East and Northern WA dog hikes? Pacific NW ?

[Parsifal]

I'm new to hiking in this area. Now that Annie and I have both recovered our health, I'd like to do some challenging -- or just beautiful -- dog hikes within a few hours of where I live (TriCities WA) and throughout the Pacific NW -- does anyone have any favorite dog hikes in those areas? (Is this the right place to post?)

I'm especially worried about hikes in hunting season -- makes me not want to go anywhere near the mountains in the fall. Any suggestions for completely safe hiking areas in E. Washington in fall? I can plaster us both in orange, but I dunno how well even that works....

Is there any kind of NW dog hiking club?

Any favorite dog hiking books for the NW? The one I have is pretty sparse for E. Washington and E. Oregon.

Thanks, Michaela and Annie (GSD)

[Kayos and Havoc]

Michaela I just moved from Umatilla, OR so I know a few folks up there still.

One of my favorite places to hike with my dogs was McNary Dam just across the river in Oregon. Take exit 1 from I 82, turn left and go up the hill on HWY 703/395. The dam will be the first light where HWY 395 turns south to Hermiston, the dam is on the left. There are miles of trails and it is little used.

Another favorite was Hat Rock State Park, also in Oregon. Same directions as abovr but don't turn into the dam, go straight on HWY 730 til you see the sign for Hat Rock, make a left to the park. It is maybe 10 miles from Umatilla. Again MILES of trails and little used.

I used to walk a lot at Columbia Park.

Also the trail that runs along the river front. I would sometimes start at the Marina up by Anthony's rest and walk to Howard Amon Park and back. That trail is paved but there are sections leaving the marina heading back toward Kennewick that are gravel and not used a lot.

There are also nice trails along the Yakima through Richland.

Two places I did not get a chance to hike was at the wildlife refuge off of 240 and the desert above Oksana's subdivision.

I would PM GSD07 (Oksana) she hikes a lot too with Anton and I would be willing to bet she would give some great places too and may even ask you to come along with her for some company and socialization. She is sweet person adn Anton is a wonderful dog.

If I were still up there I would be inviting you out too!

I don't know of any formal hiking groups out there but I bet you two can start one. Oksana knows a few others up there too with GSD's that might be interested. Also consider joining the Columbia Basin Dog Training Club http://www.columbiabasindogtc.org there are a few hikers there too.

Have fun and I am happy your health issues are behind you.

[Parsifal]

Kathy, thanks! So sorry you're not in this area any more. I think I read that you're shipping out again soon...bummer.

Great suggestions, thanks.