Lakes and rivers Blog
Hit the water on spectacular Lake Siskiyou
Lake Siskiyou is strikingly beautiful, incredibly dog-friendly and delightfully under the radar. Set among the waterfalls and wilderness of northwestern California, near the Oregon border, it’s especially inviting in the summer.
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Rove the rivers and coastline of magical Mendocino
Few places cater to water-loving canines like Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too. A perennial DogTrekker favorite, this Mendocino coast mainstay runs guided tours and rents dog-friendly watersports equipment on the Stanford Inn grounds. Innkeepers Joan and Jeff Stanford have…
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Dive into summer at Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake boasts 300 days of sunshine and dark nights perfect for stargazing, but that's just the start. This mountain jewel in the San Bernardino National Forest also has great fishing, boating and water activities, hiking and biking trails…
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Live like a local in dog-friendly Sacramento
Set along the Sacramento and American rivers, Sacramento offers endless activities and an engaging dog-friendly lifestyle. Mornings start on waterfront trails. Afternoons unfold across sun-kissed parks and restaurant patios. Each evening, serene, stylish hotels invite four- and two-legged guests to…
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Hit the trails near Yosemite
What better way to enjoy the mountains for bipeds and quadrupeds alike than by being out on a hike? In Mariposa County's scenic Merced River Canyon, several dog friendly recreation areas exist including the Merced River Hike at the Briceburg…
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Yosemite Mariposa County
Spend four pet-perfect days in Yosemite Mariposa County exploring historic towns, hiking dog-friendly paved trails in the valley, and venturing to quieter spots like Wawona Meadow and Hetch Hetchy. This detailed itinerary covers lodging, dining, and scenic drives for every…
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Skip the beach: 4 dog-friendly lake getaways
California's lakes are filling up from winter rains and the foothills are electric green. If you and your dog want warm spring weather without sandy crowds, head inland. Four dog-friendly lake getaways — Folsom, Clear Lake, Shasta, and Bass Lake…
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Your mountain moment is waiting in Big Bear Lake
The trails are thawing, the lake is shimmering and Big Bear Lake is officially open for adventure. Spring and summer usher in the best of alpine life—blooming meadows, refreshing breezes and endless miles of dog-friendly paths begging to be explored…
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Affordable hotels near wine country? We’re all ears.
Vacaville offers affordable pet-friendly hotels with easy access to Napa, Sonoma and Suisun Valley wineries. Stay for less, sip world-class wines, and enjoy dog parks, patio dining and public art with your pup along the way.
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Five things to know about Yosemite with your dog
Even seasoned visitors may not know how welcoming Yosemite and Mariposa County can be for dogs. From pet-friendly paved trails and Sierra National Forest hikes to lodging with special pet packages, here are five things every dog traveler should know.
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The mountains are barking from Big Bear Lake
The snow is melting and spring is blooming in beautiful Big Bear Lake. Trails teem with life, the lake beckons paddlers, and patio dining season buzzes. Our guide to paddling, hiking, dining, lodging, and the Care For Big Bear stewardship…
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Wild Blue Dogs camp at Tahoe? You lucky dog!
Wild Blue Dogs' fall camp in South Lake Tahoe, September 13-19, pairs bonding activities like agility, nose work and kayaking with certified trainers. All proceeds support canine cancer research, and you'll enjoy quiet Tahoe beaches and great weather all week.
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Ruffin’ it in snowy Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe rolls out the red carpet for dogs in winter, with plowed walking trails along the lakeshore, cross-country ski centers that welcome pups, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, and wide-open wilderness to explore on snowshoes or on foot.
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Have a dog-gone good time at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area welcomes dogs on trails and in most of its waters, just 25 miles from Sacramento. With 75 miles of shoreline, hiking paths, picnic areas, and campgrounds, it's a top day-trip destination.
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Top 5 dog-friendly adventures in the California deserts
From Joshua Tree's Barker Dam Trail to Anza-Borrego's palm oasis hike and Lake Cahuilla's shoreline, the California deserts serve up five outstanding adventures for dogs and their humans. Leash up and explore. Hike the Barker Dam Trail, Joshua Tree National…
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Paw-some road trips from Sacramento
Sacramento's big backyard delivers dog-friendly road trips to Placer County waterfalls, Gold Country mining trails, and small-batch wineries in the Sacramento River Delta. Two-room suites at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade make a comfortable home base.
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Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
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Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
Sacramento sits within easy reach of Folsom Lake, Apple Hill wineries, Gold Country, and the Sacramento River Delta. These day-trip destinations offer hiking, paddling, seasonal tastings, and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.
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Best dog-friendly lakes in California
California is loaded with dog-friendly lakes for swimming, fetching, and cooling off. From Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches to the warm waters of San Luis Reservoir and Big Bear Lake, here are the best spots for a water day with your…
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Introducing the DogTrekker Southern California portal
DogTrekker's new SoCal Portal showcases Southern California's best dog-friendly places to stay, play, hike, dine, and splash, from laid-back beach towns to high-desert escapes. Sunshine, surf, mountains and deserts—Southern California is a dog lover's dream. DogTrekker.com's brand-new SoCal Portal pulls…
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Wag again at Little River Inn
Little River Inn on the Mendocino coast has new doggie dining cabanas, updated rooms and pup-friendly adventure packages. Fifth-generation innkeeper Cally Dym invites guests to revisit this bluff-top gem near trails, beaches and ocean sunsets.
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Attention all water dogs: It’s splash season
California's splash season means it's time to hit the water with your dog. From Russian River paddling trips to Mendocino coast kayaking, these DogTrekker-tested favorites offer seaside coves, freshwater lakes and rivers for every water-loving pup.
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Plan your perfect Sacramento daycation
Sacramento is a dog-travel powerhouse with 32 miles of river parkway trails, farm-to-fork dining on spacious patios and craft breweries that welcome pups. These one-day itineraries pair top dog-friendly hotels with the best the capital city has to offer.
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Hit reset in the sunny Shasta Cascade region
The Shasta Cascade region spans eight Northern California counties filled with mountains, forests, rivers and high desert. For dog lovers, it means room to roam, small-town hospitality, swimming holes and long trails with dramatic volcanic scenery around every bend.
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