When my pups Chops and Shiloh were younger, they were incredible balls of energy! Always racing and wrestling and eager to go, go, go! As they got older, they started to slow down, and they both developed some weakness in their hindlegs, with Shiloh’s being much more extreme. But despite their physical challenges, their favorite pastime was exploring the trails, so we made a point to seek out trails that could accommodate their abilities. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to Shiloh a year ago (she was almost 16 when she passed away). Chops will be 17 years old soon, and she’s still going strong! We cherish every moment with her, and are so glad we can still get out on the trails together!
It can be a challenge to find trails that are appropriate for senior dogs, particularly ones with mobility challenges. I wish I had started this list earlier so I’d have a better recollection of the details of each trail, but I’m hopeful that this list can still be a valuable resource for those wishing to get out and explore with their senior dogs. This list includes notes on some of the trails we have hiked with our senior dogs but is not exhaustive. If you have suggestions for trails in the Western Washington area that are great for senior dogs, please let me know! I’ll continue to add to and improve this list as we explore or revisit trails in our area. Be sure to consult the WTA (Washington Trails Association) website, maps and other resources as you plan your trip, as this list is meant only to get you started in your planning.
I found that a harness with a sturdy handle was helpful as Shiloh got older because it easily allowed me to help her up stairs, over logs or through steep sections without having to pick her up.
Personal note: As your pup gets older, you might find yourself devoting more and more time to their care. In doing so, you might be giving up some of the things that keep you happy and healthy. I really struggled with compassion fatigue and anticipatory grief when Shiloh was in her final year. You can read more about my personal experience in my blog post The Long Goodbye. As you take care of your pup and all the other responsibilities you have, please make sure you make yourself a priority.
I’m a firm believer in supporting our parks system, but I understand that sometimes money is tight and I don’t believe finances should be a barrier to enjoying the outdoors with our pups. Many of the trails on my list are free, but some do require a pass to enter. Did you know that our local Kitsap library has Discover Passes for check-out? It comes with a backpack, binoculars and a few field guides! If you aren’t a Kitsap resident, check with your local library to see if they have park passes you can borrow. A Discover Pass is required at most Washington State Parks and recreation lands.
Other hikes on my list require a National Park pass or Northwest Forest Pass. The America the Beautiful National Park Pass allows entry into all federally managed land units (national parks, forests and monuments), which includes parks where the Northwest Forest Pass is required (but not the Discover Pass, sadly). You can purchase online, at any NPS ranger station or at REI (where they donate a portion to organizations devoted to the outdoors).
Given the amount of content on this topic, I’ve divided the information by region.
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