Big river beckons at Catch a Canoe

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Photo by Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too.

There’s something magical about the Big River estuary near Mendocino—and something ingenious about the “canine cruiser” that transports two- and four-legged visitors down the calm and inky river to the sea. Catch A Canoe & Bicycles Too, which has been outfitting paddlers on an 8.3-mile section of the river since 1972, added the cruiser to its fleet of handmade redwood watercraft more than a decade ago.

The canoes feature a large, stable deck centered in the middle of the boat between paddlers, allowing canine passengers to sit, stand or lie down at will as the scenery slides by.

More good news: once you are done with sun and water for the day, you and your pup can rest your heads at the nearby Stanford Inn by the Sea, and pick up much more than a bone at their award-winning Ravens Restaurant.