Marin county parks

Photo by Nathan Barteau.

Forty years ago, as residents watched subdivisions creep up hillsides and across ridges, local leaders started a heroic movement to preserve natural lands; a movement that resulted in the creation of the Marin County Open Space District. Read more.

Samuel p. taylor state park

Redwood trees at Samuel P. Taylor State Park. Photo by Martha Bergmann.

This lush redwood retreat 15 miles west of San Rafael has dog-friendly picnic areas, campgrounds with showers and the five-mile Cross Marin Trail, shared with cyclists, that visitors with leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy. Read more.

Sleep green

Photo by Bardessono Hotel.

Northern California leads the nation in the number of hotels—more than a dozen to date certified by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. The road to certification is long and rigorous, involving strict standards for energy efficiency, waste reduction, recycling and such. Choosing a LEED-certified property for your next DogTrekking expedition shows you care: It’s like giving Mother Earth a pat on the head and a scratch behind the ears.

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Nothing stingy about stinson

Photo by Noelle.

The hang-gliders, surfers and beach-goers might first catch your eye, but it’s the “no dogs” signs you need to watch when visiting Stinson Beach in West Marin. Read more.

Walk blithely

Old Railroad Grade trail in Mill Valley. Photo by Jessica Bay.

If you wake up on a clear day itching for a hike that provides challenge, historical context and views, put paws to the path on a 6.6-mile trek along the Old Railroad Grade. Read more.