Pets should be leashed in national forest campgrounds. But, while surveying a campground in the Mt. Hood NF, these kids were so adoring of our Golden Retriever, Dani, I took her off leash in the hopes of getting a picture like this one.



The picture was not posed. Frankly, this image will stay with me for a long time . . . Fred

Nice looking Golden. My sister and niece have Goldens.

Thanks, she's a sweetie

Fred

Hello, I am looking for general pet information in regards to National Forest trails. I have been to individual websites and even emailed a ranger directly with questions, but did not receive a reply. I was wondering if there is a link to each of the trails showing if pets are allowed, must be leashed, etc. I even called Washington directly and the lady was very nice, but could not give me information...she told me to go to the website.... already did that! LOL

Thanks for any info you may have...

Musey

oh yeah....this is my lil girl!

As a general rule, dogs are permitted on trails (and campgrounds) in national forests. In the 153 national forests we surveyed, we found one with restrictions. Specifically, it is the campgrounds and trails located in the Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons in Wasatch National Forest, Utah (State Rts. 209 and 210). No dogs are permitted because the entire area is a watershed for Salt Lake City. There are other areas such as in Florida where alligator warning signs are posted. Keeping dogs leashed in these areas is a really good idea. Although you didn't get a response from one ranger, to confirm pet restrictions call the applicable supervisor's office for the national forest you wish to visit. You can get the telephone number by clicking on the "National Forests & Campgrounds" tab to the left. Select the national forest, then click on "Forest Contacts" at top of page.

Contrary to national forests, dogs are generally not permitted on trails in national parks. If that is also a concern for you, suggest you go to http://www.nps.gov to check out their pet restrictions.

Hope this helps. Oh, nice, clear picture of the puppy . . . Fred

There's usually a good reason for the disallowing of pets on trails. Small dogs can cause trouble with bears, if they sent them they can be outright agressive!

Keeping dogs leashed ALL THE TIME when in either a campground or on the trail is always a good idea.

Mt. Hood NF? My home turf. Which campground?

Old Granddad

Bear Springs CG. If you are interested, take a look at the pictures we took while researching Mt. Hood NF - http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/pictures/pictures.htm#mt.%20hood

I'd just like to add that while dogs are allowed on NFS trails, dog poop is not.

It behooves all of us to make sure the trails stay clean so all can enjoy.

Right on, Camperwest

Thet need to be kept away from swimming areas. I camp frequently at Houston Rec in Bankhead NF and that's the most common regulation I see ignored next to late night noise. It's well posted! Some hosts stay on top some don't.

No matter which park i go to, i always see pets without leashes running about and their owners calling them. When i just stayed at BOYKIN SPRINGS, someone decided to have their dog swim into the swimming area. Apparently the owners were drunk too. How could i tell they were drunk? They were drinking a white vodka bottle which they then threw into the water after drinking it. I almost had to save the one woman because she was chocking from being so drunk she almost drowned right next to shore in 3 inches of water, right next to the dog. Long story short, lots of people brake this rule about pets. I even see people have their dogs poop in the bathrooms before and not clean it up.

Under the National Forests. Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas. Dogs are permitted on national forest trails, but are not permitted in swimming areas or sanitary facilities. Because pets are are not permitted inside buildings, on most trails, on beaches for their own securities.