Best Dog-Friendly Trails
Near Bonney Lake & Buckley

🔥 Cal Magnusson Trail to Pinnacle Peak (Mount Peak)

Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed

If your dog is fit and you're ready for a real adventure, Cal Magnusson Trail is the crown jewel of Pierce County dog hikes. This trail climbs steadily through dense forest before opening up to panoramic views — and here's the payoff: a fully intact fire tower at the summit that offers 360-degree views of the Cascade Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding valleys.

The elevation gain is real (about 1,200 feet), so this isn't a casual stroll. But the trail is well-maintained, the forest is beautiful, and the views at the top are genuinely spectacular. Dogs who make it to the summit get serious bragging rights. The cabin itself is accessible via a set of enclosed stairs so it's safe for the whole the family. Fair warning: this hike is lots of uphill, there is an alternate fire road pathway that has a different starting point (don't confuse this fork on your way back down and end up in the wrong parking lot!)

🐾 Pro Tip: Start early and plan for 2–2.5 hours up, 1.5–2 hours down. The descent is harder on paws than the ascent, so watch for signs of limping. Bring plenty of water — the stream crossings are good water sources, but carrying extra ensures your dog stays hydrated. The fire tower itself is a great photo op, but not all dogs are comfortable with the heights once you're inside the cabin (which is totally okay).

⛰️ Mud Mountain Rim Trail

Distance: 3.8 miles out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed

Looking for a moderate hike with unique forest features? Mud Mountain Rim Trail delivers with stunning views over the White River and a magical bog section that feels like stepping into another world. This trail is located in the Mud Mountain Dam Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The trail travels along the top of a steep bluff, offering glimpses of the river below through the forest canopy. The small loop section passes through a bog dominated by ferns, moss, and fascinating mushrooms — it's especially beautiful in fall and winter. The trail is mostly flat with a few gentle elevation changes, making it accessible for most dogs with good stamina.

🐾 Pro Tip: The bog trail is a must-see — it's one of the most serene sections. The trail can get muddy, especially after rain, so bring towels for paws. A pit toilet is located about halfway through, making this great for a loop hike. Free parking and no permits needed. Arrive early on weekends as the parking area can fill up.

🏔️ Greenwater Lakes Trail

Distance: 4.9 miles out & back
Difficulty: Moderate
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed
Fee Required: Yes (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest day pass)

This is a gem in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, leading to beautiful alpine lakes with scenic mountain views. The trail follows the Greenwater River valley through mixed forest and meadows, with well-maintained log bridges spanning the river and streams.

The best time to visit is May through August when the road is open and snow has melted. The trail has moderate elevation gain and is accessible to most hiking dogs. You'll encounter other hikers and possibly horses, especially in peak season. The alpine scenery — featuring glacial waters and mountain peaks — makes this worth the drive and the modest recreation fee.

🐾 Pro Tip: The first lake is about 2 miles in — a great turnaround point if your dog is tired. Bring bug spray for summer hikes, as mosquitoes can be active. The road to the trailhead can have snow patches and occasional closures in winter and spring. Check road conditions before you go. A day use parking permit is required — you can get it through Recreation.gov. Arrive early on weekends for parking.

🌊 Orting Lake and Carbon River Rim

Distance: 7.0 miles loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed

Above the Carbon River, northeast of Orting, is a beautiful network of informal trails and dirt roads open for outdoor recreation. This route starts at the end of Tehaleh Boulevard and heads southwest, making a loop through the forest on trails that hover above the river.

The northeast end of the route passes through open meadows and Orting Lake, where on clear days you can get views of Mount Rainier. The trails travel through wetlands and open meadows where wildlife is abundant. This is a more rustic, less-crowded trail experience — perfect for dogs who want to explore nature without encountering crowds.

🐾 Pro Tip: This is a rustic trail with limited facilities and parking. Arrive early and bring everything you need. Keep your pup close during wildlife season — elk and other animals frequent this area. Water is available from the lake and streams, but it's better to bring your own drinking water for safety.

🚶 Carbon River Trail ⚠️ Closed: Fairfax Bridge Out

Distance: 3.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed

If your dog is ready for something with a little more character, Carbon River Trail is the move. This trail follows the river through old-growth forest with plenty of rocky sections and stream crossings. It's not as crowded as some other trails, and the forest canopy keeps things cool even on warm days.

The trail can be muddy after rain (hello, Pacific Northwest), but that's part of the charm. Many dogs discover their inner river dog here. The final section opens up to the river valley — a great spot to let your pup wade and explore under supervision.

Note: The Fairfax Bridge is currently out, which may affect access to certain sections. Check current conditions before heading out.

🐾 Pro Tip: Bring a towel for muddy paws and rinse-off water if possible. After rain, this trail is pure mud — which some dogs (and owners) love, and others... less so. Always check trail conditions before you go.

🌳 Foothills Trail: Puyallup to Buckley

Distance: 12.9 miles point-to-point (choose your own distance)
Difficulty: Easy
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed

The Foothills Trail is a gem for dog owners in Pierce County. This paved, multi-use rail-trail runs 12.9 miles from Puyallup to Buckley and beyond, making it perfect for dogs of all ages and fitness levels. The entire trail is paved, well-maintained, and features scenic views of farmland, forests, and occasional river views.

The beauty of this trail is flexibility: you can do a short out-and-back section or commit to the full point-to-point. There are multiple access points and parking areas along the trail, so you can choose your own adventure. The low elevation gain (only 620 feet over 12.9 miles) makes it ideal for senior dogs, puppies, or anyone looking for a casual, scenic stroll.

This is a popular trail for cyclists, so keep your pup close and be aware of other trail users. The wide paved surface means everyone has room.

🐾 Pro Tip: Park at one of the many mid-trail parking areas and do an out-and-back section rather than trying to do the full 12.9 miles. Orting is a good starting point, and Buckley is a pleasant turnaround spot. Bring water — while there are occasional amenities along the trail, carrying your own ensures your dog stays hydrated.

🌲 Forest Loop Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed

Forest Loop Trail is an easily accessible, forested loop through multiple city parks and greenbelt areas in Bonney Lake. The trail is a mixture of paved paths and compact dirt trail, perfect for dogs who want a mix of surfaces without extreme difficulty.

There are many side trails along this route, so it's possible to shorten or extend your hike based on how your pup is feeling. This is a great family-friendly hike that passes through quiet neighborhoods and peaceful forest sections. It's perfect for a weekend outing or a quick after-work walk with your best friend.

🐾 Pro Tip: This trail is great for teaching leash manners because you'll encounter other hikers and trail users. Go during off-peak times (mid-afternoon or early evening) for a quieter experience if your pup is still learning trail etiquette.

🌊 Allan Yorke Park Loop

Distance: 0.8 miles loop
Difficulty: Easy
Off-Leash Friendly: Leashed

Known locally as the "centerpiece" of Bonney Lake, Allan Yorke Park offers easy, flat walking trails that wind through 45 acres of lush greenery along the shores of Lake Tapps. This is the perfect destination for a quick, scenic walk with your pup or a relaxing day by the water.

The wooded area begins a short distance from the snack shack, ideal for dogs of all ages and fitness levels. You'll enjoy beautiful lake views, wooded sections, and on clear days, potential Mount Rainier sightings. The park is family-friendly and popular with local dog owners who appreciate the calm, well-maintained environment.

🐾 Pro Tip: This is a short loop, so it's perfect for senior dogs, puppies, or when you only have 20-30 minutes. The park also has clean facilities and is well-maintained by the city. Bring a water bowl if visiting on hot days — while there are some water amenities, having your own is convenient.

🐕 Viking Park Off-Leash Dog Park

Location: 19098-19000 82nd St E, Bonney Lake, WA
Type: Off-leash dog park
Off-Leash Friendly: Yes! Fully fenced

Viking Park is one of the premier off-leash dog parks in Pierce County. This well-maintained park features expansive wooded trails with natural terrain, separate areas for small and large dogs, and plenty of shade under towering fir trees.

The park offers wood-chip trails that stay relatively dry even in wet weather, water bowls, waste bag dispensers, and picnic tables for owners. It's perfect for dogs who want to socialize and explore wooded paths off-leash. The park is rated 4.5 stars and is a favorite among local dog owners.

🐾 Pro Tip: Go early on weekends to avoid peak crowd times. The wooded trails are great for dogs who like to explore and play, while the open area is perfect for fetch and socializing.

🐕 Hounds Hollow Dog Park

Location: Tehaleh Community, Bonney Lake, WA
Type: Off-leash dog park
Off-Leash Friendly: Yes! Fully fenced

Hounds Hollow is a newer off-leash dog park located in the Tehaleh community. This park features a fenced play area, agility equipment, and wooded walking trails - giving dogs the best of both worlds.

If your dog loves both socializing in open areas and exploring nature on trails, Hounds Hollow is perfect. The agility equipment is great for active dogs, and the wooded trails provide a cool escape. It's less crowded than some other parks, making it ideal for dogs still learning leash etiquette or those who are older and prefer a quieter experience.

🐾 Pro Tip: The agility equipment is great for high-energy dogs, and the wooded trails are perfect for dogs who want to explore without the intensity of a full hiking trail. Call ahead at (253) 205-8190 for current hours.