Explore the PNW the Mud Bay Way!
Healthy Dogs | May 3, 2021
Mud Bay is a proud Pacific Northwest company with 60 stores from Bellingham, Washington down to Bend, Oregon. Many of our stores are located near the heart of some of the best hiking that both of these states have to offer. Ellie and I have been exploring these areas for years and are thrilled to share some of our favorite hiking spots that are all within a 100-mile radius of our main local communities – Seattle, Portland, Bellingham, and Bend – and just a drive away from your local Mud Bay!
Before heading out to the trails, you’ll want to make sure that both you and your canine have your 10 essentials packed (check out this 10 Essentials Guide for Your Dog for more information). If you’re missing some essentials, stop by any Mud Bay location or shop online to stock up!
Sheep Lake Essential
Gold Creek Pond Essential
Heather Lake Essentials
Try: Mud Bay Pick-up Bag Dispenser
The hiking near Seattle is unlike any other place Ellie and I have explored! Not only is Western Washington home to three National Parks (FYI – dogs are not allowed on the hiking trails), but there are also what seems like limitless wilderness areas to explore. So grab your gear and your pup and check out these wild places!
SHEEP LAKEWilderness Area: Mount Rainier
Hike Length: 3.6 miles round trip
Distance from Seattle: 88 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Sumner
Sheep Lake is located right outside of Mount Rainier National Park, so not only will the destination take you to a beautiful lake with a lush meadow, but you’ll also get peeking views of Mount Rainier and layers of mountains surrounding this area! This hike is a part of the Pacific Crest Trail and if you’re looking to extend the hike, you can continue on after Sheep Lake.
Ellie’s Essential: Whenever we hike to a lake, I always bring an all-natural insect repellant keep the bugs at bay! Bodies of water often go hand in hand with mosquitoes, and in addition to spraying it all over Ellie, I also spray it on my own gear to help repel ticks and other insects.
Wilderness Area: Snoqualmie Pass
Hike Length: 1 mile loop
Distance from Seattle: 55 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Issaquah
Gold Creek Pond is an all-season hike that can be easily accessed throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons and is a great option for snowshoeing in the winter. This picturesque hike is nestled at the top of Snoqualmie Pass, making it feel worlds away from the busy city life. Another reason we love this hike – it’s ADA accessible! The pond has a paved trail all the way around, making this truly a hike for all!
Ellie’s Essentials: Since we usually hike Gold Creek Pond during winter, we always remember to bring plenty of water and a travel bowl. A good travel bowl will fold flat and comes with a carabiner that we use to clip the bowl onto a backpack. We also use this bowl for both Ellie’s food and water. Because it’s a 2-cup capacity, it’s easy for me to measure out Ellie’s freeze-dried food when we take a snack break!
HEATHER LAKEWilderness Area: Mountain Loop Highway/North Cascades
Hike Length: 4.6 miles round trip
Distance from Seattle: 57 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Mill Creek
A gradual incline through the moss-covered, old-growth forest brings you to this alpine lake surrounded by a beautiful rock basin. On a calm day, you might experience a lake reflection, wildflowers in the summer, or snow-capped views in the winter. No matter what time of year you hike here, it’s sure to capture the beauty that the PNW has to offer!
Ellie’s Essential: We never forget poop bags whenever we are hiking! We bring bags that fit into a poop bag dispenser that can easily clip to my backpack or Ellie’s when we’re hiking. Because you should ALWAYS pack out your pet’s waste, bring a pack-out bag to carry waste until you can responsibly throw it away and packing out is the best way to keep our wildlands in their best condition!
Artist Point Essential
Try: RC Pets Starling Reflective Rain Jacket
Oyster Dome Essentials
Try: Ruffwear Crag Reflective Dog Leash
Bellingham is a growing city just 80 miles north of Seattle right on the border of Canada. Even if you don’t have time to hike, this place has plenty of dog-friendly parks. Near the base of Mount Baker, it’s only natural that this community is an active one! Some argue that the North Cascades reign supreme in Washington…it’s up to you to get outside and weigh in!
Artist PointWilderness Area: North Cascades
Hike Length: 4 miles round trip
Distance from Bellingham: 58 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Bakerview
This day hike is best accessed during the winter as a snowshoe and is sure to deliver vast mountain views. Artist Point takes hikers on a steady incline with peek-a-boo views of multiple peaks, and in your face views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan. Experience a PNW winter in all its glory with this snow-covered, can’t miss hike!
Ellie’s Essential: In the winter, it gets cold in this area! We often hike with Ellie’s best friend, Sookie Supernova, a Bernedoodle who gets chilly on our winter adventures. In order to stay dry, Sookie wears a rain coat! The coat she wears is a lightweight and flexible layer that keeps her dry during adventures without being too heavy.
Wilderness Area: Puget Sound and Islands
Hike Length: 5 miles round trip
Distance from Bellingham: 13 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Burlington (south) or Mud Bay Lakeway (north)
Get your blood pumping with this hike! The steady incline through this enchanting forest is worth the views at the top. Once through the forest, walk out into the open and onto the rock ledge that acts as a viewpoint. Here you’ll find vast views overlooking Samish Bay and Lummi Island with the Olympics subtly in the background.
Ellie’s Essentials: Probably our most important gear for each hike is Ellie’s leash/collar combination. Right now our go-to leash and collar are Ruffwear’s Crag Collar and Lead. I like it because I can wear it hands-free around my waist or I can quickly adjust it into a normal 6-foot length. Both of these items have been tested through our rigorous outdoor activities and they still look as good as new, but there are plenty of other leads and collar sets for you and your dog to try!
Dog Mountain Essential
Try: Lowcountry Mobowl with Carrying Pouch
Silver Falls Essentials
Try: Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness
Top Spur & Timberline Trail Essentials
Try: Kiwi Kitchens Freeze Dried Chicken Dinner
With Mount Hood, the Oregon Coast, Mount Saint Helens, and more all within easy driving distance of Portland, no matter which way you travel – north, west, east, or south – you’re sure to hit some amazing outdoor recreation areas. Gear up and get outside to see what Oregon has to offer!
Dog MountainWilderness Area: Columbia River Gorge
Hike Length: 6 miles round trip
Distance from Portland: 59 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Fisher’s Landing
Hike this trail in the springtime and you’ll find yourself in the middle of a wildflower extravaganza! Although we didn’t choose this hike for its namesake, the views throughout this trail are one to marvel. This is another hike where you’ll have quite the incline, but it’s all worth it once you reach the viewpoints.
Ellie’s Essentials: This hike starts in a wooded area, but quickly opens and winds up an exposed mountainside most of the way. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your dog remains hydrated throughout the hike. Ellie and I recommend starting your hike earlier in the day and bringing a portable water bowl for your dog in the summer months. This bowl is lightweight and folds up into its own pouch so it’s easy to pack.
Silver Falls State ParkWilderness Area: Willamette Valley
Hike Length: You choose!
Distance from Portland: 54 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay West Salem
Silver Falls State Park is a recreation area in the Willamette Valley with tons of trails to choose from — you decide how hard of a hike and how far you’d like to go! Some of these trails do restrict access to dogs, so just make sure whatever trail you choose is dog friendly and you’re free to wander.
Ellie’s Essential: When we go on long hikes, I always make Ellie carry her gear in her own backpack. While we’ve tried a lot of backpacks in the past, this year we’re trying a backpack that combines a dog harness with dual saddlebags. I’m hoping that this pack will fit snacks, water, poop bags, or any other small items Ellie needs. Don’t forget, your dog needs to start slowly with only a few lightweight items, and the total weight should never exceed 25-percent of their body weight!
Top Spur & Timberline TrailWilderness Area: Mount Hood
Hike Length: 2.1 mile loop
Distance from Portland: 58 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Happy Valley
A short and steep workout, this trail will give you a clear view of Mount Hood once you reach the top. During the spring and summer months, this trail is donned with lovely wildflowers in addition to its expansive mountain views. If you’d like to extend your hike, there are plenty of trails to jump onto, including the Pacific Crest Trail!
Ellie’s Essential: Any time I know we are going to be hiking a steep or long trail, I make sure to bring extra food for both Ellie and I—we want a snack at the end of an intense incline! Ellie loves eating freeze-dried dinners and snacks when I’m prioritizing a high number of calories in a lightweight, easy-to-serve protein-packed form. If we’re going on a shorter hike, a larger bar-shaped treat will provide just enough nutrition to finish the hike.
Proxy Falls Loop Essential
Try: Adventure Medical Kits Trail Dog First Aid Kit
Smith Rock State Park Essentials
Try: Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Natural Dog Wax
Try: Ruffwear Summit Trex Dog Boots
Bend, Oregon is surrounded by national forests making this area an outdoor recreators dream throughout the year. Whether you prefer winter or summer activities, there’s always something to do, especially with your dog! Fun fact: this is the home of one of my favorite brands that Mud Bay carries, Ruffwear Performance Dog Gear!
Proxy Falls LoopWilderness Area: Willamette National Forest
Hike Length: 1.6 mile loop
Distance from Bend: 32 miles
Closest Mud Bay to the trailhead: Mud Bay Colorado Crossing
This loop trail leads you to a picturesque waterfall in the Willamette National Forest and can be accessed all year round. In the summer, watch the wildflowers bloom and in the winter, enter a snowy wonderland. This trail is great for all skill levels and is also often used frequently by bird watchers.
Ellie’s Essential: Hiking safely with a dog means being prepared for anything, including accidents. That’s why Ellie and I carry a first aid kit specifically tailored for dogs. Make sure that the kit you choose has all of the basics needed to take care of the most common wounds experienced by dogs on the trail, with a special emphasis on items to treat paw wounds. Comb through the items in the kit beforehand and understand how to use each item in case you do need this item on the trail.
Smith Rock State ParkWilderness Area: N/A
Hike Length: You choose!
Distance from Bend: 28 miles
Closest Mud Bay to trailhead: Mud Bay Robal
This 640-acre recreation area just north of Bend has a variety of trails to choose from! It’s beautiful rock formations make this a popular destination for climbers, so often times when the weather is nice, you’ll see enthusiasts scaling the rock’s walls. The trails at Smith Rock State Park can vary from gentle walks along the river or high-intensity inclines to a vast viewpoint overlooking the park! No matter what trail you take, be prepared to be enthralled by this park’s remarkable land features.
Ellie’s Essential: As you can imagine, Smith Rock State Park has some rough terrain. In order to protect Ellie’s paws from injury, I rub them with paw wax before we start the climb. Ellie also carries a pair of dog boots as a backup paw protection mechanism in case the paw wax isn’t enough. Being prepared for a paw injury is something I take very seriously while hiking, and I know that with a first aid kit, paw wax, and boots, we are as prepared as we can be.
Hiking with your dog is extremely beneficial for them physically and mentally! Being prepared for both yourself and your pup is crucial while recreating in outdoor spaces. If you’re looking for more resources not just for where to hike, but tips and tricks to help create a pleasant outdoor experience, Ellie and I recommend these resources that we use whenever we go outside
A nonprofit organization dedicated to making trails accessible for everyone in Washington state, WTA has a wonderful website full of education for outdoor enthusiasts. This site (and free phone app) also has a “hike finder” feature with a dog-friendly filter where Ellie and I often turn when looking to find hikes in new and exciting places! WTA provides the different features for each hike, directions to the trailhead, complete hike description, and which pass you’ll need to recreate in that particular area!
This resource comes in both a website and a free phone app (upgrade to AllTrails Pro with more features for an additional fee) and gives information on trails all over the world! AllTrails has a great filter to find different hikes that are dog-friendly and the ability to download the trail map if needed. With engagement from users all over the world, you’re guaranteed to find some awesome hiking using AllTrails!
BONUS: Are you ready to upgrade your hiking to overnight backpacking?! Check out our Mud Bay Adventure Series blog on Prepping for Overnight Adventures With Your Dog! Ellie and I cover the lightweight gear we recommend if you’re looking to extend your adventure.
Please respect land-use rules and guidelines. If your dog is not allowed in a wilderness area, it is imperative to follow these rules in order to keep you and your dog safe, protect wildlife in the area, and to protect and maintain the ecosystem for future generations.
I’m Jenn, Mud Bay’s Senior Community Outreach Coordinator in Washington and human counterpart to my Siberian Husky, Ellie. My Mud Bay and pet parenting journey started simultaneously, and for nearly five years, Ellie and I have been adventuring around the PNW while working for Mud Bay. We’re excited to guide you through Mud Bay’s Adventure Series to get you and your pet ready to enjoy plenty of outdoor activities.
Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
🐈
Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
🐈
You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
🐈
If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood
If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
⚽ 🐕
With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
⚽ 🐕
Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets
Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
🐕 🐶
The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
🐾 🐕
Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
🐕 🐶
Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment
👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
🐕
Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
🐾
A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
🐕
Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys
🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
🐕
We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
🐈
The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
🐾
Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
🐕
All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
🐈
You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers
💫 New at Mud Bay!
🥥 🐕
CocoTherapy Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie Coco-Charms. Small in size and low in calories, they are an ideal training treat.
🥥 🐕
Made with 100% organic ingredients, you can feel good giving them to your dog during longer training sessions. CocoTherapy Coco-Charms are also free from grains, dairy, gluten, eggs, and preservatives, and are low glycemic.
🥥 🐕
Shop the Cranberry Sweet Potato Pie and Peanut Butter Blondie CocoTherapy Coco-Charms in-store or online today!
#mudbay #cocotherapy #trainingtreats #dogs #healthypets
🎉 🎉 GIVEAWAY! New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers for Cats & Dogs
🐾
We’re excited to give you a chance to win a bag of one of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas.
Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated, complete and balanced for cats and dogs, and easy to use as a topper, treat, or complete meal.
🐕
New Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper Formulas:
Digestive Support
Made with turkey, chicken, and lentils, plus organic apple cider vinegar and chicory root to help support healthy digestion and immune function.
🐈
Hip and Joint Support:
Made with turkey, chicken, fish, and oats, plus turmeric and omega-3s from tuna to help support mobility and joint health.
🐶
To enter:
👍 Like this post
😃 Tag us and tag a friend
🤝 Follow us
We’ll pick winners at random and notify them on April 16th. Each winner will receive a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers. 🍀 🤞 Good luck!
#mudbay #foodtoppers #dogs #cats #petfood
Check out these new aquatic-themed toys for your pup from Fluff & Tuff.
🦑
Available in-store now: Claude the squid, with tentacles that are great for tugging.
🐕
We also have Dottie the Puffer Fish, who will keep your pup active with a nice fetch session, and, last but not least, we have Millie the Axolotl, who is an engaging option for all of the above and ready to shake up your pup’s toy selection.
🐠
Shop these fun new Aquatic options for your pup in-store or online today!
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogtoys #playtime #pnwpets
We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
🐕
The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
🐾
We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
🐾
Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
🐕
Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
🐾
Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new
Keep your pet happy and blissfully engaged with the woof LickMat and LickMix.
🐾 🐕
The LickMat is BPA-free, 100% silicone, and dishwasher safe on the top rack, with suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking. It also features suction cups for stability and a design that encourages longer licking, while its built-in mixing bowl and measuring lines make mixing easy.
🐾 🐕
The Bacon and Cheese LickMix is grain-free and designed for use with the LickMat, woof Pupsicle, or as a meal topper. Each bag yields about 10 LickMat sessions when used as directed.
🐾 🐕
Treat your dog with the Woof LickMat and LickMix. Shop all woof products in-store and online today!
#mudbay #woof #dogs #enrichment #petproducts
Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
🐾
Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
🐕
Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
🐾
Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets
Shhhhh! 🤫
🐈
Don’t tell your cats or dogs just yet, but we have two new Mud Bay Air-Dried Topper formulas landing in-store next month! We also want to let you know we`ll be offering a giveaway so that your pets can enjoy one of the new formulas.
🐕
More details to come, so stay tuned for your chance to win a bag of our newest Mud Bay Air-dried toppers.
#mudbay #airdried #comingsoon #airdriedtopper #giveaway
