California’s Shasta Cascade region — a rugged landscape of volcanic peaks, alpine lakes, and thundering waterfalls — might seem like territory reserved for the most agile hikers. But tucked among the towering pines and wild rivers, we’ve found a collection of paved and accessible trails where visitors of all abilities can explore the outdoors with their dogs. Whether navigating by wheelchair, using a mobility device, or simply seeking a smooth, gentle path, these trails prove that Northern California’s most dramatic scenery isn’t off-limits. For more options across the state, check out our statewide guide to ADA accessible trails.
A note on service dogs: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, service dogs are welcome everywhere — including trails and parks where pet dogs may be restricted. All of the trails listed below welcome leashed pet dogs, but we’ve included a “Know your rights on the trail” section at the end for handlers who may encounter access questions in other settings.
Sacramento River Trail and Sundial Bridge, Redding
The Sacramento River Trail is the crown jewel of accessible outdoor recreation in Shasta Cascade. This paved, wheelchair-accessible trail stretches along the Sacramento River through Redding, connecting neighborhoods, parks, and one of California’s most recognizable landmarks — the Sundial Bridge. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, the glass-decked pedestrian bridge doubles as a functioning sundial and offers spectacular river views. The trail surface is smooth asphalt, wide enough for wheelchairs and strollers, and maintains a gentle grade throughout. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and across the Sundial Bridge, though owners should note that the glass deck can heat up on warm days — carrying smaller dogs across during peak sun is a smart precaution. Designated accessible parking is available at the Turtle Bay Exploration Park lot near the bridge, along with accessible restrooms. The trail was designated a National Recreation Trail by the Secretary of the Interior in 2002.
Arboretum Loop Trail at Turtle Bay, Redding
Adjacent to the Sundial Bridge, the Arboretum Loop Trail at Turtle Bay Exploration Park offers a 1.2-mile paved loop through the McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. The path winds through Mediterranean and California native plant collections along the Sacramento River, with interpretive signage throughout. The paved surface is smooth and well-maintained, making it navigable for wheelchairs and mobility devices. Complimentary wheelchair and stroller rentals are available at the park during operating hours on a first-come, first-served basis. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail and in the gardens. Accessible restrooms are located throughout the park. This is an ideal option for visitors who want a shorter, self-contained loop with botanical interest and river scenery — all without leaving the paved path.
Crystal Creek Falls, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
One of the most accessible waterfall trails in Northern California, Crystal Creek Falls in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area delivers a genuine cascade experience on a fully paved path. The trail is approximately 0.7 miles round trip, with a surface of smooth asphalt measuring about 10 feet wide — easily accommodating wheelchairs and mobility devices side by side. The majority of the route is gentle (5% grade or less), though there is one steeper section at roughly the 0.2-mile mark heading south. The trail ends at an overlook where Crystal Creek tumbles into a pool below. One designated van-accessible parking space with a striped access aisle is available at the paved trailhead lot off Crystal Creek Road. A vault toilet is located near the trailhead. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout Whiskeytown’s 70 miles of trails — dogs are only prohibited at four designated swimming beaches. The recreation area charges a daily entrance fee.
Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, Chester
The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail is a paved, non-motorized multi-use trail following the west shore of Lake Almanor near Chester. The trail is 10 feet wide with a blacktop surface, offering scenic vistas of the lake and surrounding mountains along with interpretive signs about the area’s natural history. The trail is classified as barrier-free by the U.S. Forest Service, though visitors using wheelchairs should be aware that root heaves have created uneven patches in some sections — these are marked with white paint. Benches and overlooks are spaced along the route, providing regular rest points with lake views. Amenities include vault toilets, bike racks, and a paved parking area at the Dyer View Trailhead. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail. Lake Almanor sits at roughly 4,500 feet elevation in Plumas County, surrounded by Lassen National Forest — a quieter alternative to the busier trails around Redding, with reliable summer weather and cool mountain mornings.
Lake Siskiyou Trail, Mount Shasta
Circling Lake Siskiyou with Mount Shasta towering in the background, this seven-mile trail is one of the most scenic loops in Siskiyou County. While the full loop includes sections of dirt, packed gravel, and pine needles, the most accessible portions feature paved segments and an accessible ramp at the Cable Beach parking area. Mobility devices with wide, all-terrain tires and rolling walkers can handle the firmly packed sections. The trail is popular with hikers, dog walkers, and runners, and leashed dogs are welcome throughout. The relatively flat grade and wide path make it manageable for many visitors, though those using standard wheelchairs should plan to enjoy the paved southern sections near Cable Beach rather than attempting the full loop. The views of Mount Shasta reflected in the lake are among the most photographed in Northern California — and they’re accessible from the paved trailhead area alone.
Tauhindauli Park trail, Dunsmuir
Nestled along the Upper Sacramento River in the railroad town of Dunsmuir, Tauhindauli Park (pronounced “tawn-in-dolly”) offers a paved, ADA-accessible loop trail through a hidden riverside landscape. The park provides more than a half-mile of direct public access to the Sacramento River, with a paved walkway that winds through wildflower meadows, beneath the historic bridge, and along the riverbank. A numbered self-guided interpretive tour highlights the area’s natural and cultural history. The paved surface extends to a platform providing direct river access — ideal for fishing or simply watching the water. Dogs are welcome in the park, and families regularly use the trail for leisurely walks with their pets. Amenities include picnic tables, interpretive signs, and ample parking. The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Located just off Interstate 5 in Dunsmuir, it makes an excellent accessible rest stop for travelers passing through the upper Sacramento River canyon.
Juanita Lake Trail, eastern Siskiyou County
In the quiet eastern reaches of Siskiyou County, Juanita Lake offers a 1.5-mile paved, barrier-free trail that circles the 55-acre lake. The asphalt surface is wide, level, and suitable for wheelchairs, with two wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms providing easy access to the water. The lake is regularly stocked with trout and also holds bass and catfish — making it a destination for accessible angling as well as walking. No motorized boats are permitted on the lake, so the setting is peaceful. A campground with 23 sites and one group camp is available nearby, though visitors should note that bicycles are not permitted on the trail. Leashed dogs are welcome. Juanita Lake sits at approximately 5,100 feet elevation in the Klamath National Forest, and the drive in follows narrow forest roads — plan accordingly, especially in an RV or with a trailer. The remoteness is part of the appeal: on a weekday, we’ve heard it described as having the whole lake to yourself.
Know your rights on the trail
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), service dogs are permitted in all public spaces, including trails, parks, and beaches — even where pet dogs are prohibited. California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act and Disabled Persons Act extend these protections further. A service dog must be under the handler’s control (leash, harness, or voice command) and housebroken. Businesses and park staff may ask only two questions: (1) is this a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what task has the dog been trained to perform. They may not ask about the handler’s disability, require documentation, or charge extra fees.
Planning your accessible trail visit
Shasta Cascade is one of California’s most rewarding — and most remote — outdoor regions. That remoteness means a few extra considerations for accessible trail visits. Many of these trails sit at elevations between 3,000 and 5,100 feet, where winter snowfall can close roads and trails from November through April or later. The Sacramento River Trail in Redding, at lower elevation, is generally accessible year-round, but high-elevation destinations like Juanita Lake and Lake Almanor may not be fully clear until late spring. Wildfire season, typically July through October, can bring trail closures and hazardous air quality — check current conditions with the relevant national forest or park service before heading out. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at many trailheads, so download maps and trail information before we leave home. Carry extra water for both ourselves and our dogs — summer temperatures in the Redding area routinely exceed 100 degrees, while mountain trails can be significantly cooler. Finally, accessible restroom availability varies by trail; the Redding trails and Crystal Creek Falls have reliable facilities, while more remote sites like Juanita Lake may have vault toilets only.
