55Plenty of space to roam and activities for the pups! It was rainy so pretty muddy, recommend visiting with all wheel drive if possible to get down to the river area.sorraya b.
sorraya b.
February 2021
Plenty of space to roam and activities for the pups! It was rainy so pretty muddy, recommend visiting with all wheel drive if possible to get down to the river area.
55This is one of the best sniffspots we've been to. This place is beautiful and extremely safe for reactive dogs. We had an amazing time here and can't wait to go back soon! The directions to the place are pretty straight forward and there is tons of parking space in case you prefer not driving all the way down to the woods. Richa P.
Richa P.
March 2021
This is one of the best sniffspots we've been to. This place is beautiful and extremely safe for reactive dogs. We had an amazing time here and can't wait to go back soon! The directions to the place are pretty straight forward and there is tons of parking space in case you prefer not driving all the way down to the woods.
55If you have a reactive dog, Please be aware that the property along the road to the River has dogs and no fence. They charged us and luckily stayed on their property while barking. It kind of stressed us all out after but they had fun walking in the water. We were on edge heading back to the car and luckily the dogs were not out. Not an ideal spot for a reactive dog but a nice visit. There is nowhere to leave your poop bags so bring extra bags. You will also need your own water source.Elisa R.
Elisa R.
March 2021
If you have a reactive dog, Please be aware that the property along the road to the River has dogs and no fence. They charged us and luckily stayed on their property while barking. It kind of stressed us all out after but they had fun walking in the water. We were on edge heading back to the car and luckily the dogs were not out. Not an ideal spot for a reactive dog but a nice visit. There is nowhere to leave your poop bags so bring extra bags. You will also need your own water source.
55Beautiful spot! The majority of the walking area is leash required, with a very brief wooded trail to access the river being off leash. Still an enjoyable excursion and we enjoyed the ramble. There are several short paths into the woods that arent the actual off leash area which got a bit confusing. Just stay on the dirt road the entire way and the river access is at the very end of the road. Bring boots if it is a rainy day. lots of puddles my pup enjoyed tromping through. Alicia T.
Alicia T.
March 2021
Beautiful spot! The majority of the walking area is leash required, with a very brief wooded trail to access the river being off leash. Still an enjoyable excursion and we enjoyed the ramble. There are several short paths into the woods that arent the actual off leash area which got a bit confusing. Just stay on the dirt road the entire way and the river access is at the very end of the road. Bring boots if it is a rainy day. lots of puddles my pup enjoyed tromping through.
55Beautiful piece of property with views of snowy mountain tops and rolling hills. The open field was definitely tempting for the dogs, but they were happy to romp around the woods and enjoyed wading in the river. Peaceful spot.Jenna K.
Jenna K.
March 2021
Beautiful piece of property with views of snowy mountain tops and rolling hills. The open field was definitely tempting for the dogs, but they were happy to romp around the woods and enjoyed wading in the river. Peaceful spot.
55This is a beautiful spot. The river bank is spacious and private. Wonderful for dogs that like to swim. The directions were clear and the host was great about communicating ahead of our visit. Highly recommended. Bethany D.
Bethany D.
March 2021
This is a beautiful spot. The river bank is spacious and private. Wonderful for dogs that like to swim. The directions were clear and the host was great about communicating ahead of our visit. Highly recommended.
55This spot is so beautiful! The walk down to the river was lovely, and once you get there, you can let your dog off-leash and they can splash around in the river. Our dogs aren’t huge water dogs, but they still loved wading in the water and running around the rocks. The only note I have is that there was one dog barking on an adjacent property, but it couldn’t get over to where we were and stayed put, so it was no problem for us. Overall, I’d give this spot more than five stars if I could!Haley E.
Haley E.
April 2021
This spot is so beautiful! The walk down to the river was lovely, and once you get there, you can let your dog off-leash and they can splash around in the river. Our dogs aren’t huge water dogs, but they still loved wading in the water and running around the rocks. The only note I have is that there was one dog barking on an adjacent property, but it couldn’t get over to where we were and stayed put, so it was no problem for us. Overall, I’d give this spot more than five stars if I could!
55We had an absolute BLAST at PaJo ranch! I was a bit worried because of the few terrible reviews. If you are anxious about trying out a new spot, this review is for you! I also worry a LOT before deciding on booking a spot. As an FYI, my dog is reactive and she has very iffy recall, meaning she won't always come back on command, but we know that she'll come back after giving us a scare after going off somewhere.
If this is your first visit, you'll meet Robin at her tiny house to receive instructions, there is a neighbor with a senior dog running in their fence (which are the one's you'd see at parks, see through and made of wire). Robin was so kind and gave us great instructions.
My dog and I chose to drive to the off-leash area one our mini-van. It was a bumpy ride, but the road was dry enough to let us through. My dog and I are still working on the heel command, so walking her to the area (about 20 min or so) around the field in a state of excitement would have resulted in a LOT of frustration. You cannot let your dog run into the field and that's that. I know some people were frustrated about that. I'm not sure if the listed 175 acres include the field or not.
Once you get to the off-leash area, there are a series of small trails in the woods/blackberry bush area. We chose which way to go as we went and were able to get to a beautiful open area with a ton of walking room at the bank of the river. By choosing different paths, there is a possibility that you won't be able to walk alongside the river, so EXPLORE with your pup!
My toy poodle absolutely loved all the space and my Saint Berdoodle (she's the reactive one:) loved the river. I wasn't expecting her to have so much fun. The nice shallow area of the river created a beautiful experience for her to enjoy the water. She was just excessively running through the water, chasing sticks, and going after rocks.
It is always a good idea to contact Robin about the condition of the river. It was low the day we went and there was a lot of shallow areas to play in. It was absolute paradise! I could, however, see where the water would get deep and the current stronger, if your pupper is afraid of NOTHING, I'd suggest taking a super long nylon or biothane leash with you just to be safe.
Thank you for giving us such an amazing experience Robin! If any of you are worried or would like to chat about this spot, feel free to DM us @yomonaka on IG. :)Yuki -.
Yuki -.
April 2021
We had an absolute BLAST at PaJo ranch! I was a bit worried because of the few terrible reviews. If you are anxious about trying out a new spot, this review is for you! I also worry a LOT before deciding on booking a spot. As an FYI, my dog is reactive and she has very iffy recall, meaning she won't always come back on command, but we know that she'll come back after giving us a scare after going off somewhere.
If this is your first visit, you'll meet Robin at her tiny house to receive instructions, there is a neighbor with a senior dog running in their fence (which are the one's you'd see at parks, see through and made of wire). Robin was so kind and gave us great instructions.
My dog and I chose to drive to the off-leash area one our mini-van. It was a bumpy ride, but the road was dry enough to let us through. My dog and I are still working on the heel command, so walking her to the area (about 20 min or so) around the field in a state of excitement would have resulted in a LOT of frustration. You cannot let your dog run into the field and that's that. I know some people were frustrated about that. I'm not sure if the listed 175 acres include the field or not.
Once you get to the off-leash area, there are a series of small trails in the woods/blackberry bush area. We chose which way to go as we went and were able to get to a beautiful open area with a ton of walking room at the bank of the river. By choosing different paths, there is a possibility that you won't be able to walk alongside the river, so EXPLORE with your pup!
My toy poodle absolutely loved all the space and my Saint Berdoodle (she's the reactive one:) loved the river. I wasn't expecting her to have so much fun. The nice shallow area of the river created a beautiful experience for her to enjoy the water. She was just excessively running through the water, chasing sticks, and going after rocks.
It is always a good idea to contact Robin about the condition of the river. It was low the day we went and there was a lot of shallow areas to play in. It was absolute paradise! I could, however, see where the water would get deep and the current stronger, if your pupper is afraid of NOTHING, I'd suggest taking a super long nylon or biothane leash with you just to be safe.
Thank you for giving us such an amazing experience Robin! If any of you are worried or would like to chat about this spot, feel free to DM us @yomonaka on IG. :)
55An amazing spot! Clean and beautiful, tucked away and private. This location is truly a treasure. My dog had a great time and spent the afternoon napping because frolicking is exhausting. Tricia H.
Tricia H.
April 2021
An amazing spot! Clean and beautiful, tucked away and private. This location is truly a treasure. My dog had a great time and spent the afternoon napping because frolicking is exhausting.
55Scout and I had so much fun walking the shore line and fetching sticks! The bigger stick the better in Scouts mind. We will definitely be back and will bring friends. Kara W.
Kara W.
April 2021
Scout and I had so much fun walking the shore line and fetching sticks! The bigger stick the better in Scouts mind. We will definitely be back and will bring friends.
55What a perfect place to spend a gorgeous PNW afternoon (and to celebrate our pup's one-year "gotcha day"!) Robin was very communicative and helpful, and the property is absolutely gorgeous. We took our pup down to the river and she had a blast wading in the water, finding stick to play with, and running along the shore. We can't wait to return!Rachel P.
Rachel P.
April 2021
What a perfect place to spend a gorgeous PNW afternoon (and to celebrate our pup's one-year "gotcha day"!) Robin was very communicative and helpful, and the property is absolutely gorgeous. We took our pup down to the river and she had a blast wading in the water, finding stick to play with, and running along the shore. We can't wait to return!
55Not as many walking trails in the woods as I expected. Beautiful river access that was a lot of fun to play around on. Would definitely recommend for summer adventures. I would enjoy just grabbing a camp chair and hanging out in the river. Maria M.
Maria M.
April 2021
Not as many walking trails in the woods as I expected. Beautiful river access that was a lot of fun to play around on. Would definitely recommend for summer adventures. I would enjoy just grabbing a camp chair and hanging out in the river.
55Great, unique spot. We had no trouble driving down the dirt road to the woods in our CRV. Main issue for a sedan would be clearance, though if it was wet you'd want four wheel drive. Took a few minutes to get our bearings but there's a small loop path through the woods with a nice clearing and access to the water.
The beach is rocky with a strip of sand right at the edge of the woods and the point creates a nice shallow spot with no current for tossing sticks and splashing around. Tried to explore the woods to the southeast but the areas off the path are thick with blackberry brambles.
This was our first Sniffspot out of the city and it was well worth the trip from Seattle, particularly since we drove the extra ten minutes for lunch at the Sultan bakery. We will be back.Tom W.
Tom W.
April 2021
Great, unique spot. We had no trouble driving down the dirt road to the woods in our CRV. Main issue for a sedan would be clearance, though if it was wet you'd want four wheel drive. Took a few minutes to get our bearings but there's a small loop path through the woods with a nice clearing and access to the water.
The beach is rocky with a strip of sand right at the edge of the woods and the point creates a nice shallow spot with no current for tossing sticks and splashing around. Tried to explore the woods to the southeast but the areas off the path are thick with blackberry brambles.
This was our first Sniffspot out of the city and it was well worth the trip from Seattle, particularly since we drove the extra ten minutes for lunch at the Sultan bakery. We will be back.
55We had a great time here. Robin, the host, sent a map via text so we could find our way to the trail. we drove around the fields to nearly the river. We spent our hour playing fetch in the river during a hot day. We will definitely. Amanda H.
Amanda H.
April 2021
We had a great time here. Robin, the host, sent a map via text so we could find our way to the trail. we drove around the fields to nearly the river. We spent our hour playing fetch in the river during a hot day. We will definitely.
55The pups had a blast splashing through the water and running around. Directions were clear and easy fo follow and Robin was kind enough to send me a map of the property as well so we knew we were in the right area. We will definitely come back next time we are further up north!Cierra B.
Cierra B.
April 2021
The pups had a blast splashing through the water and running around. Directions were clear and easy fo follow and Robin was kind enough to send me a map of the property as well so we knew we were in the right area. We will definitely come back next time we are further up north!
55This was the perfect place to cool off during the heat and our dog had the best time frolicking in the river at this property! Robin was a very responsive host and answered all the questions we had about her property. Michelle B.
Michelle B.
April 2021
This was the perfect place to cool off during the heat and our dog had the best time frolicking in the river at this property! Robin was a very responsive host and answered all the questions we had about her property.
55This property is so awesome! It's beyond great to get a stretch of river totally to ourselves during the warm days in this area. It's quiet and lovely and the dogs have a blast! The owner is very nice and responds to communication quickly.
A couple of things to be aware of: the trek around the field is actually quite long. If you plan to walk it, be prepared for that. I can drive it no problem in a minivan but don't imagine that would be possible when it's been raining.
Today we saw three coyotes running right next to the path and in the field in the middle of the day. So, just be aware that you're sharing the space with wild critters and keep an eye on your dogs.Amber J.
Amber J.
April 2021
This property is so awesome! It's beyond great to get a stretch of river totally to ourselves during the warm days in this area. It's quiet and lovely and the dogs have a blast! The owner is very nice and responds to communication quickly.
A couple of things to be aware of: the trek around the field is actually quite long. If you plan to walk it, be prepared for that. I can drive it no problem in a minivan but don't imagine that would be possible when it's been raining.
Today we saw three coyotes running right next to the path and in the field in the middle of the day. So, just be aware that you're sharing the space with wild critters and keep an eye on your dogs.
55Great place to explore and cool off! The river was a bit faster then expected, but Buster loved it! Can't wait to come back again!Sarah J.
Sarah J.
May 2021
Great place to explore and cool off! The river was a bit faster then expected, but Buster loved it! Can't wait to come back again!
How do Gold Bar's private dog hiking trails work?
Private rentals by the hour
Our hosts are locals that are renting their yards and private land to dog owners
Trust and safety first
Spots are designed for safety and both hosts and guests are reviewed after each visit
Designed for private play
Only the people and dogs in your booking are allowed in the spot during your visit
Reactive dogs welcome
Many of the spots we list are designed with sensitive dogs in mind
Become a Sniffpass holder!
Get discounts on all bookings at all spots by buying monthly credits! Learn more!
FAQ about our Gold Bar dog hiking trails
Are dog hiking trails safe?
While public dog parks have a number of safety issues, such as aggressive dogs, inattentive owners, disease transmission and general cleanliness, Sniffspot dog parks are much safer than a city or county park. With a Sniffspot off-leash area all bookings are private for just you and dogs you bring with you and we require all dogs to be vaccinated (or have equivalent titers). All Sniffspot locations are vetted and reviewed by guests so you can find the perfect place for you and your dog. 93% of reviews on Sniffspot visits are 5 stars. Our hiking trails tend to be outside the city, which lends to more privacy, but it is also important to follow typical hiking safety precautions, such as potentially having trail maps.
How do I know if a dog hiking trail works for my dog?
Sniffspot provides the tools to find the ideal spot. Start by applying basic filters, such as fencing 6 feet tall and distractions, to find a dog park with trails that works for your dog. You can also filter by size if you are looking for a certain acre park, an expansive off-leash dog park. If your dog doesn't have good recall, you can visit one of our fully fenced dog hiking trails. If your dog is reactive to other dogs, you can visit one of our dog hiking trails where there are no dogs audible or visible nearby. Since you are looking for trails, make sure to check photos to see if it the spot has flat trails or gnarly trails. You can also browse by specific amenities, if you are looking for a view or a beach, for instance, or other activities or fun features. You can check whether the spot has off or on street parking, the regular park hours, whether it has paved trails or a modern restroom.
What are the requirements to bring my dog to a Sniffspot dog hiking trail?
In order to hike the trails, we require that all dogs have basic vaccinations or equivalent titers. We do not permit dogs with a bite history. We require that guests sign our waiver and agree to follow our safety rules.
Will there be other dogs at the Sniffspot hiking trail at the same time as me?
Sniffspot only allows one booking at a time and any host dogs are required to be kept away from the spot during visits. We also enforce 30 min time buffers between bookings.