Going on vacation doesn’t mean you have to leave your dog behind. With dog-friendly hotels, lodging and recreation options throughout the state, it’s easy to bring your four-legged best friend on an Idaho vacation.
It’s always a good idea to call a hotel, restaurant or recreation destination ahead of time to confirm pet policies since they can change at any time. Some hotels only allow dogs under a certain size, some have breed restrictions and most require an additional pet fee. Many also have leash requirements and rules saying animals not be left unattended or may only be left in a kennel. Bring Fido is a helpful resource that includes a number of furry-friend-friendly lodging options, restaurants and more throughout Idaho and beyond. Below are just a sampling of the many pet-friendly options the state has to offer.
Ketchum
Located in central Idaho, Sun Valley is the perfect place to take your favorite four-legged friend on a hike. Check out these 10 dog-friendly hiking trails and go for a short stroll in Adams Gulch or a longer, four-mile loop in Chocolate Gulch for views of the Pioneer and Smoky mountains. You can opt for a more strenuous hike up Taylor Canyon, but be sure to pack plenty of water for you and your pup.
Galena Lodge isn’t too far away and is a great option for dog-friendly recreation, including numerous hiking trails. The day lodge also offers lunch and has plenty of pet-inclusive outdoor seating. Be very careful near the road and keep dogs leashed—cars drive through quickly.
After a day exploring the outdoors, stay at the centrally located Limelight Hotel which has a “proud pup-friendly tradition for more than 40 years,” according to the hotel’s website. While some areas—including those that serve food—are off limits to canines, most of the hotel is very pup-friendly, even providing bowls and beds in the rooms.
Enjoy a tasty bite at the Limelight Lounge, which allows dogs to join humans on the outdoor patio, head over to Grumpy’s for a burger or Johnny G’s Sub Shack for a dog-friendly dining experience.
Cottonwood
Head to northern Idaho to check out the Lewis and Clark Trail, visit the Monastery of St. Gertrude, set out whitewater rafting or go on a jet boating tour near Cottonwood.
Then, after a fun-filled day, settle in for a night at the Dog Bark Park Inn B&B. It’s not just dog-friendly—it’s also shaped like a pup. Dubbed the “world’s biggest beagle,” this friendly, artist-run B&B includes abundant doggie décor as well as an array of folk-art style wooden carvings depicting dozens of breeds of dogs, which are available for purchase in the gift shop.
The pet policy at Dog Bark Park is “responsible pets arriving with their well-behaved humans are welcome to stay with prior approval,” so be sure to call ahead and make sure the inn is a good fit for your pooch.
Coeur d’Alene
Admire the scenery and enjoy a walk with your pup at Tubbs Hill, which provides a number of stunning trails that leashed dogs are welcome on. Or opt for the North Idaho Centennial Trail, a 23-mile multi-use paved route. For even more dog-friendly fun head to Cherry Hill Dog Park or Central Bark Dog Park.
After a day of fun in the sun, rest your weary heads at The Roosevelt Inn. This dog-friendly hotel even provides a pup amenity kit complete with a bandana and tennis ball, along with treats and clean-up bags.
For dining, there are a number of pet-friendly options in the area such as Seasons of Coeur d’Alene which offers outdoor, dog-friendly seating. Roger’s Ice Cream and Burgers features ample outdoor seating to enjoy a bite. For a sweet treat, stop by Abi’s Ice Cream, which is so dog-friendly it even offers canine sorbet and treats to enjoy outdoors.
McCall
On the shores of Payette Lake, leashed dogs are welcome at Ponderosa State Park with one exception: they are not allowed in the buoyed swim area. However, the park offers plenty of hiking trails and other areas to explore.
McCall also features several dog-friendly lodging options, such as Third Street Inn which offers some dog-friendly rooms (call ahead).
Enjoy craft beer along with a variety of menu items like the black-and-blue elk burger and smoked salmon street tacos at Salmon River Brewery, or grab a burger (from classic to vegetarian to chicken) at My Father’s Place, which both offer outdoor dog-friendly seating.
Feature image credited to Limelight Hotels.
Kristen Pope is a freelance writer and editor who writes about outdoor adventure, science, conservation and travel for NationalGeographic.com, Backpacker, Audubon.com, Western Confluence and Discover, just to name a few. Visit her at www.kepope.com.
Updated on August 18, 2023
Published on May 28, 2019
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