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.

Exceptional experiences in Yosemite

Yosemite's gateway towns are welcoming a wave of new glamping and adventure hotels. From canvas tents in Mariposa to safari-style camps in Groveland, these fresh lodging options put you close to the park with dog-friendly rooms and outdoor experiences.

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Big Bear Lake, the ultimate dog-friendly destination year-round

Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a year-round playground for dogs. Swim and kayak in summer, hike through fall colors, romp in winter snow, and enjoy spring wildflowers, all with pet-friendly lodging and dining nearby.

River running with rover

Rivers offer some of the best water fun for dogs in California. Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly canoe, paddle an outrigger on the Big River estuary in Mendocino, or let your pup splash in swim-friendly waterways statewide.

Diggin’ San Diego with your dog

San Diego is a dog lover's paradise with hiking at Mission Trails Regional Park, off-leash romps in Balboa Park, and leash-free beach time at Ocean Beach and Fiesta Island. The laid-back SoCal vibe extends to your pup.

Chasing surf with your dog in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County's 29 miles of coastline include 15 dog-friendly beaches. Mitchell's Cove allows off-leash play before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m., while Seacliff State Beach features a curious concrete freighter hull that has stirred imaginations since 1929.

Mendocino’s inland charms

Inland Mendocino County holds surprises like the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett, dog-friendly trails around Lake Mendocino near Ukiah, and a string of small family wineries between Ukiah and Hopland where tasting is often free and dogs are always welcome.

An adventure-and-nature loving man, donned in a vibrant blue shirt, sits in an eye-catching yellow kayak on a scenic waterbody. The serene atmosphere around him is further enhanced by the lush green trees enveloping the expanse. At his side, taking in the sights with him is his loyal black canine companion, both of them seeking adventure and connection in nature's embrace. Ideal for dog owners looking for bonding activities with their furry friends amidst natural beauty and tranquility.

How to canoe and kayak safely with your dog

Paddling with your dog takes preparation. Train in shallow water first, choose a stable craft with room for both of you, and always use a canine flotation vest. Never leash your dog to the boat.

Pet-passionate Stanford Inn

The Stanford Inn By the Sea in Mendocino has welcomed pets for decades, greeting dogs with treats and food bowls. Next door, Catch-A-Canoe rents outrigger canoes where up to four dogs can ride while you paddle Big River.

No tent or rv? no problem…

No tent? No problem. From dog-friendly KOA cabins near Petaluma and Watsonville to Casini Ranch on the Russian River, these soft-camping options let you and your pup enjoy the outdoors without a full gear kit.

Dog-friendly Stanford Inn, Mendocino

Mendocino's Stanford Inn by the Sea has welcomed dogs for decades, greeting them with treats, food bowls, and furniture covers. Next door, Catch A Canoe rents stable canoes for exploring the Big River with your pup.

Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, a dog-friendly attraction in Leggett, California

Onward and inland!

Head inland from Fort Bragg on Highway 1 to explore Mendocino County's redwood country with your dog. Drive through the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, ride the dog-friendly Skunk Train from Willits, and sample wines along the Highway 128 Wine Road.

Surf and woof

For a Valentine's day trip from the Bay Area, head to Point Reyes National Seashore for clear winter views and a beach romp with your dog. Stop at Nick's Cove for fresh oysters on the way back.

Catch a ride on a canine cruiser

Catch A Canoe in Mendocino has added a custom-built Canine Cruiser to its fleet. The handmade redwood outrigger features a raised, padded deck that fits up to four dogs, making Big River estuary trips a true family affair.

A chocolate-hued canine, sporting a stylish collar, amicably ambles toward the camera along a leaf-strewn forest pathway kissed by sunset's warm glow. The faint silhouette of their companion softens in the distance, their arms laden with delectable East Bay Treats - perfect nibbles for your four-legged friend on such adventure-filled outings.

East Bay treats

The East Bay Regional Park District spans over 100,000 acres across 65 parks, with most areas open to dogs. Start at Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley Hills for panoramic views and woodland trails.

From wine to bristlecone pines

A dog-friendly road trip through the High Sierra follows the Golden Chain Highway through Gold Country, crosses Yosemite via Tioga Pass and heads south on Highway 395 past Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop.

Dog surfing competitions and lessons in Southern California

Southern California hosts dog surfing competitions in Huntington Beach, Imperial Beach, and Del Mar throughout summer. If your pup wants in, lessons are available on Dog Beach in Del Mar with board and life vest included.

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Russian River Adventures

Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg rents dog-friendly inflatable canoes for a nine-mile float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, let your pup splash at swimming holes, and catch the shuttle back.

Regional parks tightening leash?

The East Bay Regional Parks are a magnet for dog lovers, offering off-leash trails, beaches, lakeside camping, and wide-open spaces across Alameda and Contra Costa counties. But a master plan update could bring tighter leash restrictions to these beloved parks.