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.
A few of our favorite dog-friendly campgrounds
Unlike most state parks, national forest campgrounds let dogs hit the trails. Crystal Basin Recreation Area and the Carson Pass region in the Sierra offer hundreds of dog-friendly campsites and miles of trails through stunning alpine scenery.
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Special adventures for furry friends in Mendocino
Mendocino County is packed with dog-friendly adventures, from the classic Skunk Train to kayaking sea caves with the Little River Inn's Water Dog package. Add uncrowded beaches, botanical gardens, and Glass Beach to fill out a memorable visit.
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Book your next play-cation in Redding
Surrounded by mountains with miles of pet-friendly hiking and biking trails, a river running through it and nine national and state parks at its doorstep, Redding is an outdoor paradise for dog-friendly vacations. Discover the best trails, lakes, parks and…
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Exploring dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: An adventurer’s guide
Lake Tahoe welcomes dogs at sandy beaches like Kiva and Lake Forest, on forested trails from easy loops to summit hikes, and at patio restaurants with treats at the ready. This guide covers everything you need for a Tahoe trip…
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Lake Tahoe summer fun
Summer at North Lake Tahoe means long days on dog-friendly beaches like Kiva and Kings Beach, cool dips in the Truckee River, and alpine hikes with sweeping views. Patio meals in walkable mountain towns round out the perfect warm-weather getaway…
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2024 Go California Photo Contest winners
Hundreds of entries poured in for DogTrekker's 2024 Go California Photo Contest, and thousands voted for their favorites. Meet the winning pups, including two Pomeranians waving from Glacier Point and a sidecar-riding dog cruising through Carmel-by-the-Sea.
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Family fun with a pup-friendly pedigree
The Stanford Inn is a family-friendly retreat with four state parks within two miles, a heated saltwater pool, scavenger hunts, and canine cruiser canoes on Big River. Dogs perch on a stable middle deck while families paddle miles of estuary…
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A dreamy setting for romantic retreats
Couples choose the Stanford Inn by the Sea for weddings, anniversaries, and romantic reconnections, drawn by its coastal beauty, garden setting, and dog-friendly hospitality in Mendocino. Wake to ocean views, unwind with spa treatments, and stroll the bluffs with your…
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Mindful hospitality with a pet-centric pedigree
The Stanford Inn practices mindful, personal hospitality in an era of screens and contactless check-ins, putting people, pups, and the planet first. This family-run Mendocino resort has spent forty-five years curating genuine guest experiences rooted in warmth and environmental care.
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Wags and wine in Lake County
Lake County boasts the most dog-friendly wine country in the U.S., with over 30 wineries welcoming pups. Explore private trails at Six Sigma Ranch, paddle spring-fed Blue Lakes, and linger over alfresco dining at patio restaurants throughout the county.
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Must-attend events this summer and fall
California summers are packed with dog-friendly celebrations, from Sacramento River Cats Wet Nose Wednesdays and the Puptopia Festival in Big Bear to the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in San Diego and brewery fundraisers across the Bay Area. Here are our top…
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More wet ways to play
Stand-up paddleboarding with your dog is catching on across California. From SUP PUPS clinics at Lake Tahoe to Dog-Paddle Saturdays in San Rafael, there are plenty of ways for you and your pup to ride a board together.
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The splashy side of Placer County
Placer County is full of dog-friendly water fun, from rafting the American River and fishing at French Meadows Reservoir to kayaking on Lake Tahoe. Folsom Lake and Sugar Pine Reservoir also welcome leashed pups for swimming, hiking, and boating.
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Cooper loved to travel
Cooper the Lab mix lived ten adventure-packed years as an avid DogTrekker, from winery visits at Gundlach Bundschu in Sonoma to Shirley Canyon hikes at Palisades Tahoe and beach romps at Fort Funston. His owner Niki shares how DogTrekker shaped…
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California’s top tail-wagging destinations: Adventure awaits
A south-to-north road trip through California's best dog-friendly destinations, from Ocean Beach in San Diego and Runyon Canyon in LA to Big Bear Lake, Carmel Beach and beyond. Each stop pairs off-leash fun with pet-welcoming hotels and cafes.
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Discover dog-friendly Oakland: A canine paradise
Oakland is one of the Bay Area's most dog-welcoming cities, with 73 regional parks, off-leash trails in the hills, sunny weather when San Francisco is socked in with fog, and walkable neighborhoods like Rockridge and Temescal lined with dog-friendly patios…
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You’ll fall for this season’s dog-friendly events
Fall in California brings a wave of dog-friendly events, from the Pismo Beach Corgi Getaway and Berkeley Humane's adopt-a-thon to DogFest Northwest in Oakland, Bark in the Park in San Jose, and Halloween costume contests in Big Bear Village.
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Welcome to spring – and the 2024 event season!
Spring kicks off a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash and SF Giants Dog Days at Oracle Park to adoption fundraisers, costume contests, and brewery tasting tours. Here are our top picks through…
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Lake Tahoe’s best-in-show dog camp
Wild Blue Dogs hosts an all-inclusive dog camp on Lake Tahoe's Nevada shore, featuring agility classes, nose work, kayaking, and more led by certified trainers. Proceeds support canine cancer research, making this a vacation with real purpose.
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Plumas County: Majestic peaks and pup-friendly trails
Plumas County stretches between Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe, with national forest covering more than 75% of the landscape. Paddle Lake Almanor, hike the 11-mile recreation trail, camp at Rocky Point, and explore the charming town of Quincy with your…
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Majestic, dog-friendly California mountain towns
California's mountain towns offer breathtaking trails, crystal-clear lakes, and welcoming communities for dogs and their people. From Tahoe City and South Lake Tahoe to Mammoth Lakes and Big Bear, these high-altitude getaways promise year-round adventure.
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Tahoe splash: Dog-friendly things to do in Tahoe
Summer at Lake Tahoe means beach romps, mountain hikes, and tram rides with your dog. Splash at dog-friendly beaches, hike Shirley Canyon Trail to High Camp at Palisades Tahoe, or join Wild Blue Dogs camp.
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Off we go, into the wild blue yonder
Wild Blue Dog Camp at Lake Tahoe is a week-long summer camp for you and your dog. Activities range from agility and nose work to kayaking and beach yoga on a sandy 33-acre lakefront property.
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Dog-friendly road trip through Mono County on Highway 395
Highway 395 through Mono County opens a world of dog-friendly adventure in the Eastern Sierra. From Mono Lake's strange beauty to hiking at Devil's Postpile and exploring the ghost town of Bodie, every stop rewards curious pups and their people.
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