Rock Creek Dog Park - Portland, OR
Rock Creek Dog Park in Portland, Oregon
Rock Creek Dog Park is a favorite among pet owners looking for well-maintained, spacious off-leash areas in Portland, Oregon. This dog park features three separate fenced areas, including a dedicated section for small dogs and two general use sections—one with bark chips (ideal for winter) and the other with grass (ideal for summer). The northmost section is covered in bark chips and remains open year-round, ensuring dogs always have a spot to play, regardless of the season.
The park is known for its clean, secure environment without the usual urban distractions, providing plenty of space for dogs to run and socialize. Each section offers amenities like running water, benches, and lots of tennis balls. Owners appreciate the thoughtful touches such as maintained grounds, shade trees, and regular cleaning. Free street parking is available nearby (NW Springville & NW 173rd Ave), and there’s a welcoming community atmosphere that makes this one of the best dog parks in Washington County for dog-friendly fun and exercise.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in all three fenced areas.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? Yes, all three sections are securely fenced.
- Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? Yes, there is a designated small dog area and other sections for larger dogs.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches are located in each section.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, running water is available in all sections, and bowls are often provided.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is some shade provided by trees, particularly in the summer season.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, the park is open all year with the bark chip area available during winter.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, reviews consistently note the park is well-maintained and clean.
- Where is the best place to park? Free street parking is available near NW Springville & NW 173rd Ave, about 250ft from the gates.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, poop bag stations and trash cans are located at the entrance of the runs.
Reviews
Best dog park in Bethany. The majority of the dogs are friendly, the owner watches their pet and pick up their dog’s poop.
I just had the opportunity today to go to Rock Creek Dog Park in “winter mode” – which means only one of the 3 areas is open: the wood chip area. Unlike the other dog parks in the Hillsboro area, this one keeps the water on during the winter it seems, which I greatly appreciate. The run is rather large & I’d say 20-25 dogs could comfortably play in there with room to run around.
The wood chips aren’t very new, which I think is a good thing as I heard new wood chips can cause splinters in dog’s paws. The back half of the winter run is “infested” with tennis balls – so no need to bring your own! My dog loves to dig, and she discovered that you can easily dig through wood chips. There’s a tarp underneath the wood chips about 2 in below the surface, so they can’t dig a super deep hole.
In my limited experience at this Dog Park, the dogs seem to be fairly well behaved and owners are responsive if their dog starts to get too riled up. I still would be cautious in the winter run with dogs smaller than 25lbs. Most dogs I saw today were medium to large in size.
A few points to mention that the park could improve on: #1 – spread out the doggie pickup bag stations and trash cans, they’re all at the entrance to the run and no where else; #2 plant a few trees in the winter run – yes they still won’t provide much shelter in the winter, but it helps some when it suddenly starts raining. #3 make where you can park for the dog park a bit more clear (vs. the college or the businesses that share that area).
Great dog park on the westside. Has 3 areas- one for smaller dogs, and one each of summer/off season for the other dogs. Both have dedicated water and benches, and the place is large! Plenty of room even if there are 20-30 dogs. I go frequently and all the dogs have been well behaved, and with the extra room the dogs don’t react to feeling anxious by lack of space. Most owners are pretty friendly and understanding also.
Awesome dog park. You have to pay for parking (I did not because it was a holiday and my car was fine – not sure about enforcement on a non-holiday though).
There are 3 separate fenced off-leash sections to this dog park. A small breed section & 2 unspecified separate sections. With the North most section being all bark chips & the other all grass.
Running water & benches located in all 3 sections.
It was unclear to me if I needed a parking permit, there were many posted sign saying permits were required. I wasn’t worried about it because it was early morning & the only other person there left when I was arriving. In any case I included a picture of a cross street where street parking is free and it’s just a 250ft walk to the gates of the dog parks. Located at NW Springville & NW 173rd ave. The photo’s & videos included speak for themselves.
Dog Parks in Washington County are far cleaner, better maintained & better constructed than Multnomah & Clackamas counties. And the absence of dilapidated RVs & transients is a plus too