Dog-Friendly Ellensburg, Washington

From off-leash parks and riverfront walks to pet-friendly stays and patios, Ellensburg makes an easy Central Washington getaway with your dog.

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Ellensburg, WA

8.4 Pet-Friendly Score
Avg Pet Fee: $20-30/night
Dog Parks: 2
Off-Leash Beach: No
Outdoor Dining Law: Yes

Best Dog Parks

Rotary Park Off Leash Area

A larger city-run off-leash area with fencing, water access, benches, and room to run.

Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park Off Leash Area

A fenced dog area beside the riverfront park and trails, ideal for combining playtime with a scenic walk.

Best Stays

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ellensburg

Modern all-suite option with a straightforward pet fee structure and room for longer stays.

Hotel Windrow

Stylish downtown stay with limited dog-friendly first-floor rooms and walkable access to shops and dining.

Best Dog-Friendly Dining

The Pearl Bar & Grill

Popular downtown spot with dog-friendly outdoor seating and even a dog menu.

Fidelina's Taqueria

Casual taqueria with a shaded patio where dogs are welcome.

Dog-Friendly Hotels in Ellensburg

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ellensburg

4.5/5
All-suite hotel

A newer extended-stay style hotel with kitchens, free breakfast, and one of the clearest pet policies in town for travelers bringing dogs.

$$ Pet fee: $50 per stay plus $20 per night Pets welcome; maximum 2 pets per room. Marriott lists a non-refundable cleaning fee of $50 per stay plus a $20 nightly pet fee.

1709 South Opportunity Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Holiday Inn Express Ellensburg by IHG

4.2/5
Hotel

Reliable chain stay near I-90 with breakfast, pool access, and designated dog-friendly room types.

$$ Pet fee: $30/night Dogs only; $30 per night, 50-pound limit per dog on IHG amenities page. First-floor rooms only, not allowed in suites, and housekeeping is required at least every 2 days.

1620 Canyon Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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SureStay by Best Western Ellensburg

3.9/5
Hotel

Budget-friendly option with indoor pool and easy highway access, good for a quick overnight with your pup.

$ Pet fee: $20/day Best Western states up to 2 dogs in limited rooms, 80-pound limit per dog, $20 per day; other pet types may be allowed with prior approval.

1500 Canyon Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Best Western Plus Ellensburg Hotel

4.3/5
Hotel

Comfortable mid-range stay with larger rooms and a convenient location near downtown and the interstate.

$$ Pet fee: $20/pet/night BringFido lists 2 dogs under 80 pounds in designated rooms for $20 per pet, per night; jetted tub rooms are not pet friendly.

211 W Umptanum Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Hotel Windrow

4.6/5
Boutique hotel

The most stylish stay in town, right downtown and walkable to restaurants, coffee, and shops.

$$$ Pet fee: $50 first night, $25 each additional night Dogs only in limited first-floor rooms; up to 2 dogs under 50 pounds. Dogs may not be left unattended, and a dog policy waiver is required at check-in.

502 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Days Inn by Wyndham Ellensburg

3.7/5
Hotel

Simple value stay for road-trippers who want a lower nightly rate and a dog-friendly stop just off the freeway.

$ Pet fee: $15/pet/night BringFido lists 2 dogs of any size in designated rooms for $15 per pet, per night. Dogs may not be left unattended; cats are not allowed.

901 Berry Road, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Ellensburg

The Pearl Bar & Grill

4.3/5
American restaurant

One of the best-known dog-friendly dining picks in Ellensburg, with outdoor seating out front and a dedicated dog menu featuring crispy chicken or salmon skins.

$$ Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area out front. Dog Menu

402 N Pearl St, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Fidelina's Taqueria

4.4/5
Mexican restaurant

Casual downtown taqueria with tacos and burritos plus a shaded patio that works well for lunch or dinner with your dog.

$ Dogs are invited to relax with you at an outdoor table on the shaded patio.

119 W 5th Ave #103, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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BRIX Wine Bar & Restaurant

4.5/5
Wine bar and restaurant

A polished downtown option for pizza, wine, and a slower-paced evening after a day on the trails.

$$ Outdoor seating is available; call ahead to confirm current dog-friendly patio setup.

109 W 3rd Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Elk Kitchen + Wine Bar

4.3/5
Hotel restaurant

Inside Hotel Windrow, this stylish spot is convenient if you're staying downtown and want breakfast or an evening glass of wine nearby.

$$ Restaurantji lists it as pet friendly; confirm current patio or dog-friendly seating before visiting.

119 W 5th Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Smokey's on Pearl Street

4.5/5
Barbecue restaurant

A solid stop for barbecue plates and casual downtown dining, especially if you want a hearty meal after outdoor time with your dog.

$$ Outdoor seating is available; call ahead to verify current dog-friendly patio policy.

417 North Pearl Street, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Frontier Tavern

4.5/5
Bar and grill

Laid-back local hangout with outdoor seating and a casual atmosphere that works well for a low-key stop with your pup nearby.

$ Outdoor seating is available; confirm dog access on the patio before visiting.

111 W 4th Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Dog-Friendly Parks & Activities in Ellensburg

Rotary Park Off Leash Area

Dog park

City-managed off-leash area with fencing, water access, benches, and room for both active play and social time.

Off-Leash

1200 W 5th Ave, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park Off Leash Area

Dog park

A fenced off-leash area connected to one of Ellensburg's prettiest parks, making it easy to pair fetch time with a riverside walk.

Off-Leash

1081 Umptanum Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park

Riverfront park

Pet-friendly park with trails, river views, and access to the adjacent off-leash area. Dogs should stay leashed outside the fenced dog zone.

1081 Umptanum Rd, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Unity Park

City park

Central park space that hosts dog-friendly community events like Dachshunds & Friends on Parade, making it a fun stop during event weekends.

417 N Pearl St, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Whipsaw Brewing

Dog-friendly brewery

A local nanobrewery and taproom where dogs are welcome inside and out, ideal for a relaxed afternoon stop.

704 N Wenas St, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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Yakima River Canyon Scenic Area

Outdoor activity

A scenic drive and walking base area outside town that pairs well with leashed dog outings, especially in cooler months.

14700 WA-821, Ellensburg, WA 98926

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A Dog-Friendly Weekend in Ellensburg

This easy 2-day plan mixes downtown strolls, patio meals, and off-leash play without too much driving.

Day 1: Downtown + Patio Day

Morning

Check into your hotel, then take a relaxed walk through historic downtown Ellensburg. If you're staying at Hotel Windrow, you can explore Main Street on foot right away.

Afternoon

Head to Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park for a leashed riverside walk, then let your dog burn off energy in the adjacent off-leash area.

Evening

Grab dinner at The Pearl Bar & Grill and request the dog-friendly outdoor seating area. If your pup is still social, finish with a casual stop at Whipsaw Brewing.

Day 2: Parks + Local Flavor

Morning

Start with coffee and a light breakfast downtown, then visit Rotary Park Off Leash Area for a longer play session.

Afternoon

Take a scenic drive toward the Yakima River Canyon area, keeping your dog leashed for short walks and photo stops. Return to town for lunch or an early dinner at Fidelina's Taqueria on the shaded patio.

Evening

Wrap up with a quieter downtown stroll and one last stop for wine or pizza at BRIX Wine Bar & Restaurant if patio seating is available.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Destinations

Cle Elum

~28 miles

A quick mountain-town escape west of Ellensburg with trails, river access, and easy I-90 access.

Yakima

~36 miles

A larger city with more hotel inventory, wineries, and dog-friendly patios.

Leavenworth

~67 miles

A popular alpine-style getaway with river walks and seasonal outdoor dining.

Wenatchee

~70 miles

A good pick for riverfront trails, parks, and a broader range of pet-friendly lodging.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many off-leash dog parks are in Ellensburg?

Ellensburg's Parks & Recreation department says the city has two off-leash dog parks: one at Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park and one at Rotary Park.

Are dogs allowed on restaurant patios in Washington?

Yes. Under Washington's food code, dogs may be allowed in outdoor dining areas when the permit holder has an approved plan and specific sanitation and control rules are followed.

What is the typical pet fee for hotels in Ellensburg?

Most dog-friendly hotels in Ellensburg charge around $20 to $30 per night, though some properties use a mixed structure such as a one-time cleaning fee plus a nightly pet fee.

What is the best area to stay in Ellensburg with a dog?

Downtown is best if you want to walk to restaurants and shops, while the Canyon Road and Umptanum Road hotel cluster is convenient for freeway access and quick drives to parks.

Are there dog-friendly restaurants in downtown Ellensburg?

Yes. The Pearl Bar & Grill and Fidelina's Taqueria are two of the clearest dog-friendly downtown options with outdoor seating for dogs.

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