Photo credit: Brendan Myers
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.
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Photo credit: Janeen Heath
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
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. North Shore bound? Check out 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/fall 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.
Treat Your Pup
After a day filled with outdoor recreation, pamper your four-legged friend with a
spa treatment or toys and treats at one of Tahoe's
dog specialty shops.
Get Festive
Two upcoming
Squaw Valley USA festivals welcome well-behaved dogs on leash. The
26th Annual Foam Fest on Saturday, September 5, 2015 is one of the most anticipated beer and music festivals of the year! Proceeds from the event will support Disabled Sports to continue to provide sports rehabilitation and therapeutic recreation programs to anyone with any disability. Come support a tremendous cause while enjoying the open air festival with your pup!
Why not make it an entire weekend of festival fun? The
27th Annual Alpen Wine Fest on Sunday, September 6, 2015 includes wine tasting, live music, a silent auction and raffle. Entry into the event is a donation to Can Do MS, a foundation providing wellness and education for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Mark your calendar and be there!
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Photo credit: Janeen Heath
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