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.
Every walk in Surf City is special
Beyond its famous Dog Beach, Huntington Beach offers great walks through 350-acre Central Park, a hidden gem along the Bolsa Chica wetlands on the Brightwater trail, and a quiet path along Edinger Avenue that local dogs love.
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Snouts out the window
The Shasta Cascade region boasts 12 scenic byways perfect for a fall road trip with your dog. From the Volcanic Legacy All-American Road to the Feather River route, the drives pair stunning views with dog-friendly lodges.
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Madera County: South entrance (Hwy 41)
Oakhurst in Madera County serves as the main gateway to Yosemite's south entrance, with dog-friendly inns, wineries, a historic railroad and nearby Bass Lake. From budget-friendly stays to five-star luxury, this corridor has options for every DogTrekker.
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Moving water in Marin
Cataract Falls on Mount Tamalpais is the Bay Area's most popular waterfall hike, with nine cascades plunging through a mossy, fern-draped forest. The 2.6-mile out-and-back trail is strenuous but spectacular, especially after a good rain.
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Santa Barbara’s waterfall surprise
The 7 Falls Trail in Los Padres National Forest outside Santa Barbara is a 3.2-mile, dog-friendly hike best tackled after a rain. Expect rock-hopping, stream crossings, and about 800 feet of elevation gain to reach the cascading reward.
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Don’t pass on Pasadena with your dog
Eaton Canyon Falls near Pasadena is a free, dog-friendly hike to a 40-foot waterfall at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The 3.5-mile round trip starts easy and flat before climbing a shaded canyon with wildflowers in early spring.
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Russian River runners
Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly SOAR canoe from Healdsburg, stopping to swim and play at sandy beaches along a leisurely nine-mile stretch. Afterward, the town's restaurants, brewpubs and dog-friendly tasting rooms are all within easy reach.
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Pant, paddle, pedal with your pup
Catch a Canoe at Stanford Inn offers a handcrafted redwood "canine cruiser" with a padded deck so your dog can ride in comfort along the Big River estuary. Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and bicycles are also available for exploring Mendocino's coast.
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Six water safety tips
A veterinarian shares six essential water safety tips for dogs, from teaching your pup to swim gradually to using life jackets in deep water. Ensuring your dog is comfortable and vaccinated before hitting the water can prevent serious problems.
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Down a lazy river with rover
Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg outfits dog-friendly float trips using ultra-stable SOAR canoes on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, bring your pup and drift through swimming holes and sandy beaches all day long.
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Say anchors aweigh on Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake's 360 miles of shoreline and secluded coves make it California's houseboat capital. Rentals range from simple cabins on pontoons to floating palaces, and most marinas welcome dogs aboard for a nonrefundable deposit.
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Moseying on Mendocino waterways
Catch A Canoe near Mendocino offers a specially designed canine cruiser with a stable center deck for dogs to sit or stand as you paddle the calm Big River estuary. The 8.3-mile waterway flows to the ocean through beautiful scenery.
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Calling all river dogs!
Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast rolls out the red carpet for dog lovers with its River Dog Package. Two nights in an ocean-view room, an outrigger canoe trip, dinner vouchers, and spa time are all included.
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Napa Valley camping with your dog!
Prefer sleeping under the stars in Napa Valley? Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers tent and yurt camping between St. Helena and Calistoga, while Lake Berryessa's Putah Canyon Campground provides a more remote lakeside alternative for dog owners.
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Rev up in Redding
Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.
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If everybody had a surf dog…
Huntington Beach's Dog Beach is a leash-free paradise where pups chase balls along the surf. Beyond the sand, dog-friendly dining, an off-leash park and four oceanfront resorts with special pet packages make Surf City a top canine destination.
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Activities for every family member at the Stanford Inn
The Stanford Inn by the Sea in Mendocino is a playground for all ages, including four-legged family members. Paddle the Big River on a canine cruiser catamaran, bike coastal trails, or browse the lobby bookshop.
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Hike, splash, camp at Tuolumne County lakes
Tuolumne County's mountain lakes offer swimming, hiking, camping and boating with your dog. From popular Pinecrest Lake to massive Lake Don Pedro, where you can rent a dog-friendly houseboat, there is a waterside adventure for every pup.
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Dogcation adventures at the Stanford Inn and beyond
DogCation contest winner Jolene shares her Mendocino County adventure with two pups at the Stanford Inn by the Sea. Highlights included canoeing up the Big River, riding the Skunk Train from Willits, and spending days on Fort Bragg's off-leash beaches.
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Journey to Wawona (Madera County, south entrance)
The Highway 41 corridor from Oakhurst to Yosemite's south entrance is full of dog-friendly stops. Bass Lake resorts, the quirky town of Coarsegold, a steam train in Fish Camp and the luxury Tenaya Lodge all welcome four-legged travelers.
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Lake County dog-friendly waterfront getaways
Pet-friendly cabin resorts line the shores of Clear Lake and Blue Lakes in Lake County. From waterfront cabins with full kitchens and boat launches to the meticulously renovated Lodge at Blue Lakes, lakeside getaways with your dog abound.
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Dog-friendly Lake County adventures
Lake County offers dog-friendly water adventures from Clear Lake to the spring-fed Blue Lakes. Rent electric boats, splash at state park beaches, hike wildlife areas and watch for bald eagles and wild tule elk at Cache Creek in cooler months.
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Become a water dog in Mendo County
The Mendocino Coast is a perfect summertime retreat, and the dog-friendly Little River Inn makes an ideal base. Their Water Dog package pairs ocean-view rooms with kayak tours through sea caves, plus easy access to beaches and state parks nearby.
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Choose Redding for new dog-friendly scenery, experiences
Redding and Upstate California offer a refreshing change of scenery for dogs and their people. Walk the Sacramento River Trail, marvel at Shasta Dam, explore Whiskeytown Lake, and chase waterfalls along the McCloud River.
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