Dogs have been a part of Fort Vancouver’s story from the very beginning

VANCOUVER, Wash. – On May 17, 2025, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site will launch a new self-guided tour to connect dog owners to local history in Vancouver, Washington.

Explore Fort Vancouver with Your Pup on the New BARK Ranger Tour.

Dogs have been a part of Fort Vancouver’s story from the very beginning. They were not only companions but also working animals for Indigenous peoples, fur traders, soldiers, and settlers. Now, Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is celebrating that legacy with a fun new way for you and your furry friend to explore the park together.

Starting May 17, bring your dog and enjoy a self-guided tour of the grounds designed for pups and their people. The tour begins at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, where you can take a handout that includes:

• A park map with five marked stops.
• Easy questions to answer along the way.
• A certificate to celebrate your adventure.

How It Works

Each stop on the map has a QR code. Scan the code to read a short story about the role of dogs in the park’s history. Then, answer the related question in your handout. Complete the first six questions (that’s only three stops!) and you’ll earn your certificate.

Along the way, you’ll learn about some of the amazing dogs that have left their paw prints on Fort Vancouver’s past.

Bonus for Dog Lovers

Want a special souvenir? The Friends of Fort Vancouver are offering unique BARK Ranger dog tags for sale in their bookstore, also located at the Visitor Center.

Whether you’re a history buff, a dog lover, or just looking for a new way to enjoy the outdoors with your pup, this tour is a great way to connect with the past while making new memories.

“We’re excited to launch this new tour for our visitors and their four-legged friends,” said Park Ranger Ada Gonzalez. “We know how much people enjoy bringing their pets to Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, and we hope this will be a fun, meaningful way for them to connect with the park’s history. It’s also a great opportunity to share tips on how to explore the site safely and responsibly with dogs.”

The BARK Ranger program is a nationwide National Park Service program that encourages park visitors to follow the “BARK” rules:

• Bag and dispose of your pet’s waste in trash cans located throughout the park.
• Always leash your pet.
• Respect wildlife.
• Know where you can go.

In addition to learning historical stories of dogs at Fort Vancouver and Vancouver Barracks, tour participants will learn how to follow these rules at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. Learn more about how to follow the BARK Ranger rules at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site at https://go.nps.gov/PetsAtFOVA.

BARK Ranger Ambassador Caroline Krause states, “Since I first learned about the BARK Ranger program – which started at Olympic National Park in 2016 and has now spread to parks all over the country – I have taken my pups Harley Quinn and Louis on numerous adventures to explore and enjoy each site responsibly. We come to Fort Vancouver every week to walk the grounds. As a volunteer and official BARK Ambassador, I have supported the development of the new self-guided tour. This park is perfect for dogs and their humans to enjoy the paths and trails together on leash, so I’m sure it’s going to be a big hit!”

The Friends of Fort Vancouver’s bookstore at the Fort Vancouver Visitor Center sells an assortment of dog-related books and handmade accessories like bandannas and blankets. Don’t forget you can purchase a BARK Ranger tag to remember your visit!

What: Launch of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site BARK Ranger self-guided tour.
When: Saturday, May 17, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Fort Vancouver Visitor Center, 1501 Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661
Cost: The self-guided tour handout and certificate are free. BARK Ranger dog tags are sold by the Friends of Fort Vancouver for $4.95.