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Hiking, parks, gardens

Hiking, parks, gardens

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!

Water dog at the Little River Inn.

Top Mendocino picks for waves and wine

Mendocino County pairs stunning Pacific coastline with dog-friendly adventures like kayaking, Skunk Train rides through redwoods, botanical garden strolls, and winery visits. The Little River Inn makes an ideal pup-welcoming basecamp.

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Dog in water at Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake: A cool canine retreat

Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a cool mountain escape for dogs and their people. With 100 miles of hiking trails, lakeside parks, pet-friendly cabins and patio dining, it offers year-round outdoor fun.

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Maya playing at Crissy Field.

Sit, stay and play in San Francisco

San Francisco rolls out the welcome mat for dogs at Crissy Field, Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, and Golden Gate Park. Add Nob Hill hotels and Presidio Tunnel Tops to the mix for a full pup-friendly city getaway.

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Dogs welcome at Tehaya at Yosemite Explorer Cabins.

Fall moments await at Tenaya Lodge

Fall brings golden foliage and cooler weather to Yosemite, making it ideal to visit Tenaya Lodge with your dog. Hike Jackson Road, take a scenic train ride through Sierra National Forest, and soak in autumn magic.

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Image from Siskiyou County: where dogs are a way of life on DogTrekker

Siskiyou County: Where dogs are a way of life

Siskiyou County borders Oregon in the Shasta Cascade region and treats dogs like family. Hike the McCloud River falls loop, explore old-growth forests on Gray Butte Trail, and camp at Lake Siskiyou.

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Image from Top 5 dog parks in California on DogTrekker

Top 5 dog parks in California

California leads the nation in dog parks, and these five stand out. From the 23-acre Point Isabel on San Francisco Bay to Runyon Canyon with Hollywood sign views, here are our top off-leash picks.

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Maya & Roxanne on a Holloway's Marina & RV Park Pontoon Boat.

On & off-leash adventures

Big Bear Lake offers seven miles of water plus 100 miles of hiking trails for dogs and their people. Kayak, paddleboard, and hike together, from easy shoreline strolls to the challenging Cougar Crest climb.

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Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Visit California

Trinity County: Remote, relaxing and ruggedly beautiful

Trinity County is remote, rugged and beautifully uncrowded. Fewer than 14,000 people live here, leaving the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Gold Rush-era towns and pristine Trinity Lake wide open for hiking, boating, swimming and paddleboarding with your dog.

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Pro photo dog and person walking into a really dog

Top five dog-friendly hotels in California

From treat turn-down service to doggy room service, here's how to spot a truly dog-friendly hotel in California. Plus, the right questions to ask before booking and our top five picks for pup-welcoming stays.

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Yes, you can take dogs to Yosemite,
Adobe Images

Five great California destinations for you and your dog

From the off-leash beaches of Carmel-by-the-Sea to the trails of Yosemite and Big Bear Lake, California is packed with dog-welcoming destinations. Here are five top spots where your pup will feel right at home.

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Image from Tehama County: fresh fun in California on DogTrekker

Tehama County: Fresh fun in California

Tehama County rolls out the red carpet for dogs just 90 miles north of Sacramento. Hike forest trails along Mill Creek, stroll Sacramento River paths in Red Bluff, and taste wines at Burnsini Vineyards.

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Image from Modoc County: high desert fun for four-legged friends on DogTrekker

Modoc County: High desert fun for four-legged friends

Modoc County offers high-desert solitude near the Oregon and Nevada borders. Spot over 200 bird species at the wildlife refuge, soak with your dog at Surprise Valley Hot Springs, hike the Modoc National Forest and stargaze under wide-open skies.

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Image from Happy New Year on DogTrekker
Adobe Images

Happy New Year

Ring in the new year with fresh dog-friendly travel plans across California. DogTrekker.com has been revamped to help you find hikes, beaches, wineries, hotels, and more to enjoy with your furry family members throughout the state.

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Image from Lassen County: off-leash adventures with volcano views on DogTrekker

Lassen County: Off-leash adventures with volcano views

Lassen County pairs volcanic landscapes with genuine dog-friendly fun. Let your pup run off-leash at Susanville Bark Park, hike the 25-mile Bizz Johnson Trail over trestle bridges, fish at Eagle Lake and camp under the stars at lakefront campgrounds.

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Hiking dog-friendly Whiskeytown Falls trails.

Ruff-ing it in Shasta County

Redding anchors Shasta County with 225 miles of trails within 15 minutes of town, the iconic Sundial Bridge and dog-welcoming hotels like the Sheraton. Hike Whiskeytown, tour Shasta Dam and let your pup earn an official B.A.R.K. Ranger tag.

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Mt. Shasta from Lake Siskiyou.

Redding really does winter right

Redding and the Shasta Cascade region shine in winter with skiing at Mount Shasta, sledding at Eskimo Hill, and snow play in Lassen National Forest. Pet-friendly hotels like the Sheraton Redding even offer dog menus and weekly yappy hours.

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Plan ahead for snow trips.

Safe and snug in snow country

Heading to snow country with your pup? Protect their paws from salt and de-icers, gear up with booties and waterproof coats, and know when to skip the walk for indoor play.

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Dogs are welcome at Lake Oroville.

Butte County: Outdoor wonders and downtown fun

Butte County blends college-town culture with outstanding outdoor recreation. Base yourself in Chico for brewery patios and Bidwell Park, hike lava-formed landscapes at North Table Mountain, or head to Lake Oroville for houseboating and camping with your pup.

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A group of people and a dog enjoying wine on a patio in Napa.

Pawsport 2024: Sip some wine, support Napa Humane

Napa Humane's Pawsport returns in 2024 as a month-long wine tasting event. For $60, enjoy 2-for-1 tastings at participating wineries, dog treats, retail discounts and more while supporting life-saving programs for Napa Valley companion animals.

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Sunol Regional Wilderness.

Pleasant Hill has gone to the dogs!

Pleasant Hill makes a fantastic Bay Area base camp for dog owners. With off-leash trails winding through Briones Regional Park's 6,250 oak-studded acres and welcoming hotels and restaurants downtown, this Contra Costa County gem has everything pups and people need.

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Image from Paddle with pups in magical Mendocino on DogTrekker

Paddle with pups in magical Mendocino

Catch A Canoe at the Stanford Inn rents special canine cruiser platforms so dogs can ride along on Big River paddling trips. Back on land, the inn pampers pups with house-made treats, bowls and organic doggie dishes in the lobby.

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Image from Boat rides and big views near Bishop on DogTrekker

Boat rides and big views near Bishop

Lake Sabrina, at 9,100 feet near Bishop, rents dog-friendly pontoons, motorboats and kayaks for high-altitude lake adventures. Back in town, pups enjoy a dedicated dog park, patio dining at local breweries, and 16 pet-welcoming hotels.

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Dogs enjoying the scenery near Tyee Lake. All photos feature locals

Discover dog-friendly Bishop: Small town, big backyard

Bishop sits at 4,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra, surrounded by public lands perfect for dogs. With pet-friendly hotels, a dedicated dog park, patio dining, and trailheads steps away, it's a big draw for pups.

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Signature Exterior

Glamping by the sea

Three DogTrekker-approved coastal glamping destinations where dogs are truly welcome. Mendocino Grove offers platform tents near the beach, Costanoa features eco-resort cabins, and each property provides dog wash stations for those sandy post-adventure paws.

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