Russian River runners

The unhurried stretch of the Russian River downstream from the Sonoma County town of Healdsburg is a DogTrekker’s delight, especially when you’re floating along in a dog-friendly, custom-made SOAR canoe from Russian River Adventures. Read more.

Down a lazy river with rover

Ever skipped an otherwise great outing because your dog couldn’t come along? We all have—and sometimes, it’s because we just didn’t know our options. Here’s one that should be on every DogTrekker’s bucket list: floating with your pup on the Russian River in an inflatable canoe specifically designed to accommodate canines. Russian River Adventures outfits this adventure for hundreds of DogTrekkers each summer using super-stable SOAR canoes that let all of you travel comfortably on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River out of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Read more.

The healing powers of Healdsburg

A person with short gray hair sits at an outdoor café table in Healdsburg, dressed in a black shirt and jeans. Beside them, a black and tan dog relaxes on its own chair. A wine glass sits among other items on the table. The background is filled with lush greenery, creating a serene atmosphere that feels refreshing and revitalizing.

Wine tasting at Portalupi. Photo by Lark Coryell.

What’s your pleasure? Cozy inns and memorable meals? Pre-holiday shopping? Wine tasting? You’ll find them all in Healdsburg, a charming and walkable town built around a plaza at the heart of the Russian River Valley. Scores of wineries are within easy striking distance of Healdsburg, but there are so many dog-friendly restaurants and tasting rooms in town (we’re partial to canine-welcoming Topel and Portalupi right on the square) that you might not even get into your vehicle until it’s time to go home. Read more.

Go with the rivers’ flow

Dog wearing red life vest asleep in kayak

Photo by Elizabeth Krupka.

Your dog may not be able to paddle her own canoe, but you’ll have a blast paddling for her with an assist from an outfitter who knows how to help water-loving canines and their people have fun. Read more.

Russian river with rover

Photo courtesy: Russian River Adventures Among our favorite DogTrekker activities is paddling a languidly flowing, 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River around the dog-friendly, wine-centric town of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. Russian River Adventures is the go-to outfitter here, providing stable and dog-friendly inflatable canoes. Read more.