Hiking, parks, gardens Blog
Hiking, Parks and Gardens – can you say happy dog? DogTrekker has you covered with some great stories about the best hikes, parks and gardens for you. Whether you are looking for a quiet stroll through the park or an adventurous hike to a remote location, we have something for everyone. From the great outdoors to urban adventures, we’ve got it all covered. So don’t forget your pup when planning your next adventure – DogTrekker is here to help! Happy trails!
Paddle, pedal and play with your pup
The Stanford Inn in Mendocino makes paddling with your dog easy. Rent a canine cruiser outrigger from Catch a Canoe and explore 8.3 miles of Big River Estuary, then return to a resort that welcomes pups warmly.
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Your dog deserves a vacation too!
The Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast offers two adventure packages for dog lovers. The Water Dog package includes ocean kayaking, while the River Dog package features an outrigger canoe trip with your pup.
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Day 1: Woof this way
Your Yosemite Mariposa County road trip starts here. Check into a pet-friendly hotel, stroll charming main streets lined with water bowls, and grab craft brews at 1850 Restaurant. Then gaze up at the Sierra skies and dream about tomorrow's adventures.
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Day 1: Inland wine trails and train rides
Mendocino County's inland corridor along Highway 101 features dog-friendly wineries, farm-to-fork restaurants, and the iconic Skunk Train. Board with your pup for a scenic ride through redwood canyons and over mountain summits.
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Day 2: Beaches and botanical wonders in Fort Bragg
Fort Bragg delivers beaches, botanical gardens, and Skunk Train railbike tours for dogs and their people. Walk Glass Beach, explore MacKerricher State Park trails, and dine on dog-friendly patios at the Noyo Harbor waterfront.
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Day 3: Hiking, history and waterfront hotels
Mendocino's sweeping Pacific vistas, pygmy forests, and bluff-top trails set the scene for a dog-friendly North Coast escape. The Stanford Inn offers canoe rides with a special canine deck, plus organic treats for pups.
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Day 4: Barking ways
On the last day of your Yosemite Mariposa County trip, grab coffee at Sticks Coffee, then let your dog explore the Sierra National Forest. Cap it off with lunch at Coulter Cafe or Timberloft Pizzeria.
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Day 4: The dog-friendly delights of Highway 128
Highway 128 winds through Mendocino's Anderson Valley past dog-friendly wineries, farmstead cheese stops, and craft breweries. Tasting rooms hand out treats, and spots like Pennyroyal Farm even feature sheep-herding border collies.
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Water fun and wineries in Lake County
Lake County, two hours north of San Francisco, blends water fun, wine tasting and small-town charm around Clear Lake. Bring your dog to paddle, hike, visit dog-friendly wineries and stay at lakeside lodges.
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Rattlesnake advisory summer 2023
As temperatures rise across California, rattlesnakes become more active on hiking trails. The East Bay Regional Park District shares essential safety tips for protecting yourself and your pup, including what to do if a snake bite occurs.
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Was Calistoga really founded by a dog?
Calistoga's founding story features Sam Brannan and his loyal Newfoundland, Leonitus, who helped shape the town into a thriving resort community. Today, pet-friendly inns, wine tasting rooms and restaurants carry on that dog-welcoming tradition in Napa Valley.
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Capital sipping experiences
Sacramento makes a perfect base for dog-friendly wine tasting. Sip on the patio at Revolution Winery in Midtown, then head to the Apple Hill region near Placerville for fall farm visits and hillside vineyard views.
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Fun with Fido
Greater Ontario sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers ideal fall weather for dog-friendly outings. Romp at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park, hike foothill trails, and browse farmers markets.
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Concord Taco Trail
Concord's Taco Trail features over 40 family-owned taquerias serving everything from al pastor to filet mignon tacos, and most are dog-friendly. Walk it off at nearby parks, trails and open spaces like Black Diamond Mines and Lime Ridge.
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Canine early warning systems
Research published in Science shows that dogs can serve as early warning systems for human health. Because they share our environments and are especially sensitive to toxins, their health issues often mirror risks facing their owners.
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Santa Clara County’s pet-friendly wine trail
The Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail stretches 30 miles between San Jose and Gilroy, with over 30 wineries and a rich history. Many tasting rooms welcome dogs, and a Wine Trail Passport makes repeat visits easy.
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Trails & tails
Greater Ontario's dog-friendly trails range from lakeside strolls at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park to mountain hikes in the San Gabriels. The paved Pacific Electric Trail is great for easy walks and jogs, while more rugged paths offer breathtaking panoramic views.
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Sip and savor with your pup: Fall winery-trekking
Fall is prime time for dog-friendly wine tasting in California. Skip the crowds and pricey fees with laid-back visits to wineries near Sacramento, in Vacaville's Suisun Valley, and along Mendocino County's scenic Highway 101 and 128 wine roads.
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Delights for dogs in Mendocino County
Mendocino County welcomes dogs to some wonderfully unique activities. Ride the Skunk Train through redwoods, pedal railbikes with dog trailers, paddle Big River in canine cruiser outriggers and browse pup-friendly shops from Fort Bragg to Point Arena.
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Step into the magic of Mendocino
Mendocino County shines during the Harvest Mendocino festivities, with culinary events for foodies and wine lovers. Beyond the tastings, hike the 10-mile Big River Trail, visit the Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and tour dog-friendly wineries along Highway 101 and 128.
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Seven important tips for California dog travel
Planning a California road trip with your dog takes some preparation. These seven tips cover vaccination records, comfortable car travel, finding dog-friendly parks and beaches, safety on trails, and what to pack.
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Dogs and health: More than just companionship
Owning a dog does more than fill your home with joy. Studies show that dogs lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, ease loneliness, and spark social connections on walks and at the park.
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Summer pet safety: A guide for California pet owners
California summers bring heat, ticks, snakes, and other hazards that can affect your dog. From hot pavement burns to bee stings and toxic algae, here's what every pet parent needs to know.
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Explore the Mendocino County Beer Trail
The Mendocino County Beer Trail winds from Fort Bragg's foggy coast through redwood forests to sunny inland valleys. Hop between Anderson Valley Brewing, North Coast Brewing and smaller taprooms, with dog-friendly patios and scenic trails between every stop.
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