National Historic Site

Fort Vancouver Dog Policy

Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is Somewhat Dog Friendly

Trails

Dogs Allowed

with 6' Leash & Exceptions ^[]

Though situated in an urban setting along the Columbia River, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is an interesting combination of a reproduction of the nineteenth century Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading center, a former U.S. Army installation dating back before the Civil War, and an aviation museum.

The BARK Ranger program is pretty cool at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. They have a pamphlet in which dogs and their owners follow a map to various areas of the site in which “puppies” were part of FOVA’s history. Unlike most National Parks, dogs are permitted on several of its trails.

Website: https://www.nps.gov/fova/index.htm
Pet Policy Details: https://www.nps.gov/fova/planyourvisit/pets.htm
BARK Ranger: Yes ^[]
Annual Visitors: 670,111

Trail Policy

Dogs are allowed on the many paved trails while on a leash no longer than 6'. The National Park Service has a nice map showing the paths on their site.

BARK Ranger

Bark Ranger is a really great program that some National Park Service destinations run. The Bark Ranger program teaches dog owners responsible behaviors with their dogs, and in return you get a special dog tag that’s different for each park (note: some parks require you to purchase the tag at the end). You start the program by going to a park office and picking up a checklist. When you complete the checklist (see the link below for more details), you can get your special dog tag.

B.A.R.K. is an acronym for:

B: Bag your poop: Help keep the park clean by bagging and picking up your dog poop, and properly disposing of it. Don’t leave your bagged poop on the side of the trail, hanging from branches, or throw it into the woods. Please note dog poop is not a natural fertilizer — it can carry disease that can spread to wildlife or other dogs.
A: Always wear a leash: Dogs must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6'. Retractable leashes that extend beyond 6' are not allowed. Not everyone appreciates a dog running up to them, and many people are scared or allergic to dogs — a leash prevents uncomfortable situations between your dog and others. Leashes also help protect your dog from running off if anything spooks them.
R: Respect wildlife: Dogs can chase or scare wildlife such as birds and turtles. They can also damage nesting areas. Some parks have wildlife, such as bears, coyotes, or wolves, that can threaten your dog. Please be respectful of wildlife with your dog, and if you do encounter wildlife, keep dog at distance to protect both your dog and the wildlife.
K: Know where to go: Know which trails allow dogs, and which don’t. Don’t leave dogs unattended in vehicles while you go off to hike. See the link below for more details.

We also have a list of all parks that run the BARK Ranger program.