For visitors and residents with dogs in Montesano, a variety of local and state parks provide excellent options for outdoor recreation. Whether for a short walk or a longer excursion, pet owners can find suitable spaces for their dogs to exercise and explore.
Convenient Urban Parks
For quick outings, especially for those near downtown, Kelsey Park and Fleet Park are ideal choices. Located at 299 W. Beacon Avenue, Kelsey Park offers open grassy areas and a dog waste station. Fleet Park, at 200 W. Pioneer Avenue, provides similar green space along with a covered shelter. Their accessible locations also make them convenient stops for travelers passing through the area.
Area Hiking Trails
For those seeking more extensive hikes, the Montesano area features several scenic, dog-friendly trails. A Discover Pass is required for entry into state-managed recreational lands.
Lake Sylvia State Park, located northeast of downtown at 1812 Lake Sylvia Road N, provides five miles of wooded trails. These include a scenic loop around the lake and a half-mile ADA-accessible path. The park also offers restrooms, picnic areas, and fishing access. Dogs must remain on a leash.
Southwest of the city, on the north bank of the Chehalis River, Friends Landing at 300 Katon Road features a 1.7-mile trail circling Lake Quigg. The path winds through diverse landscapes, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands.
Across the river, the Preachers Slough Trail offers a longer, 7.2-mile trek. Accessible from Preachers Slough Road off Highway 107, this quiet and scenic trail is an excellent option for an extended walk. Picnic tables are available near the trailhead, and leashes are required.
These parks and trails allow pets and their owners to enjoy the natural beauty of the Grays Harbor region. Visitors are reminded to be courteous to others, respect wildlife, keep dogs under control at all times, and properly dispose of all pet waste.


