Hovander Park, June 25, 2024

The dogs love a good walk. Our favorite spot is the off leash area at Hovander Park, Ferndale, WA. The are multiple places to access the trails. Our favorite is…

1–2 minutes
Two Old English Sheepdogs walking along a grassy trail beside a buttercup meadow, one approaching with tongue out

The dogs love a good walk. Our favorite spot is the off leash area at Hovander Park, Ferndale, WA. The are multiple places to access the trails. Our favorite is from the boat launch parking lot.

The park always has a good supply of poop bags and for the most part people are really good about picking up after their dogs. There is a large sandy area right next to the parking lot for dogs to play.

The boat launch is a great place for a quick dip to cool off or rinse off before going home. Except for sheepdogs who don’t like water.

Gravel and dirt boat launch path leading down to a river at Hovander Park, with green shrubs and blue sky
Mown grass trail beside a wildflower meadow at Hovander Park, with an Old English Sheepdog standing in the distance

The dogs love being off leash, must feel so good to stretch their legs and just run. I am always amazed at their interactions with other dogs. Sometimes a dog they have never met is their long lost best friend, while others they approach with caution, and after a brief circle sniff, they go on their way.

Braya and Benny were completely oblivious to this pair of deer that crossed our path. They want to affirm that they are sheepdogs, not hound dogs.

Two deer partly hidden in tall grass and wildflowers at Hovander Park

We always do some practice recalls, with lots of fuss and love for returning promptly. If you are ever in the Ferndale area and need a place to let your dogs out, the dogs give this and all paws up recommendation.

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