A big bark for Sebastopol’s Barlow

Dog and person by The Barlow entrance sign

It’s easy, it’s pretty and hiking its 1.8-mile length will burn off just enough calories to allow you to splurge on a meal at The Barlow, a complex housing more than three dozen food and drink producers and artist studios. The Laguna de Santa Rosa Trail, which opened in 2012, stretches from Highway 12 to Occidental Road just outside Sebastopol, skirting the Laguna de Santa Rosa, Sonoma’s largest freshwater wetland. Read more.

A big bark for Sonoma’s bark park

Photo by Tyke Jones.

Sonoma County is well endowed with public lands where you can spend quality time with your furry friend, but not so well known are the private preserves that welcome hikers and strollers accompanied by canine companions. Put organically farmed Bartholomew Park Winery at the top of your list. This little-known gem just a few blocks east of Sonoma Plaza sits at the center of a 400-acre memorial preserve—known locally as "Bart Park"—with a 3-mile loop trail wending through oak-covered hills and redwood groves and opening onto vistas of valley and vineyards. Read more.

Furlong Gulch, Sonoma County

Dog prints in the sand at Furlong Gulch in Sonoma County

Furlong Gulch, Sonoma County. Furlong Gulch is one of several beaches you’ll come to as you travel along the 17 miles of beaches extending from the Vista Trail 4 miles north of Jenner all the way to Bodega Head. More than a dozen access points will take you to named strands in addition to Furlong (including Carmet Beach, Portuguese Beach and Marshall Gulch) separated by bluffs and headlands. Read more.

New dog-friendly hotels in California

Four dogs, two poodles and two smaller breeds, relax on a chic enclosed patio. They wear fashionable outfits that match the cozy surroundings. White curtains and wooden accents enhance the space, giving it a vibe similar to California's dog-friendly hotels.

DogTrekker.com would like to thank all DogTrekkers who contributed to our 2018 reader survey. You let us know that one of the topics you’d most like us to address this year is “new dog-friendly hotels.” Our team has sniffed out the newest in just-opened and just-renovated lodging properties throughout California, both luxury and moderately priced. … Continued Read more.

It’s a wonderful life for Bella

Just in time for the holidays, we received this heartfelt account from DogTrekker.com reader Alison P.: On October 4 I opened your email newsletter, Treat Your Dog to Autumn Adventure in Sonoma County. I love reading the DogTrekker newsletter, and although I'm close to and familiar with Sonoma County, I wanted to see what new trips and treats your group dug up. And that's when I first saw Bella. Read more.