Because Portland is such a dog friendly city, that’s a question I wanted to answer.
Just one problem.
I don’t have a dog.
Luckily, I know a very handsome 4-year-old back lab who was ready to be borrowed so Dylan Marshall Washburn and I set out for Quarry Run Dog Park on a Sunday morning (of course his mother, Donna, came too, just in case he decided to do his own thing when I wanted him to get in the car or didn’t play nice with that bassett hound that wanted to hump him).
Portland has plenty of off-leash parks for canines, but this is one of the best. There’s a double-gated entrance, so no pup can escape when another is being brought in, and a roll of plastic bags hangs front and center so there are no excuses for not scooping the poop. Dylan was sniffed by a waiting friend as soon as he strolled through the gate, and then the options were endless: take the trail to the left that crosses a bridge, sprint to the right where there’s sure to be mud, or head up the hill where dogs, people and open space awaits?
Well, there was open space anyway.
Apparently, it was a little early for some of those late-sleeping dogs, since Dylan was the only one sniffing around the clearing while Donna and I took seats on the covered benches to watch him. But it didn’t take long for friends to arrive. Here came a chocolate lab and a pair of goldens, one with a ruddy coat, heading into the park on a sprint. The four dogs all sniffed and jumped and then went their own ways, intent on smelling every scent on every tree root, blade of grass and patch of dirt.
Next up the path was a young great dane, all gangly legs and Marmaduke face. He made a quick cameo appearance on his way to another area of the park, but it was long enough for the golden retriever to charge up to him and then immediately submit, falling to the ground and rolling to her back. The great dane was unimpressed and continued strutting along, so the retrievers, Lily and Izzy, tag-teamed Dylan by nipping and jumping on either side of him.
But as Dylan soon learned when a chocolate lab stalked him down a trail intent on mounting his back, not all dogs play nice at the park. That’s why, even though it’s expected that dogs will be off-leash, owners need to be aware of what their four-legged kids are up to. Stealing someone else’s ball can be a no-no, and so can leading the pack through the mud so they all appear to be wearing brown socks like the ones the golden left with.
But after a visit to a dog park you can expect to head home a little more dirty than you arrived (whether you’re a dog or a person) and having had your private parts sniffed over and over again (hopefully, only if you’re a dog).
As we were leaving, more cars were pulling in with puppy snouts and dog ears sticking out the windows. The pooches were panting with excitement about the spring air, the smells, the friends, the places to dig, the chance to run fast and far. You could almost here them yelling “Openthedoor! Openthedoor!” in anticipation.
So does it get better than this Dylan?
His heavy breathing and excited face said he was a happy, happy dog. But I have a feeling it would have been an even better time if there were treats involved.
Portland’s Off Leash Dog Areas
Eastern Promenade Park and East End Beach
Where: Eastern Prom
When: 5-9 am and 5-10 pm (April 15-Oct. 15), 5 am-10 pm (Oct. 16-April 14). Beach part closed from Memorial Day to Labor Day
How: Not fenced
Notes: Off leash area in Eastern Promenade Park within perimeter bounded by Portland House Property, water side of the Eastern Prom and Cutter Street (excluding the area known as Fort Allen Park). Bathrooms available seasonally.
Capisic Pond Park
Where: Lucas and Brighton streets
When: Daylight hours
How: Not fenced
Notes: Dogs should be good under voice control due to many distractions. Beautiful trail next to the freshwater pond on 18 acres.
Jack School
Where: é North St.
When: Daylight hours
How: Not fenced
Notes: Dog off-leash area is behind school.
Pine Grove Park
Where: Ray Avenue
When: Daylight hours
How: Not fenced
Notes: Easy access from Washington or Allen avenues.
Riverton Trolley Park
Where: Bridgton Road (Rte. 302)
When: Daylight hours
How: Not fenced
Notes: Trail goes through wooded area and then near an open field. Be aware of cross country skiers in winter.
Valley Street Dog Park
Where: Valley Street
When: Daylight hours
How: Fenced
Notes: Highlights include water spigot, benches and decorative fire hydrants.
Hall School Woods
Where: 23 Orono Road
When: Daylight hours
How: Not fenced
Notes: Dog area is in the woods.
Ocean Avenue Landfill Trails
Where: Ocean Avenue (near Falmouth line)
When: Daylight hours
How: Not fenced
Notes: 1.5-mile trail surrounds the capped landfill. Be careful of quarry pits and water that may not be clean for swimming.
Quarry Run Dog Park
Where: Ocean Avenue and Portland Street
When: Daylight hours
How: Fenced
Notes: Near Landfill Trails but has a separate area for small dogs.
University Park
Where: Harvard Street off Washington Avenue
When: Daylight hours
How: Not fenced
Notes: Street parking at Harvard Street or at Seventh Day Adventist Church on Allen Avenue.
Portland Arts & Technology School
Where: 196 Allen Ave.
When: Daylight hours that do not interfere with classes
How: Not fenced
Notes: Dog area is in woods behind school.
Evergreen Cemetery
Where: 672 Stevens Ave.
When: 7 am-4:30 pm
How: Not fenced
Notes: Use the far side of the pond (not clean for swimming). The cemetery covers – acres and maps are available at the office.