A Pet-friendly Stay in Olympic National Park
A Luxury Pet-Friendly Escape at Domaine Madeleine
We had the fortune of spending a few nights at Domaine Madeleine, a luxurious haven situated at the top of a stunning bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The best part? This accommodation was very pet-friendly, so we were able to bring along the cats for another adventure!
Located just 12 minutes from Port Angeles, Domaine Madeleine was the perfect spot to kick back and relax after a day of hiking in the nearby forests of Olympic National Park. We stayed in the Hoh Rainforest Suite which meant we had access to an ocean view. Other noteworthy features of the suite were the supremely comfortable king-sized bed and the in-room soaking tub, both of which I wish we had back at home. The washroom also left us more than satisfied as it contained a heated toilet with a bidet (this alone was super exciting for us) and a luxury shower with great-smelling Pharmacopia shampoo and soap.
Along with the stunning views, the suite contained a number of amenities including access to a range of drinks, a fridge, microwave, access to private gardens and a pet area, face masks, bath salts, a wood-burning fireplace, EV charging, and a pet welcoming package. We were impressed by the level of thought put into the pet-friendly amenities as the inn even provided pet wipes, food bowls, pet-specific towels and blankets, and two fenced pet areas that provided pets with plenty of space to run around. I found that both Perseus and Reinhardt loved lounging on the pet blanket while sitting close to the fireplace. While many vacations spots claim to be pet-friendly, it is truly rare to find a place that is as considerate of pet owner needs as Domaine Madeleine!
The entrance of the suite featured a library and both rooms were fitted with a smart TV. As if all of this wasn’t enough, there was also an easily accessible self-serve lobby containing a beverage bar, snacks, ice, extra dinnerware, additional bathroom amenities, pet wipes, and even board games for the family to enjoy. Guests looking to further elevate their stay have the extra option to book bicycle rentals, romantic welcome packages, massages, or boxed breakfasts. The various gardens outside were just starting to spring to life after a long winter, and it was clear to see that the grounds of the inn are very well-maintained. I can only imagine how peaceful it must feel later in spring or during the summer when flowers are in bloom. Our suite had a little patio section and easy access to a large grassy area overlooking the ocean. All in all, this suite was the perfect spot for getting out of the city to simply relax and take things slowly.
Easy Pet-Friendly Trails Near Port Angeles
While we could have been completely content to spend all our time in the Hoh Rainforest Suite, we did also check out some of the nearby pet-friendly trails. Most National Parks in the US have major restrictions when it comes to allowing pets on trails, and unfortunately many of the trails at Olympic National Park are not pet-friendly. Still, there are some options within the park and nearby for those who wish to bring their pets. Port Angeles but don’t want to drive too far into the park, here are some great pet-friendly spots to explore:
Peabody Creek Trail Loop
The start of this trail is located in the parking lot of the Olympic National Park Visitors Center on the outskirts of Port Angeles. The trail is fairly easy enough to complete, although there are some stairs and it can get a bit muddy after it rains. The trail leads downs into a ravine where you can enjoy a flowing river from a few bridges before carrying along through the forest.
The length of the trail depends on the route you take, although the shortest loop should only take about 15 minutes. If you choose to take the longer route, the hike is around 4.5 km roundtrip.
Madison Falls
While we wouldn’t necessarily classify this as a hike, this waterfall is well wort the visit. The trail is less than half a kilometre long round trip, and we were able to reach the falls from the parking lot in about 2 minutes. The whole trail is paved, although we suspect there may be other trails in the area as we noticed some people disappearing off into the trees from time to time.
The waterfall itself provides a gorgeous backdrop for photos and we were surprised it wasn’t too busy when such little effort was required to reach the falls. The bench in front of the waterfall was also a great place to relax and soak in the view.
Spruce Railroad Trail & The Devil’s Punchbowl
You can knock out two trails in one with this location as the Spruce Railroad Trail leads to the Devil’s Punchbowl, and you won’t have to spend too long driving as the trailhead is just 30 minutes from Port Angeles.
The Spruce Railroad Trail is a paved trail that winds along the edge of Lake Crescent. While the entire trail is around 18km, we opted to walk just a bit past the tunnel and then turned around to explore the Devil’s Punchbowl. The trail leading to the tunnel is very easy to traverse, although the views aren’t super impressive. Still, this is a great trail for those wanting to walk their dog or go for a run.
The Devil’s Punchbowl trail was our favourite part of this hike and is particularly worthwhile on a sunny day as the sun lights up the water and gives it some extra vibrancy. The trail is just under 4km roundtrip and seems to be quite popular as we encountered many runners and locals on the way. To get to the bridge point, you’ll need to head left down the dirt path once you get to the tunnel. The trail will leisurely wind along the coast and you’ll have fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Ediz Hook
Ediz Hook is conveniently located in Port Angeles itself and was one of our favourite spots to catch the sunset. Although the area is close to a factory, you seem to forget just how close to town you are once the romantic glow of the setting sun casts itself over the coast and the sound of crashing waves is all you can hear. We found ourselves almost entirely alone when we visited which made it even more special.
Do be cautious of broken glass if you visited as we encountered several smashed bottles along the larger rocks leading to the beach. The winds can also be quite strong, so you may want to pack a warmer jacket or stick to the south-facing beaches which are shielded from the stronger winds.
Honestly, you could probably visit all of these spots in the same day without too much issue as the furthest spot, the Spruce Railroad Trail, is only about 30 minutes from the centre of Port Angeles and most of these are short trails. There are several other options, although you will need to drive further out from town to enjoy them. If you’re looking for more pet-friendly options, consider visiting some of these spots:
Rocky Brook Falls
Bogachiel Rain Forest
Rialto Beach parking lot to Ellen Creek
July Creek Loop Trail
Quinault Loop Trail
Kalaloch Beaches
