Kayla in Redding

Kayla is definitely a road-warrior. Say wanna go for a ride? – her ears are up, tail is wagging, leash is in her mouth, she’s in the car, and it’s full-sniff ahead. One of her favorite road trips is the Shasta Cascade region of Northern California, which actually covers about 20 percent of California. Dog-friendly trails, lakes and rivers abound, as do dog-friendly accommodations. Kayla always begins her Shasta Cascade adventures in the town of Redding, which is not only over-the-top-dog-friendly, but is a great starting point to explore this vast region. She likes to begin her morning at Redding’s Turtle Bay Exploration Park, walking with lots of other dogs across the Sundial Bridge and onto the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail that overlooks the Sacramento River. She hasn’t made the entire 16.5 miles, but is working on it. Read more.

Highway to heaven

Watching the sun set on Mount Shasta.

Mount Shasta, an hour north of Redding, is considered by many to be one of the world’s most spiritual “power spots.” Even if you’re not into New Age thinking, you and your furry friend will find higher purpose with a trip up the Everitt Memorial Highway, a two-lane strip of asphalt winding 14 miles up the flanks of the 14,179-foot-high volcanic cone for unforgettable hikes and views. Read more.

Ruffing it in Redding

Sundial Bridge. Photo by Turtle Bay Exploration Park.

Kayla on Sundial Bridge Hang onto your leash: You'll need it to steady yourself when you get your first close-up look at Redding’s iconic Sundial Bridge. The stunning pedestrian structure designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava links dog-friendly trails on both sides of the Sacramento River and is a major visitor attraction in this part of the state. Start off with a stroll over the glass-decked span and let Rover splash at the water access points on the far side. Read more.