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.
Where to stay and play in Big Bear
Big Bear Lake shines in autumn with golden leaves, warm days and cooler evenings under starry skies. Lower lodging rates and fewer crowds mean more room for your dog to play at this mountain getaway.
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Big Bear Lake: mountain fun with your pup
Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just hours from Southern California, with forested trails, a flat shoreline path, and dog-friendly boat rentals on the lake. Crisp mountain air and laid-back charm make it an ideal escape for dogs…
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10 ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe with your dog
Lake Tahoe delivers ten ways to play with your dog, from swimming at dog-friendly beaches and riding gondolas to floating the Truckee River and paddling kayaks. Add hiking, patio dining, and pup pampering for the ultimate trip.
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Win a dog-friendly getaway at Surf & Sand Lodge
The Surf and Sand Lodge in Fort Bragg sits front row on the Mendocino coastline, with miles of beaches, dunes, and trails right outside the door. Dog-friendly rooms come with a pet welcome package and ocean views.
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Dog-friendly spring getaway in coastal Mendocino
The Mendocino coast is a paradise for dogs and their people. Pedal railbikes through redwood groves, kayak Big River with your pup aboard, stroll the fragrant botanical gardens, and explore pristine beaches along one of California's most scenic and welcoming…
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Dog lover’s guide to California’s state parks and lakes
California's state parks offer lakeside romps and woodland strolls for leashed dogs. From splashing at Lake Tahoe and Folsom Lake to camping at Lake Oroville, here's your guide to trail etiquette, rules and the best pup-approved park adventures.
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South Yuba River Independence Trail: A dog-friendly adventure
The South Yuba River Independence Trail in Nevada County features reconstructed wooden flumes, scenic river views, and a swimming hole perfect for dogs. This historic canal path, now the nation's first wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail, welcomes leashed dogs year-round.
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Lake Del Valle: Paradise for water dogs
Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore offers 5,000 acres, a five-mile lake, off-leash trails, and one of the few places where your dog can join you on a rental boat. Pack a picnic, bring a fishing rod, and plan to…
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Mendocino County’s coastal scenery
Mendocino County's coastline rewards a week of exploring with your dog. Pet-friendly inns provide bowls and towels, Mendocino Headlands allows leashed dogs on trails, and Catch-a-Canoe rents special dog canoes for floating the Big River.
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Pet-friendly Mendocino County
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs, with dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, winery tasting rooms that offer treats and water bowls, botanical gardens open to leashed pups, and gorgeous beaches along the coast.
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Beyond the crowds in Mendocino County
Mendocino County pairs leash-free beaches, dog-welcoming wineries, botanical gardens, and kayak outfitters with cozy lodging from the Stanford Inn to state park campgrounds. Ride the Skunk Train with your pup or paddle an estuary in a canoe built for dogs.
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The many sides of Mendocino County
Mendocino County is one of Northern California's most dog-welcoming destinations. Pet-friendly inns provide treats and amenities, wineries like Husch let dogs inside the tasting room, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to paddling outrigger kayaks along the coast.
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Amazing Mendocino County
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs like few other California destinations. Pet-friendly inns offer treats and amenities, wineries welcome four-legged visitors inside, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to outrigger kayaking on the coast.
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Meandering the Mendo Coast with your dog
Mendocino County's 102 miles of winding coastline reward slow travelers with leash-free beaches, Glass Beach, botanical gardens, scenic trails through MacKerricher State Park and cozy seaside lodgings from Fort Bragg to Gualala.
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Napa Valley leg-stretchers
After wine tasting in Napa Valley, burn off those calories with your dog at Canine Commons in Alston Park, where off-leash play awaits. Westwood Hills Park and the downtown River Walk offer more leashed options with vineyard and city views.
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Gold Country wine trail
The Placer Wine Trail features 20 boutique wineries in the Sierra Foothills near Auburn. Most are family owned and dog-friendly, including Vina Castellano, where pups are welcome in the tasting room, on the patio, and out by the pond.
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Lake County hideaway
Bed and Barrel at Stonehouse Cellars in Lake County Clearlake Oaks is a winery, tasting room, and B&B where dogs roam free. Nearby, Clear Lake and Blue Lakes offer swimming, fishing, and boat rentals for the whole family.
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California hotels that don’t just tolerate dogs—they adore them
From Cypress Inn's Yappy Hours in Carmel to canine massages at Nick's Cove in Marin, these California hotels genuinely love dogs. Expect welcome treats, dedicated pet menus, adventure packages and luxury bedding designed for four-legged guests.
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The best dog-friendly hotels in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe's clear blue water, miles of shoreline, and endless trails make it a top destination for dog owners. From the modern Basecamp Hotel to the luxury Landing Resort and the quiet Cedar Glen Lodge, these are the best dog-friendly…
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Now booking: Wild Blue Dogs’ paw-some fall camp
Wild Blue Dogs Fall Camp is a six-night, all-inclusive retreat on 33 acres at Lake Tahoe. Professional trainers lead agility, nose work, paddleboarding, and 100-plus activities, while registration fees support canine cancer research. Early bird pricing ends April 30.
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The Stanford Inn: Eco-minded, perfect for pups
The Stanford Inn by the Sea on the Mendocino coast is a dog-friendly gem run by a family of animal lovers. Gorgeous grounds, plant-based dining, and ocean views make it a top pick for pups.
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Spring safety tips for dog owners
Spring brings ticks, heartworms, foxtails, and other hazards for dogs heading outdoors. Stay ahead of seasonal risks with tick preventatives, regular checkups, and smart trail habits to keep your pup healthy all season.
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Dog-friendly campsites in northern California
A roundup of exceptional dog-friendly campgrounds across Northern California, from spacious Gerle Creek Reservoir sites to wildflower-rich Woods Lake near Carson Pass, secluded Kidd Lake, coastal MacKerricher State Park, and the redwood groves of Pfeiffer Big Sur.
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Top paw-tested campgrounds
From MacKerricher State Park on the Mendocino coast to Pfeiffer Big Sur in the redwoods and Pismo State Beach on the Central Coast, these paw-tested California campgrounds keep dogs and their people coming back year after year.
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