Cool it on a Shasta Cascade houseboat

Up for a splurge? Shasta Lake, largest reservoir in the state, is known as the houseboat capital of California, attracting guests from around the world, many of whom bring their dogs aboard with them. While houseboat vacations are not cheap, they’re certainly novel, and this year, with the lake full almost to the brim, is one of the best in a decade to give it a spin. Read more.

Redding: Trail capital of California

Once you have pitched your tent, pulled in with your RV or are tucked away in your glamping set-up, it’s time to hit the trails with your pup. If you are lucky enough to be within 10 miles of Redding, you have over 100 miles of dog-friendly trails where you and your dog can see wildlife, wildflowers, waterfalls and spectacular scenery. Read more.

Pets Without Partners 2019

Alvin, it appears, is a family dog. He loves people, adult and kid. He gets along with other dogs. He gets along with cats. But country life has been a problem for this little 15-pound terrier mix, because he chases the chickens, chases the ducks, and would probably chase bunnies and rodents if there were any. So he's now looking for a home where he can share his winning personality with his friends and stay away from critters who lead him into trouble. Read more.

Shasta Lake: Dog-friendly houseboating haven

Dog and people in a houseboat on Shasta Lake

Redding isn’t just California’s Trail Capital; nearby Shasta Lake is the state’s Houseboating Capital, as well. In the wake of a wet winter, Shasta will be filled to capacity this summer and houseboating business will be brisk, so if you’ve ever considered a houseboat vacation that includes your dog, now’s the time to make reservations. Several Shasta Lake marinas rent houseboats ranging in size and style from stripped-down models popular with fishermen to ginormous floating palaces like the 65-foot, triple-decker Titan, which features satellite-tracking TV, eight flat-screen monitors, a jetted tube slide and a hot tub big enough for a dozen (no one will tell if your dog hops in, too). Shasta’s 360 miles of jagged shoreline are indented with cover after cove where houseboaters can anchor out in solitude or bob in the company of others. Read more.

Off the beaten track in Shasta Cascade

The farther north, east or west you go from Redding, the sparser the population and the wilder the country. With seven national forests, three mountain ranges, a national park, a national monument, two national wilderness areas, 15 state parks and countless lakes, the eight-county Shasta Cascade region serves up freedom and adventure for you and your dog at every turn. Dog-friendly hotels and resorts dot a region that encompasses Plumas, Lassen, Modoc, Tehama, Siskyou, Trinity, Shasta and Butte counties. A few suggestions for getting acquainted: Read more.