Lakes and Rivers Blog

Leash up and dive in: A dog lover’s guide to California’s state parks and lakes

If your four-legged friend perks up at the mention of trails, lakes and scenic adventures, California’s state parks are calling. From refreshing lakeside romps to

Paw-some events for the dog days of summer

With summer in full swing, pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California. Lucky dogs can join their people for incredible winery events, block parties, baseball

This illustrated map of California highlights dog-friendly destinations across the state. The coastline features beaches where people and their dogs play in the surf and run along sandy stretches. Forests in the north show hikers with leashed pets on shaded trails beneath redwoods and pines. In the mountains, skiers navigate snowy slopes alongside dogs fitted with boots or jackets. Major landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood sign, Yosemite’s Half Dome, and Lake Tahoe are marked with small groups: travelers accompanied by their dogs exploring city parks or pausing at scenic lookouts. The map uses bold colors to distinguish natural regions—blue for ocean areas, green for forests, white for mountain peaks—and includes labeled icons indicating popular pet-friendly activities throughout California’s diverse landscape.

California’s top tail-wagging destinations: Adventure awaits

Traveling with my dog has always transformed ordinary trips into unforgettable adventures. California, with its wealth of scenic beauty and dog-loving communities, offers some of

A variety of dog breeds stand and wade in shallow water under a cloudless sky. Some play in small groups, splashing among themselves, while others wander alone along the edges or venture further out. The scene reflects quiet coves and lesser-known beaches across California that welcome dogs to swim freely.

California’s best secret doggie swim spots

Discover California's hidden gems where your furry friend can splash and play away from the crowds! From the serene waters of Russian River Secret Cove

Wag again at Little River Inn

When’s the last time you overnighted at Little River Inn? This Mendocino County classic sometimes flies under the radar, but

Paws-itively perfect resort packages

In majestic Mendocino County, lucky dogs from the Little River Inn can accompany their people on sea cave kayaking tours

A seaside paradise for pups and people

Little River Inn is perfectly positioned between Mendocino’s breathtaking redwoods and the wildly beautiful Pacific coast. Set 12 miles south

Dip into Tahoe’s lake lifestyle

Legendary Lake Tahoe tops travelers’ must-see lists all year round, but summers here feel extra special. Pups can play at beaches and community dog parks

Middle mccloud falls, siskiyou county, upstate california.

Plan a Summer reset in the Shasta Cascade Region

Turn travel dreams into real itineraries with DogTrekker.com. Your ultimate go-to guide for dog-friendly California adventure sparks inspiration while spotlighting destinations like the Shasta Cascade

Discover dog-friendly Bishop: Small Town, Big Backyard

Greetings from Bishop, California! Perched at 4,000 feet in the high desert, Bishop is your ideal gateway to the breathtaking beauty of the Eastern Sierra.

Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season

Summer is just weeks away, which means it's time to hit the water. During California's sun-drenched splash season, water

Boat rides and big views near Bishop

For small-town friendliness and a big, wildly beautiful backyard, base yourself in Bishop. This Eastern Sierra community is a spectacular starting

Paddle with pups in magical Mendocino

When temperatures get toasty across California’s inland valleys, the majestic Mendocino coast presents a cooler travel option. Enjoy blue skies

Go off leash with Russian River Adventures

Russian River Adventures celebrates its silver anniversary in 2025, marking 25 years of paddling excursions that include popular pup-friendly options.

A light brown dog with white markings stretches out on a broad, moss-covered rock in Mariposa County. The dog rests its head and one front paw on the stone, gazing straight into the camera lens. Green moss patches cover sections of the rock's rough surface.

Five things you and your dog didn’t know about Yosemite and Mariposa County

Think you know Yosemite? Even seasoned visitors may be surprised by how welcoming Yosemite and Mariposa County can be for travelers with dogs. While the

Hit the road for Sacramento, the ultimate dog-friendly basecamp

Sacramento’s central location and welcoming vibes make it a perfect launchpad for Northern California adventures. Stroll the city’s riverfront, wander

High Sierra escapes from Sacramento

From downtown Sacramento, you can reach fresh mountain air within about two hours. Pups are welcome at many of the

On a sandy beach of Wild Blue lake, surrounded by distant mountains, three Shetland Sheepdogs sit calmly on paddleboards. Their fluffy tricolor coats catch the light of the clear blue sky, offering a relaxing scene by the water’s edge.

Wild Blue canine camp is calling!

Daydreaming about where travel will take you in 2025? Why not opt to spend quality time with your pups at a Wild Blue Dogs weeklong

The mountains are barking from Big Bear Lake

The snow is melting and spring is blooming in beautiful Big Bear Lake! There’s nothing quite like the fresh alpine air

Save $150 – Early bird special for Fall Wild Blue camp

Looking for an unforgettable experience with your pup? Wild Blue Dog Camp is the only nonprofit week-long dog camp in the country. This fall, enjoy

Two Pomeranians waving in front of Yosemite. Photo by Ivy Chen.

2024 Go California Photo Contest winners

Hundreds of you entered DogTrekker’s 2024 Go California Photo Contest, and thousands voted for images of four-legged travel influencers enjoying lakes, beaches, parks and trails

A white dog, mouth open and likely panting, stands on a ledge in Mariposa County. Behind it are towering rocky cliffs and a green valley dotted with pine trees. The sky is partly cloudy. The dog sports a colorful harness.

Yosemite Mariposa County

Yosemite Mariposa County is a premier travel destination for all adventurers, no matter how many legs they have. Here's a 4-day itinerary to explore.

Yosemite Mariposa County

The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as well.

Lake Skinner

Lake Skinner, located in Riverside County, California, is a quiet dog-friendly destination for outdoor activities like fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Where to stay and play in Big Bear this fall

Big Bear Lake sparkles as summer transitions to autumn and the leaves start turning yellow, orange and red. Warm, sun-soaked days are refreshed with cooler

A person sits on a wooden dock at sunset, flanked by two large dogs. The person is facing away from the camera and being licked on both sides of their face by the affectionate dogs. Calm waters of Lake Tahoe and soft sunlight provide a serene backdrop, creating a moment of simple companionship and peace.

Wild Blue Dogs camp along Lake Tahoe? You lucky dog.

Remember the magic of sleepaway camp? Now imagine a similar adventure, but for adults – with your pup by your side! That dream is real

A woman in a light blue outfit and baseball cap sits on a boat beside her white Labrador Retriever. They both enjoy the sunny day on Big Bear Lake, with forested hills and clear skies in the background.

On & off-leash adventures

It’s not hard to get lured in by the lake lifestyle, especially when your canine companions are welcome on the

A small dog in a red sweater adorned with holiday decorations stands on a yellow "Ocean Kayak" at the water's edge in Mendocino. The kayak is partially submerged, and gentle waves meet the shore. The dog looks alert and curious.

Making memories on the Mendocino coast

With soaking tubs, waterfront lawns and Pacific-view balconies, the Little River Inn invites guests to relax and recharge. On-property fun

A black and white dog wades in the shallow water at Big Bear Lake. Behind it, a marina with boat docks and several boats sits next to the shore. In the background, a building is nestled among mountains under a clear blue sky.

Big Bear Lake: A cool canine retreat

Big Bear Lake, a hidden gem in the San Bernardino Mountains, is a respite for dog lovers seeking a cool alternative from the heat of

A carved wooden sculpture of a dog's head stands out, showcasing detailed craftsmanship. Behind it, an Oakland street appears blurred but recognizable with trees and parked cars lining the pavement. The sculpture features a collar adorned with intricate patterns.

Discover dog-friendly Oakland: A canine paradise

Oakland is a fantastic place to visit or live with your dog. It’s sunny when San Francisco is foggy, and it’s very dog-friendly when some

A black Labrador Retriever in an orange life jacket sits on a boat, looking out over a calm, dog-friendly lake. The water is surrounded by forested mountains and the sky above is bright blue with scattered clouds.

Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”

On a sun-drenched summer afternoon, few activities feel better than splashing in a cool lake – and that goes for both pups

A brown dachshund in a yellow life jacket stands at the forefront, gazing directly into the camera. In the blurred background, two people are rowing a boat on a lake encircled by thick, green forest. The dog takes center stage, highlighting the importance of water safety for pets while still capturing an active outdoor scene.

Six water safety tips to protect your dog

Plenty of dog breeds love swimming, splashing and playing fetch on the beach, especially on hot summer afternoons. By following

A golden retriever stands ankle-deep in Shasta Lake, amid scattered rocks. Evergreen trees frame the background, dominated by a tall, snow-capped mountain under a sky filled with clouds. The setting is calm and scenic.

Make a splash on Shasta Lake

Three rivers feed Shasta Lake, a recreational treasure that doubles as California’s largest reservoir. Interstate 5 crosses the 30,000-acre body of

A black and white dog stands in the shallow water at Big Bear Lake. Nearby, several boats are docked beside a marina building with blue awnings. In the background, green-forested mountains rise under a clear blue sky.

California’s coolest mountain getaway: Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake puts an alpine spin on classic California adventures. Set high in the San Bernardino National Forest, just

A Golden Retriever stands in the shallow water beside a lakeside dock in Lake County. The dog's wet fur glistens under the sunlight. In the background, a serene lake is framed by mountainous terrain, with a clear blue sky overhead.

Water fun and wineries in Lake County

Fresh air, bright skies and pretty scenery distinguish Lake County. Tucked about two hours north of San Francisco, it’s anchored

Two brown dogs lean out of a car window, enjoying the wind and the view of California's coastline. The scene includes a rugged coast, blue ocean waves, and a partly cloudy sky on a sunny day. This road trip has the dogs looking content.

Three amazing dog-friendly road trips in California

California's diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for road trip adventures, especially for those traveling with their dogs. Here are three meticulously planned dog-friendly road trips:

German shepherd at the Tahoe Keys Resort.

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: Why your dog will thank you

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe is a dream for outdoor lovers and their four-legged friends. With pristine waters, majestic peaks, and numerous trails, it's perfect for dog-friendly

Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide

Mariposa County, California, is a fantastic destination for dog lovers, especially when visiting Yosemite. Here are some dog-friendly activities and places to explore that promise

Colonial architecture in Old Sacramento Historic District

Explore Sacramento and folsom

Buddy jumped 26 feet at Splash Dogs in Folsom No, gold wasn’t found in Sacramento or Folsom. But both cities played huge roles in the

A person strolls with their dog across a modern suspension bridge with a glass floor in Redding. Another dog is ahead, and two people walk in the distance. The sky is cloudy, and trees and water flank both sides of the bridge, offering a scenic spot for an outing.

Redding: The perfect pit stop for you and your pooch

So, you're plotting a getaway to Northern California's most stunning landscapes and need a place to crash that's as dog-friendly as it is delightful? Look

A group of people and their dogs hike through a rocky trail in a forested area. Large boulders and tall trees surround them. They take in the scenic view of South Lake Tahoe's lake and mountains under a clear sky, enjoying the fall season.

Find fall fun with your dog on the shores of South Lake Tahoe

Fall is a great time to visit Lake Tahoe, thanks to fewer crowds, comfortable weather, and, of course, that dazzling blue water. FALL CAMP Wild

Three dogs run along a narrow dirt path in the forest at Big Bear Lake, CA. A smiling golden retriever is on the left. In the center is a smaller dog, and to the right is a larger black-and-white dog with its tongue out. Trees line the sides of the path, and sunlight filters through the branches in this dog-friendly area.

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

Big Bear Lake, CA, in the San Bernardino Mountains, is a haven for dog lovers looking for a getaway in any season. Whether you’re into

Winter-friendly things to do with your pets in Yosemite Mariposa

The Yosemite Mariposa County region offers an adventure-filled vacation not just for humans but for their four-legged companions as well. The stunning scenery and outdoor

A fluffy, golden-brown dog rests in the shallow waters of Folsom Lake, its head and back breaking the clear surface. The still water mirrors both the dog and the rocky, tree-lined surroundings.

Have a dog-gone good time at Folsom Lake

While the rules for four-legged visitors vary across California’s state parks, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA) offers a very pup-friendly experience.

Dog-friendly folsom

Johnny Cash may have put Folsom on America's mental map. but visitors don't sing the blues once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at

2 mixed breed dogs standing on granite boulder

Get your dog-friendly kicks on route 395 in the eastern sierra

Looking for a road trip that will have your dog wagging her tail the whole way? Free up four or more days for a leisurely

Whiskeytown calls

Haven’t figured out how to use those unused vacation days? We have just the perfect destination. Redding, the last major city on Interstate 5 as

Wilderness hiking in Whiskeytown NRA

If your travel plans have you traveling north this year (or if you haven’t figured out how to use those unused vacay days), we have

Senior black lab stands in lake with stick floating nearby

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches: Your ultimate summer guide

Summer is in full swing and Lake Tahoe is one of the top DogTrekker destinations. So we want to share some of the places to take

Russian River Adventures

Have a dog who loves water? Why not let her serve as first mate in a dog-friendly canoe? Russian River Adventures, Sonoma County's premiere dog-passionate