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.
Fifth stop: Mammoth Lakes back to Sac via Yosemite
The drive from Mammoth Lakes back to Sacramento crosses Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park at nearly ten thousand feet. Pack a lunch for a stop at Tenaya Lake and soak in 59 miles of jaw-dropping Sierra scenery before descending…
Read more
Dip into Tahoe’s lake lifestyle
Lake Tahoe's summer scene includes dog-friendly beaches on the north shore, scenic waterfront paths and seasonal camps by Wild Blue Dogs that combine canine activities with nonprofit fundraising. Pups can swim, hike and socialize all season long.
Read more
High Sierra escapes from Sacramento
From Sacramento, you can reach Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches and mountain parks in about two hours. Let pups splash at Kiva Beach, hike Van Sickle Bi-State Park, paddle Echo Lakes or grab a post-hike pint at FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee.
Read more
Peak fun for pups and people in Plumas County
Plumas County sits between Mount Lassen and Lake Tahoe, with national forest covering over 75% of the land. Dogs can hike canyons and ridges, splash in Lake Almanor, explore charming Quincy and enjoy pet-friendly lodges and breweries throughout the county.
Read more
DogTrekker® 15th anniversary
DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind --…
Read more
Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches: Your ultimate summer guide
From Carnelian Bay coffee shops to secluded coves on the Nevada side, here is your guide to the best dog-friendly beaches at Lake Tahoe. Both shores offer sandy spots where your pup can splash all summer long.
Read more
Paw-some events for the dog days of summer
Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.
Read more
On the road to Yosemite
The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.
Read more
Dogtrekker’s best river adventures
California rivers offer some of the best warm-weather fun you can have with your dog. Paddle inflatable canoes on the Russian River, float the Truckee River from Tahoe City, or raft the American River in Sacramento.
Read more
Make a splash at North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe has several dog-friendly beaches worth knowing about, from Carnelian Bay and Coon Street Beach to secluded Chimney Beach on the Nevada side. Pebble Beach on the West Shore rounds out the options.
Read more
Summer’s last splash: Gotta lake it!
September is the sweet spot at Lake Tahoe, with fewer crowds and great deals on lodging. Swim and hike with your dog at beaches like Nevada Beach, Kiva Beach and Fallen Leaf Lake before summer fades away.
Read more
Fourth stop: Truckee to Mammoth Lakes
The road from Truckee to Mammoth Lakes follows scenic Highway 395 past Bodie ghost town, surreal Mono Lake and into the Eastern Sierra. At Mammoth Mountain, dogs can ride the gondola to 11,053 feet and hike down through alpine lakes.
Read more
Make tracks to Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is brimming with water and activity options for dogs and their people. Kayak the North Shore, walk the expanding shoreline trail network, or visit the historic Tallac estate homes with Big Blue sparkling in the background.
Read more
Crystal blue persuasion
The Crystal Basin Recreation Area off Highway 50 holds more than 700 campsites around five scenic reservoirs in the Eldorado National Forest. Two lakes offer direct trail access into Desolation Wilderness, where dogs can hike off-leash beside you.
Read more
Paradise for water dogs
A DogTrekker reader shares her find: a secluded public dog beach on the eastern end of Donner Lake near Tahoe. With shallow water, sandy shores and plenty of pups playing fetch, it's a must-stop for water-loving dogs.
Read more
Gotta lake it
Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every pup.
Read more
Go with the rivers’ flow
Grab a paddle and bring your dog along for a float on California's best rivers. From canoe trips on the Russian River near Healdsburg to outrigger canoes on Mendocino's Big River and rafting the Truckee at Tahoe, wet fun awaits.
Read more
Treasure in El Dorado County
El Dorado County stretches from the Gold Rush towns along Highway 49 up to Lake Tahoe, offering dog-friendly recreation at Sly Park, Horsetail Falls, and Echo Lakes. Stay at the charmingly haunted Cary House Hotel in Placerville.
Read more
Rollin’ on a river with your dog
You don't need your own boat to paddle with your pup. Catch A Canoe in Mendocino offers dog-friendly outrigger canoes, Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg has stable inflatables, and Truckee River Raft Rentals provides a classic Tahoe float.
Read more
Dip into the blue
Your dog can absolutely swim in Lake Tahoe. Pocket coves along Highway 28, Coon Street Beach in Kings Beach, and the mellow West Shore all welcome pups. Rent a kayak or paddleboard in Tahoe City for more fun.
Read more
Dog paddle safety
Not every dog is a natural swimmer, and introducing a nervous pup to water should be slow and positive. Start in shallow areas, use treats and favorite toys, and invest in a flotation vest for safety.
Read more
Make a splash on Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, offers 370 shoreline miles of dog-friendly fun near Redding. Rent boats, swim at sandy coves, hike the Sacramento River Trail, then enjoy patio dining and pet-welcoming hotels in town. Splash! Three rivers feed Shasta Lake…
Read more
Shasta County: Northern California’s hub for adventure
Shasta County puts 225 miles of trails, Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and massive Shasta Lake within easy reach of Redding. Hike to waterfalls, kayak alpine lakes, cross the Sundial Bridge and treat your pup to yappy hour at the Sheraton.
Read more
A dog day in Vacaville
Plan a full day out with your dog in Vacaville, from morning coffee and the Centennial Dog Park to wine tasting in Suisun Valley, craft beer at The Brass Tap, and hiking at Lagoon Valley Park.
Read more