A local's guide
Visiting Whitefish
with your dog
Where your dog can hike, run off leash and tag along, plus the rules that trip up visitors in Glacier National Park. Written by the Whitefish dog people at Tailwaggers.
The short version
- Glacier National Park: dogs can ride along and visit campgrounds, picnic areas and pullouts, but they can't go on trails. The one exception is the paved path between Apgar and West Glacier.
- Whitefish Trail: dogs are welcome. This is where to hike with your dog.
- Off-leash play: Hugh Rogers WAG Park, five free acres east of downtown.
- City Beach: no dogs allowed.
- Whitefish Mountain Resort: leashed dogs on summer trails, parking lot only in winter.
- In town: leash required, and pick up after your pup.
Rules change, so check with the park or trail before you go. We last updated this guide in November 2026.
Glacier National Park with a dog
Glacier's pet rules surprise a lot of visitors.
Where dogs can go
In your car on park roads, frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, roadside stops and parking lots, and on boats on lakes that allow motorized boats.
Where dogs can't go
Trails, lake shores outside developed areas, the backcountry and any building. Roads closed to cars count as trails, so dogs can't go there either.
The one dog walk
When it's clear of snow, leashed dogs can walk the paved bike path between Apgar and West Glacier.
Leash and car rules
Use a leash 6 feet or shorter, and don't tie your dog up and leave it. Never leave your dog in a closed car. The park says a car can top 94°F inside in two minutes on an 80°F day.
Planning a big Glacier day?
Glacier's trails, including the popular hikes off Going-to-the-Sun Road, are off limits to dogs, so many visitors book a local dog sitter or boarding for hiking days. Call us and we'll share who locals use.
Where to hike and play around Whitefish
The Whitefish Trail
Miles of trail in the forest around Whitefish Lake, built and cared for by Whitefish Legacy Partners. Dogs are welcome if they're leashed or under strict voice control. Don't let them chase wildlife, and use the mutt mitts at the trailheads.
Hugh Rogers WAG Park
The Flathead Valley's first off-leash dog park. It has five acres with paths and a drinking fountain, at Armory Park on Second Street east of downtown. It's free and open 6am to 10pm. Leash up at the gate, and your dog needs license and rabies tags.
Whitefish Mountain Resort
In summer, leashed dogs can explore the resort grounds and trails, but not buildings, chairlifts or the gondola. In winter, dogs must stay in the parking lot.
Not City Beach
Dogs aren't allowed on the beach or the park area at Whitefish City Beach. Plan dog swims for somewhere else.
Tips from locals
Staying, eating and getting around
- Lodging: confirm the pet policy and fee in writing before you book, especially in summer when places fill up. Whitefish Mountain Resort lodging doesn't allow pets except the Ides Cottage.
- Patios: ask before you sit down. Montana's food rules are strict about animals at restaurants, and policies vary.
- Wildlife: this is bear and moose country. Keep your dog close on the trail and never let it chase wildlife.
- Hot days: never leave your dog in the car. Bring water on every outing.
- Muddy dog, nice rental? Our self-service dog wash is right downtown. It's $12.99 for 10 minutes, no appointment needed, and the last wash is 30 minutes before the store closes.
Forgot something at home?
We're on Central Avenue downtown with food, treats, leashes, collapsible bowls, booties, life jackets, cooling gear and coats for whatever the season throws at you. Leashed dogs are welcome inside. Stop in, say hi, and we'll happily point you to our favorite spots. Hours and directions.
Visiting with a dog: quick answers
Are dogs allowed in Glacier National Park?
Yes, but only in developed areas: in your car on park roads, in frontcountry campgrounds, picnic areas, roadside pullouts and parking lots, and on boats where motorized boats are allowed. Dogs are not allowed on trails, along lake shores outside developed areas, in the backcountry or in any building. They must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Is there anywhere in Glacier I can walk my dog?
Yes. When it's free of snow, leashed dogs are allowed on the paved bike path between Apgar and West Glacier. It's the one trail-style walk in the park open to dogs.
Can my dog hike the Whitefish Trail?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the Whitefish Trail. Keep them leashed unless they are under strict voice control, never let them chase wildlife, and pick up after them. Mutt mitts are at the trailheads.
Is there an off-leash dog park in Whitefish?
Yes. Hugh Rogers WAG Park at Armory Park, east of downtown off Second Street, is about five acres of free off-leash space, open daily 6am to 10pm. Leash up when you come in, and make sure your dog wears current license and rabies tags.
Can dogs go to Whitefish City Beach?
No. City code doesn't allow dogs on the beach or the park area at City Beach.
Are dogs allowed at Whitefish Mountain Resort?
In summer, leashed dogs can use the resort grounds and trails but not the buildings, chairlifts or gondola. In winter, dogs have to stay in the parking lot. Resort lodging doesn't allow pets except the Ides Cottage.
Do I need a leash in town?
Yes. Whitefish requires dogs to be leashed when they're off their owner's property, and you need to pick up after them in city parks.
Can I bring my dog to a restaurant patio?
It depends on the restaurant, so ask before you sit down. Montana's food rules are strict about animals at restaurants, and policies change. Service animals are always welcome.