Every day each summer, tens of thousands escape their homes to rediscover the great outdoors and sleep beneath the stars. According to the Outdoor Industry Association, camping is one of the most popular of all outdoor recreational pursuits, with participation at more than 44 million in 2009. For those not willing to exclude their four-legged friends from the next family camping trip, look no further than these Oregon and Washington lakeside destinations.
The high desert of Klamath County, Oregon sees an average of 300 days of sunlight each year. Bordering Klamath Falls on the west, the 133-square mile Klamath Lake is the largest natural lake west of Great Salt Lake. Klamath Falls' campgrounds accommodate leashed pets, including Aspen Point Campground and Sunset Campground, both on the shores of Lake of the Woods. Klamath County is also home to Crater Lake National Park, formed through the volcanic eruption of Mount Mazama. At nearly 2,000 feet, the intensely blue lake is the deepest and clearest in the United States. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and are restricted to roads, designated picnic areas and developed campsites, including Mazama Campground.
Just east of Portland, the more than 1-million acre Mt. Hood National Forest extends south from the Columbia River Gorge to just beneath the slopes of Mt. Jefferson. A multitude of lakes dot the landscape -- Lost Lake, Trillium Lake and Timothy Lake among the most popular. Known for its breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, Timothy Lake features nine campgrounds on both the north and south shores, including two equestrian campsites. High elevation lakes like Middle Rock Lake and Hideway Lake can be accessed by vehicle, both sharing the Hideway campgrounds. Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not permitted in public swim areas.
In the southwestern corner of the state, the beautifully forested Battle Ground Lake State Park sits at the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. With a similarly volcanic origin, the spring-fed lake is said to be a smaller version of Oregon's Crater Lake. Year-round camping facilities include both standard and hike-in campsites, four cabins, two restrooms and four showers. As with all of Washington's State Parks, dogs must be leashed at all times, no longer than an 8-foot leash. Dogs are not permitted in the designated swimming area, but are free to explore the remainder of the lake. Along the nearby Lewis River, find pet-friendly hiking and swimming opportunities at Lucia Falls Park, Moulton Falls and Day Break Park.
The 4-million acre Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest extends from the Canadian border 180 miles south to the Goat Rocks Wilderness. The forest is peppered with lakes, one of the more popular being the glacial Lake Wenatchee on the eastern slope of the Cascade Mountains. Lake Wenatchee State Park occupies 489 acres on the eastern end of the lake, at the confluence with the Wenatchee River. Dogs must be leashed at all times in both the Forest Service campgrounds -- Nason Creek and Glacier View -- and the North and South campgrounds on the State lands. Miles of hiking trails provide ample opportunity for four-legged and two-legged visitors to explore the surrounding area, though some back-country trails prohibit dogs. For a truly unique experience, bring the pooch tubing on the Wenatchee River at "Let's Go Tubing" in nearby Leavenworth. A dog tube and doggie life vest are included in the fee.
