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.
Hop on a houseboat with your pup
A houseboat vacation means water, sun and quality time with your dog. Trinity Lake and Lake Don Pedro both offer dog-friendly houseboat rentals through Suntex Marinas, with fishing boats and pontoons available too. Here's what you need to know.
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Water safety guidelines
Before heading to the pool, beach, or lake with your pup, brush up on water safety. Not all dogs can swim, and even strong swimmers face risks from waves, rip currents, and pool exits. These tips help keep everyone safe.
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Tail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas
Folsom pairs a charming Old Town with miles of dog-friendly trails along the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake. Add in taprooms, restaurants with patios, and the Johnny Cash Trail for a full weekend with your pup.
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First time paws-ing in Redding?
New to Redding? Start at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center, then walk the Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River. From Whiskeytown Falls to botanical gardens to local breweries, here are our top picks for first-time visitors with dogs.
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Go north, DogTrekkers, go north!
The Shasta-Cascade region offers spectacular waterfalls, dog-friendly cabin retreats near Shasta Lake, and fly-fishing at Hat Creek, all within striking distance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Winter is a perfect time to head north with your pup.
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Get your float on in Sonoma Wine Country!
A four-hour float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River near Healdsburg is a must-do for water-loving dogs. Custom inflatable canoes keep everyone stable while you swim, picnic, and play fetch at sandy beaches along the way.
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Paddle with your pup in Mendocino County
Get out on the water with your dog in Mendocino County. Little River Inn pairs kayaking on the Albion River with a two-night stay, while Catch A Canoe offers a canine cruiser catamaran on the Big River estuary.
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It’s splash time in Lake County!
Lake County offers plenty of water fun beyond Clear Lake. Nearby Blue Lakes feature clear, spring-fed swimming and electric boat rentals that welcome dogs. Waterfront cabins and cottages at several dog-friendly resorts make it easy to stay lakeside.
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River cruisin’ with your canine
Catch A Canoe in Mendocino rents Canine Cruiser outrigger canoes with a raised, padded deck where dogs ride as you paddle the calm Big River estuary. Pair it with a stay at the nearby Stanford Inn by the Sea.
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Mend your mind in Mendocino Village
Mendocino Village is packed with dog-friendly options, from the Stanford Inn to bluff-top hikes at Mendocino Headlands State Park. Paddle a canine cruiser canoe up the Big River estuary or dine with your dog at Ravens restaurant.
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Clear your head at Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.
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Water Dog Sea Cave & River Dog packages
Little River Inn rolls out the red carpet for dogs with kayaking packages on the Mendocino Coast. The Water Dog Sea Cave package includes a two-night ocean-view stay, dog-friendly dining, and a guided kayak tour through sea caves.
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Bass Lake: A pet-friendly, Yosemite-area lure
Bass Lake near Yosemite has warm water, dog-friendly resorts, and vacation rentals surrounded by Sierra National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat, hike to a fire lookout, or relax at a nearby winery while your pup enjoys the mountain air.
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Vet Buzz: Keeping the golden years golden
Dogs age much like humans, only faster. The top concerns for senior pups are obesity, arthritis, heart enlargement, cataracts, and hearing loss. Keeping your dog slim and active with regular vet checkups ensures comfortable golden years.
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Cool it on a Shasta Cascade houseboat
Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, is the state's houseboat capital. Dogs are welcome aboard, and with boats ranging from basic fishing models to floating luxury suites with hot tubs, it's a novel way to vacation with your pup.
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Around Clear Lake we go
Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.
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Go north to find dog-friendly cottages in Mendocino County
Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast offers two dog-friendly cottages beyond its well-known rooms. Rosie Cottage features ocean views and vaulted ceilings, while the Llama Barn Suite comes with a private hot tub.
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Open air dog-friendly activities perfect for social distancing
Mendocino County offers plenty of open-air, dog-friendly activities perfect for getting outside safely. Ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood forests, stroll uncrowded beaches in Fort Bragg, or wander the blooming pathways of Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens with your pup.
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Get outdoors with your California pup today!
Getting outdoors with your dog is great for both of you, but it comes with responsibility. Obey leash laws, clean up after your pup, and respect wildlife so public lands stay open for everyone.
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An unforgettable ride in Mendocino County
Mendocino County's coast is an adventure playground for dogs. Ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood groves, paddle a handcrafted outrigger canoe on Big River, grab fish and chips overlooking Noyo Harbor, and stay in an ocean-view vacation home nearby.
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Dog-friendly swimming spots: Big Bear Lake and Monterey Bay
Big Bear Lake and Monterey Bay both offer great spots for dogs to swim and paddle. Rent kayaks and paddleboards at Big Bear's marinas or hit the sandy shores near Monterey for some saltwater splashing with your pup.
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Skunk Train named top scenic train ride
The Skunk Train in Mendocino County earned a top-five spot in USA Today's Best Scenic Train Ride awards. Dogs are welcome aboard for the ride through redwood forests, and the surrounding area offers beaches, trails and breweries.
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Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide
Mariposa County near Yosemite is packed with dog-friendly adventures, from the Wawona Meadow Loop and South Fork Trail to pet-welcoming restaurants, historic lodges and even a ghost town tour you can enjoy with your pup.
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Four-paw fun with a view at Little River Inn
Little River Inn has welcomed dogs to the Mendocino coast for over 80 years. This locally owned gem offers ocean-view cottages, garden patio dining, welcome treats for pups and easy access to state beaches.
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