Dog Bowl – Portland, OR | Bark Park Finder

Dog Bowl - Portland, OR

Dog Bowl – Dog Park in Portland, Oregon

Dog Bowl is a unique dog-friendly spot located in the Swan Island area of North Portland, Oregon. Unlike traditional dog parks, Dog Bowl is more of an open natural area rather than a dedicated or city-sanctioned dog park. Visitors will find wide open spaces to walk their dogs and admire spring wildflowers, along with scenic views—especially at sunset. The park’s post-industrial setting and rougher trails offer a sense of peace and adventure for those seeking pet-friendly trails or dog-friendly hiking in Portland’s urban landscape.

Please note: The area is not fenced and lacks most standard dog park amenities. There is no official parking lot, water fountains, or restrooms. Trail conditions can be steep, muddy, and are not maintained, so sturdy footwear is recommended. While the space is great for a casual visit or for dogs who love to explore, it is not ideal for off-leash or unsupervised play due to the lack of fencing and occasional trash. Despite this, some locals cherish Dog Bowl as a quiet green space in a busy industrial part of the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Most visitors keep their dogs on a leash, as the park is not fenced and there is no official city designation as an off-leash area.
Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, Dog Bowl does not have a fenced area; it is open and unfenced.
Is there a separate area for small and large dogs? No, there are no separate designated areas for different sized dogs.
Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? No, there are no running water sources or fountains at this park.
Are restrooms available for owners? No, there are no restroom facilities at Dog Bowl.
Is there parking available? There is no official parking lot; street parking may be available nearby, but it is limited and not designated.
Is the park muddy after it rains? Yes, the trails and hills can get very muddy and slippery during and after rain.
Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, there are informal trails winding through the area for dog-friendly hiking.
Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? No, the area is not regularly maintained, and visitors may encounter some trash.

Reviews

Great little spot to let the pup run/explore. Careful going down the hills- it gets slippery/ muddy & is not maintained. Great wildflowers in the spring

A awesome place to take you dog. Has a nice view lots of space to play ball or even just go for a nice walk.

Not much of a dog park but an ok place in a pinch. No real designated parking I could find. Steep trails into the dog bowl. Quite a bit of trash and dog droppings. Was very muddy. Overlooks a heavy industrial area of N Portland. Probably won’t go back. Chimney Park a few miles away was a much better experience for my dog and I.

This is a very nice off leash dog park if you’re looking for a quiet place to hangout with your dogs. Not too many people know about this place, so don’t expect your normal busy off leash dog parks. I personally love the views here and the solitude… plus, it is a great spot to enjoy the sunset!

How this area got listed on Google Maps as an actual place is beyond me. It’s simply an open pit in between a residential and industrial area in Portland. There’s no parking lot. There are no signs identifying this as a property that you can legally walk on. No restrooms. No running water. It’s not any different than any other piece of property owned by the city of Portland along a road. Nothing special here other than the random work of art embedded in the hillside. See photos. My opinion is this should be deleted off Google maps.

Luna and I walked around the property extensively trying to find a reason to like this place. I was a little frustrated we took time out of our day to come here.