Is water available in winter?

Yes, which sets Rock Creek Dog Park apart from most Westside parks. All three sections carry dedicated water and benches, and the taps stay on through the cold months.

Which sections are open in winter?

Only the wood chip run. The grass section closes for the wet season, so a January visit means chips underfoot.

Is a parking permit required?

Signs in the campus lot say permits are required. Free street parking at NW Springville Road and NW 173rd Avenue sits about 250 feet from the gates.

Is there a small-dog area?

Yes, a separate fenced small-breed section. Reviewers caution against putting dogs under 25 pounds in the winter run, where the crowd skews medium to large.

How crowded does it get?

The open sections handle 20 to 30 dogs without feeling tight, which reviewers credit for keeping anxious dogs calm.

All Dog Parks

Rock Creek Dog Park

Three fenced sections with running water, even in Oregon winter

4 · Our score

•

Fenced Off-leash Water

Get Directions

About this park

Rock Creek Dog Park is one of the best-maintained dog parks in the Portland metro area, set on the PCC campus in the Beaverton/Hillsboro corridor with three separate fenced sections: a small-dog run, a summer grass area, and a year-round wood chip section. Running water is available in all sections even in winter (rare among Portland parks), and the large open sections comfortably handle 20-30 dogs without feeling crowded.

Amenities

Fenced Off-leash Water Small-dog area Parking Benches Trash cans

Rock Creek Dog Park reviews

What visitors consistently say

The highlights

Reviewers consistently praise Rock Creek's size, the three dedicated sections, and the fact that water stays on year-round when other Westside parks shut it off. The wood chip winter run gets credit for good drainage and a back half that's usually stocked with found tennis balls.

The community

A steady Westside regulars crowd, mostly medium and large dogs, with owners who tend to stay attentive and keep things calm even when 20-plus dogs share a section.

Best for

High-energy Large dogs Small dogs Social dogs

Before you go

Parking requires a permit in the PCC lot. Free street parking is available at NW Springville and NW 173rd Ave, about 250 feet from the gates. In winter, only the wood chip section is open.

Frequently asked

Is water available in winter?: Yes, which sets Rock Creek Dog Park apart from most Westside parks. All three sections carry dedicated water and benches, and the taps stay on through the cold months.
Which sections are open in winter?: Only the wood chip run. The grass section closes for the wet season, so a January visit means chips underfoot.
Is a parking permit required?: Signs in the campus lot say permits are required. Free street parking at NW Springville Road and NW 173rd Avenue sits about 250 feet from the gates.
Is there a small-dog area?: Yes, a separate fenced small-breed section. Reviewers caution against putting dogs under 25 pounds in the winter run, where the crowd skews medium to large.
How crowded does it get?: The open sections handle 20 to 30 dogs without feeling tight, which reviewers credit for keeping anxious dogs calm.