Published by the Jax Dog Drop team | June 2026
If you live on the Eastside and you have a dog, you already know how good it feels to hit a trail together. The Pacific Northwest is basically made for it — towering trees, mountain views, and enough mud to keep any pup happy for days. We’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly trails near Bellevue and Redmond so you and your pup can make the most of it.
1. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park — Bellevue
Cougar Mountain is one of the best kept secrets on the Eastside. With over 36 miles of trails winding through dense forest, wetlands, and old coal mine remnants, there’s enough here to explore for years without repeating yourself. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park, and the trail surfaces are well-maintained and easy on paws.
Best trail: Coal Creek Trail — a gentle 3-mile loop through second-growth forest that’s perfect for dogs of any fitness level.
Heads up: Keep your pup leashed — wildlife is active in this park year-round.
2. Mercer Slough Nature Park — Bellevue
Right in the heart of Bellevue, Mercer Slough is a hidden gem that most people drive past without knowing it exists. Over 320 acres of wetlands, blueberry farms, and forested trails make this a surprisingly peaceful escape from the city. The flat, well-marked paths are great for dogs who are still building up their stamina, and the waterfront sections give more adventurous pups a chance to get their paws wet.
Best trail: Bellefields Loop — an easy 2-mile walk with beautiful views of the slough and plenty of sniffing opportunities.
Heads up: Trails can get muddy in winter and spring — bring a towel for the ride home.
3. Soaring Eagle Regional Park — Sammamish
Just a short drive from Redmond, Soaring Eagle is one of the most underrated parks on the Eastside. The 600-acre park features miles of quiet forest trails, a peaceful creek, and enough shade to make summer hikes comfortable even on warmer days. Dogs are welcome on leash and the wide, well-groomed paths make it easy to walk side by side.
Best trail: The main loop — a relaxed 3.5-mile trail through old-growth forest that feels miles away from the suburbs.
Heads up: The parking lot fills up fast on weekend mornings — aim to arrive before 9am.
4. Marymoor Park — Redmond
No dog-friendly list in the Eastside would be complete without Marymoor. The 40-acre off-leash dog area is one of the largest in the region and a legitimate destination for dogs and their people. Your pup can run freely, swim in the Sammamish River, and socialize with dozens of other dogs while you enjoy the views and the fresh air.
Best for: High-energy dogs who need to burn it all off. If your dog comes home from Marymoor and still has energy, they might be part border collie.
Heads up: The off-leash area requires that dogs are up to date on vaccinations and under voice control. The rest of the park requires a leash.
5. Grand Ridge Park — Issaquah
Stretching across the ridge between Issaquah and Sammamish, Grand Ridge offers some of the most dramatic trail running on the Eastside. The forest is dense, the elevation changes keep things interesting, and the views when you break through the treeline are worth every step. This one is better suited for dogs with some trail experience — the terrain can be steep and rooty in sections.
Best trail: Grand Ridge Trail — a 5-mile out-and-back that gains about 600 feet in elevation and rewards you with sweeping views of the Cascades.
Heads up: Bring plenty of water for both of you. There are limited water sources on the trail.
6. Evans Creek Preserve — Sammamish
Evans Creek is a newer addition to the Eastside trail system and it’s already one of our favorites. The 235-acre preserve features a network of gentle trails through meadows and forest, with several creek crossings that most dogs consider the highlight of the trip. It’s a great option for families with young kids and dogs — the terrain is approachable and the scenery is beautiful in every season.
Best trail: The main connector loop — about 2.5 miles with multiple creek crossings and open meadow sections your pup will love.
Heads up: Leashes required throughout the preserve.
A few trail tips before you go
- Always bring water. Dogs overheat faster than you think, especially on summer days or on trails with limited shade.
- Check paws after every hike. Trail debris, burrs, and sharp rocks can cause cuts and irritation you might not notice until you’re home.
- Know your dog’s limits. A dog who does daycare three times a week is in much better shape for longer hikes than one who mostly stays home. Build up gradually.
- Clean up every time. It keeps the trails open for all of us.
Burn it off at daycare
Had a big hike weekend? Sometimes the best thing you can do for a high-energy dog on a Monday morning is drop them at daycare and let them keep the adventure going with their friends. At Jax Dog Drop we have three Eastside locations — Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah — so wherever your weekend trails took you, we’re probably nearby.
New to Jax? Book a free meet and greet at jaxdogdrop.com and ask about our Intro to Daycare Package — 6 visits over 3 weeks for just $199.
Jax Dog Drop — Bellevue, Redmond, and Issaquah. Daycare, boarding, training, and more. Visit jaxdogdrop.com or call (425) 427-5958.
