Canoeing, rafting, boats Blog
Water dog? Here are some great stories with dog-friendly ideas for canoeing, rafting and boating fun for you and your dog. Whether you are looking for a quiet paddle down a river or an adrenaline-pumping white water adventure, there is something out there to fit everyone’s tastes. Take your time researching and selecting the right activity based on safety considerations and your comfort level. It’s important to choose activities that will be enjoyable for both you and your canine companion.
Splash hits: Summer delights for water-loving dogs
The dog days of summer are here! Got a pup who loves the water? California's rivers, lakes and coastal landscapes welcome four-legged family members with paw-some adventures.
Read more
Hit the water on spectacular Lake Siskiyou
Lake Siskiyou is strikingly beautiful, incredibly dog-friendly and delightfully under the radar. Set among the waterfalls and wilderness of northwestern California, near the Oregon border, it’s especially inviting in the summer.
Read more
Rove the rivers and coastline of magical Mendocino
Few places cater to water-loving canines like Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too. A perennial DogTrekker favorite, this Mendocino coast mainstay runs guided tours and rents dog-friendly watersports equipment on the Stanford Inn grounds. Innkeepers Joan and Jeff Stanford have…
Read more
Dive into summer at Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake boasts 300 days of sunshine and dark nights perfect for stargazing, but that's just the start. This mountain jewel in the San Bernardino National Forest also has great fishing, boating and water activities, hiking and biking trails…
Read more
Fall for these dog-friendly waterfalls
Yes, we had a dry January, but the big storms in late December filled lakes and streams and created a hefty Sierra snowpack. The payoff: Waterfall season! Here are some late winter/early spring hikes with watery rewards at the end…
Read more
Paddleboard with your dog at Bass Lake (video)
Bass Lake in Madera County, just 35 miles from Yosemite, is a fantastic spot for paddleboarding with your dog. This video shows how to play like a local on the lake's calm, clear waters.
Read more
Madera county (south/wawona) entrance
The Highway 41 corridor through Madera County leads to Yosemite's south entrance, passing dog-friendly gems like Queen's Inn with its adjacent winery in Oakhurst, the quirky town of Coarsegold, Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp and recreation-rich Bass Lake.
Read more
Wild Blue Dogs camp at Tahoe? You lucky dog!
Wild Blue Dogs' fall camp in South Lake Tahoe, September 13-19, pairs bonding activities like agility, nose work and kayaking with certified trainers. All proceeds support canine cancer research, and you'll enjoy quiet Tahoe beaches and great weather all week.
Read more
Have a dog-gone good time at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area welcomes dogs on trails and in most of its waters, just 25 miles from Sacramento. With 75 miles of shoreline, hiking paths, picnic areas, and campgrounds, it's a top day-trip destination.
Read more
So, what’s to do with your dog in Concord?
Concord has plenty to get tails wagging, from off-leash romps at Baldwin Dog Park to miles of trails at Lime Ridge and Shell Ridge Open Space. Drive up Mount Diablo for panoramic views or cruise the Iron Horse Trail.
Read more
Paw-some road trips from Sacramento
Sacramento's big backyard delivers dog-friendly road trips to Placer County waterfalls, Gold Country mining trails, and small-batch wineries in the Sacramento River Delta. Two-room suites at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade make a comfortable home base.
Read more
Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
Read more
Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
Sacramento sits within easy reach of Folsom Lake, Apple Hill wineries, Gold Country, and the Sacramento River Delta. These day-trip destinations offer hiking, paddling, seasonal tastings, and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.
Read more
Best dog-friendly lakes in California
California is loaded with dog-friendly lakes for swimming, fetching, and cooling off. From Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches to the warm waters of San Luis Reservoir and Big Bear Lake, here are the best spots for a water day with your…
Read more
Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal
DogTrekker's new SoCal Portal showcases Southern California's best dog-friendly places to stay, play, hike, dine, and splash, from laid-back beach towns to high-desert escapes. Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts—Southern California is a dog lover's dream. DogTrekker.com's brand-new SoCal Portal pulls…
Read more
Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season
California's splash season means it's time to hit the water with your dog. From Russian River paddling trips to Mendocino coast kayaking, these DogTrekker-tested favorites offer seaside coves, freshwater lakes and rivers for every water-loving pup.
Read more
Hit reset in the sunny Shasta Cascade region
The Shasta Cascade region spans eight Northern California counties filled with mountains, forests, rivers and high desert. For dog lovers, it means room to roam, small-town hospitality, swimming holes and long trails with dramatic volcanic scenery around every bend.
Read more
Plan a summer reset in the Shasta Cascade region
Northern California's Shasta Cascade region spans eight counties packed with national and state parks, trails, lakes and pet-friendly towns. From Mount Shasta's peaks to Burney Falls, spring brings wildflowers and ideal conditions for exploring with your dog.
Read more
Tri-Valley: open space and wine country for your dog
The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco combines dog-friendly wine country, craft beer trails, and tens of thousands of acres of open space where dogs can roam off-leash. Pleasanton Ridge, Dublin Hills, and Del Valle Regional Park are standout picks.
Read more
By land or by lake: Redding as a basecamp
Redding is the gateway to Upstate California, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls await you and your dog. Hike the Sacramento River Trail, boat on Shasta Lake, or tackle the three McCloud River falls.
Read more
Butte County: nature and culture for dogs and people
Butte County serves up Gold Rush history, college-town energy and beautiful hiking in the southern Shasta Cascade region. Walk your dog through Bidwell Park, explore lava flows at North Table Mountain, then refuel at a dog-friendly Chico brewery patio.
Read more
Wild Blue Dogs summer camp early-bird ends March 15
Wild Blue Dogs Camp at Lake Tahoe runs weeklong sessions packed with dog training, agility, kayaking, and beach time. The nonprofit raises funds for canine cancer treatment, making every visit count for a good cause.
Read more
Santa Monica: a tail-wagging destination for pups and people
Santa Monica offers dog-friendly hotels near the pier, off-leash parks like Airport Park and Herb Katz Dog Park, pet-welcoming restaurant patios, and top-notch grooming spas. It's a SoCal hotspot for pups and people.
Read more
Redding: perfect pit stop for you and your dog
Redding is the perfect base for exploring Northern California with your dog. Walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, hike and swim at Whiskeytown Lake, and enjoy craft beer on dog-friendly patios around this welcoming mountain town.
Read more