Edmonds

Trips, Washington

From the quaint boutiques and inviting cafes in downtown to the views of Puget Sound at Brackett's Landing and Marina Beach Park, Edmonds is a charming coastal town that offered a delightful experience that captivated us with its welcoming atmosphere.

Trips, Washington

Washington, Parks

Picnic Point Park

Washington, Parks

★★★☆☆

Picnic Point Park in Edmonds, Washington, is an enchanting beach getaway that offers a serene escape. With the invigorating scent of sea air, panoramic ocean views and soothing sound of crashing waves, this beach is a gem that provides a tranquil coastal paradise.

Washington, Parks

Marina Beach Park

Washington, Parks

★★☆☆☆

Marina Beach Park in Edmonds, Washington, features well-maintained spaces for picnics and benches to enjoy panoramic views of the water. The park includes an off-leash park for dogs to play freely and enjoy beach access.

Washington, Parks

Brackett's Landing South & North

Washington, Parks

★★★☆☆

Brackett's Landing South & North in Edmonds, Washington, offers a picturesque coastal experience that allows visitors to enjoy the sunset and fully immerse themselves on either sides of the landing.

Washington, Parks

Parks, Washington

Squalicum Creek Park

Parks, Washington

★★★☆☆

Squalicum Creek Park in Bellingham is a versatile community park that caters to various recreational needs. While it may not offer traditional nature trails, it provides a walking path that encompasses the entire park, which is great for reactive dogs due to its spaciousness and wide paths.

Parks, Washington

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Parks, Washington

★★★★☆

While in Leavenworth, Washington a few weekends ago, we took time out from exploring the town to explore nearby trails and parks with Markus. We discovered and loved our time at Lake Wenatchee State Park, which is about half an hour away from Leavenworth.

Parks, Washington

Trips, Washington

Leavenworth

Trips, Washington

If you've ever wondered about visiting Germany, we have a fun little update for you. We spent the Thanksgiving long weekend in Leavenworth, Washington and it was a special getaway to a Bavarian-styled village and a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest.

Trips, Washington

Parks, Trails, Washington

Wallace Falls State Park

Parks, Trails, Washington

★★★★☆

On our way to Leavenworth, we made a stop at Wallace Falls State Park. The hike to the Lower Falls was gorgeous and exactly what we were looking for. This week, we give you our breakdown for the parts of Wallace Falls State Park we were able to do.

Parks, Trails, Washington

Whatcom Falls Park

Parks, Trails, Washington

★★★☆☆

On a recent trip into Washington, we took a scenic route around Lake Whatcom instead of going straight down the I-5 from Vancouver. From Bellingham, we made a stop at Whatcom Falls Park to stretch our legs out and it was exactly what we were hoping for.

Parks, Trails, Washington

Parks, Washington

Double Bluff Beach and Off-Leash Area

Parks, Washington

★★★★☆

On a recent visit to Whidbey Island, we made a stop at Double Bluff Beach and Off-Leash Area and it was a pleasant surprise. This 2-mile long beach was very calm with an amazing view was an open area for your dog to run freely.

Parks, Washington

British Columbia, Washington, Hotel Stays

Riding The BC & Washington State Ferries with a dog

British Columbia, Washington, Hotel Stays

We take a break from the usual Overnight Adventures to give you a dedicated post on riding ferries - the BC Ferries and the Washington State Ferries - from the perspective of dog owners.

British Columbia, Washington, Hotel Stays

Trips, Washington

Whidbey Island

Trips, Washington

We took a multi-day trip exploring Whidbey Island in Washington. Being from Vancouver, Whidbey Island was reminiscent of the Gulf Islands of British Columbia with the smaller town feel and always being near beaches and water!

Trips, Washington

Parks, Trails, Washington

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

Parks, Trails, Washington

★★★★☆

While staying in Issaquah, Washington, we squeezed in a hike in the morning to stretch our legs and give Markus a bit of exercise. Our hotel was located 5 minutes from the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park where we had a soggy, but fulfilling hike!

Parks, Trails, Washington

Trips, Washington

Western Washington Islands (from Issaquah)

Trips, Washington

On this trip, we had some business in Seattle, but after that was done, we took some time out to visit the islands near Seattle along the west side of the state of Washington.

Trips, Washington

Bellevue Revisited

Trips, Washington

This past weekend, we felt like taking an impromptu trip and go someplace with Markus. Without having anything planned, we booked a hotel at the Hotel 116 and spent the weekend in Bellevue.

Trips, Washington

Trails, Washington

Twin Falls Trail

Trails, Washington

★★★★☆

Twin Falls Trail is located near North Bend, Washington and the hike took us around 2 hours to complete with Markus. The hike was moderately-trafficked and best part of the trail are, as its name suggests, the two waterfalls.

Trails, Washington

Trips, Washington

Bellevue

Trips, Washington

We went down to Seattle for a concert last weekend and we ended up staying in Bellevue because of the cost and we really enjoyed our time there. About 20 minutes out of Seattle, Bellevue is a great place to stay with its own activities in the area.

Trips, Washington

View all in Washington

Featured trails & Parks in Oregon state

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Trails, Oregon

Henline Falls Trail

Trails, Oregon

★★★★★

Trails, Oregon

Parks, Oregon

Crater Lake

Parks, Oregon

★★★★★

While driving through the state of Oregon, we stopped to visit one of its greatest and most beautiful parks, the Crater Lake National Park. The depth of the lake gives it a very striking blue colour, making it one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Parks, Oregon

Trips, Oregon

Hood River

Trips, Oregon

As part of our two-week road trip, we made stops in Eugene and Hood River, Oregon. In this update, we cover our stay at the Best Western at Hood River, Oregon!

Trips, Oregon

Eugene

Trips, Oregon

As part of our two-week road trip, we made stops in Eugene and Hood River, Oregon. In this update, we're covering our stay in Eugene, Oregon.

Trips, Oregon

Portland

Trips, Oregon

We recently took a trip down the I-5 to Portland, Oregon and we got to see some amazing sites and capture beautiful photos and memories. Driving from Vancouver, we stayed over for two nights and got to do quite a few activities with Markus.

Trips, Oregon

View all in Oregon