10 Ways to Have Fun With Your Dog at Lake Tahoe

Summer in the mountains comes and goes as quickly as puppyhood, so don’t let this one pass you by. Here are 10 ways to get maximum woof out of your trip to the lake this summer.

Go for a Dip
Get a Lift
Float Your Boat
Paddle a Dog-friendly Canoe
Soak Up Nostalgia
Go for a Hike
Spend the Night
Share a Bite
Go to Camp
Get Festive

Go for a Dip
Yes, you can take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe! True, there are only a handful of dog-friendly beaches, but for most dogs, just one a day is enough. One of our hidden favorites on the West Shore is the private beach at Obexer’s General Store in Homewood. 

Get a Lift
One of the most fun experiences to be had with your dog at Tahoe is lift-assisted hiking. Enclosed gondola cars on two lifts at Northstar and the aerial tram at Squaw Valley welcome leashed pets. Whichever you choose, you’ll find lots of trail options up top.

Float Your Boat
For more fun on the water, join the animated crowds of summer vacationers who rent rafts in Tahoe City for a two- to three-hour, 5-mile float down the scenic Truckee River to River Ranch Resort. Truckee River Raft Co. counts dogs as regular passengers and will get you all fixed up.

Paddle a Dog-friendly Canoe
Dogs won't fit in just any kayak, and expecting them to balance like acrobats on a slippery bow is unrealistic if not dangerous. Tahoe City Kayak solves the problem with a line of Jackson Rec Kayaks whose cockpits are big enough to hold not just you, but Fido, too.

Soak Up Nostalgia
One of the most enjoyable sights at Lake Tahoe, especially for first-timers, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th century summer estate homes and outbuildings about seven miles west of South Lake Tahoe casinos. Leashed dogs are welcome, and it’s especially enjoyable to visit on living-history days.

Go For a Hike
Put paws to the path on hundreds of miles of trails in the Lake Tahoe area. For something new, try just-opened Van Sickle Bi-State Park near South Shore casinos. The main trail in the 575-acre park (part in California, part in Nevada) travels beneath the Heavenly Gondola lift line to a cluster of historic buildings before zigzagging up for magnificent views of the lake. New on the North Shore is the Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, a mile-long promenade through town connecting the 19-mile West Shore/Truckee River and North Shore Trails.

Spend the Night
Dog-friendly lodging abounds at Lake Tahoe, and it comes in all forms, from vacation-home rentals to hotels and motels, to rustic cabin resorts and RV parks. A favorite is the dog-passionate Larkspur Hotel Truckee. Check out dozens of other options on DogTrekker.com.

Share a Bite
It can be hard to find a place to share an outdoor meal at wintertime Lake Tahoe, but summer is another matter. View our listings, pick a dog-friendly patio and chow down. One of our favorites is Meyer’s Downtown Café in South Lake Tahoe.

Go to Camp
You and your dog can chill together, hike together, dock-dive, kayak and enjoy the company of dozens of other canines and their people—for a whole week—at Camp Winnaribbun on the lakeshore in Stateline, Nev. One of only a few camps of its kind in the country, Camp W, now in its 18th year, offers two one-week sessions (Aug. 26-Sept. 1 and Sept. 2-8 in 2012) with all-inclusive rates that include instruction in everything from obedience to lure coursing and freestyle dog dancing.

Get Festive

Why should humans have all the fun when it comes to partying down? Two summer events at Squaw Valley USA are made for dogs and their people. The Brews, Jazz & Funk Fest on the weekend of August 10-11 is a canine-friendly showcase for breweries from throughout the western states, while the third annual Peaks & Paws Festival on August 25  offers plenty of options for four-paw and two-paw guests alike, from guided hikes to music, art, wine tasting and dog-themed fun. Both events benefit the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe and homeless pets. Mark your calendar and be there!