Lakes and rivers Blog

Middle McCloud Falls, Siskiyou County, Upstate California.

Plan a summer reset in the Shasta Cascade region

Northern California's Shasta Cascade region spans eight counties packed with national and state parks, trails, lakes and pet-friendly towns. From Mount Shasta's peaks to Burney Falls, spring brings wildflowers and ideal conditions for exploring with your dog.

Deadly dog parasite found near the California-Arizona border

A deadly parasitic worm has been found in the Colorado River near the California-Arizona border. The parasite causes canine schistosomiasis, which can be fatal if untreated. Here's what dog owners near the river should know.

Image from Redding: the perfect pit stop for you and your pooch on DogTrekker

Redding: perfect pit stop for you and your dog

Redding is the perfect base for exploring Northern California with your dog. Walk the iconic Sundial Bridge, hike and swim at Whiskeytown Lake, and enjoy craft beer on dog-friendly patios around this welcoming mountain town.

Where to stay and play in Big Bear

Big Bear Lake shines in autumn with golden leaves, warm days and cooler evenings under starry skies. Lower lodging rates and fewer crowds mean more room for your dog to play at this mountain getaway.

Illustrate this 8 dog-friendly lakes near southern

8 dog-friendly lakes near Southern California

When Southern California heats up, head to these eight dog-friendly lakes within three hours of the city. From Castaic Lake's golden foothills to Big Bear's alpine waters, each spot offers shoreline access and cool relief for overheated pups.

Big Bear Lake: mountain fun with your pup

Big Bear Lake is a tail-wagging alpine getaway just hours from Southern California, with forested trails, a flat shoreline path, and dog-friendly boat rentals on the lake. Crisp mountain air and laid-back charm make it an ideal escape for dogs…

A female volunteer with dog cleans the beach

Pups for the planet: leaving only paw prints

This Earth Day, DogTrekker is celebrating something worth wagging about: our community. A recent reader survey shows 99% of you pack it in and pack it out, and 95% leash up in sensitive habitats. Now, that’s a pack worth howling…

10 ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe with your dog

Lake Tahoe delivers ten ways to play with your dog, from swimming at dog-friendly beaches and riding gondolas to floating the Truckee River and paddling kayaks. Add hiking, patio dining, and pup pampering for the ultimate trip.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Yosemite Mariposa

Spring pet-friendly activities in Yosemite Mariposa County

Spring in Yosemite Mariposa County brings swelling rivers, wildflowers, and fresh scents that delight dogs on paved paths where leashed pets are welcome. See Bridalveil Fall at peak flow, explore Sierra National Forest trails, and discover dog-friendly towns beyond the…

Big Bear Polar Plunge. Photo by Visit Big Bear.

Big Bear Lake warms up: events for 2026

Big Bear Lake kicks off 2026 with the Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics on April 18, followed by the third annual Puptopia Festival on July 25. Expect agility courses, costume contests, and a full day of tail-wagging fun at…

Yucaipa Regional Park: dog-friendly lake day

Yucaipa Regional Park in the Inland Empire offers flat lakeside paths, shaded lawns, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well for dogs of all ages. Paved trails loop past three scenic lakes at the foot of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Whiskeytown Lake, a dog-friendly boating destination in Redding, California

Spring splash: where your water dog wants to be

California is warming up and your water dog knows it. From the crystal-clear pools of the South Yuba River to calm Lake Natoma, here are the best spring splash spots to hit before the crowds arrive.

Temecula with your dog: a guide to wine country

Temecula wine country is a playground for dogs and their people, with pup-friendly wineries, scenic hiking trails at the Santa Rosa Plateau, a walkable Old Town and plenty of outdoor dining options. Traveling with your dog can transform an ordinary…

Golden retriever walking on a scenic autumn trail among colorful fall foliage and trees, capturing the beautiful outdoor adventure with your dog.

Dog’s guide to autumn: 5 Northern California day trips

Autumn in Northern California means cooler trails, colorful foliage and fewer crowds. These five dog-friendly day trips cover Apple Hill orchards, Gold Rush towns, ocean bluffs and redwood groves, each one perfect for a fall road trip with your pup.

Fall fun with your dog at South Lake Tahoe

Wild Blue Dogs hosts fall camp on 33 fenced acres near South Lake Tahoe, with training in agility, nose work, lure-coursing and more. This nonprofit camp also funds canine cancer research and treatment grants for dogs in need.

Dog in a lake at a california state park --ar 169

Dog lover’s guide to California’s state parks and lakes

California's state parks offer lakeside romps and woodland strolls for leashed dogs. From splashing at Lake Tahoe and Folsom Lake to camping at Lake Oroville, here's your guide to trail etiquette, rules and the best pup-approved park adventures.

South Yuba River Independence Trail: A dog-friendly adventure

The South Yuba River Independence Trail in Nevada County features reconstructed wooden flumes, scenic river views, and a swimming hole perfect for dogs. This historic canal path, now the nation's first wheelchair-accessible wilderness trail, welcomes leashed dogs year-round.

Dallying in Davis

The 100-acre U.C. Davis Arboretum is a leafy retreat along the campus waterway, with globally themed gardens and plenty of fellow dog walkers. Let your pup run free at nearby Toad Hollow Dog Park afterward.

Explore Sacramento and Folsom

Sacramento and Folsom both played key roles in the Gold Rush and celebrate that legacy today. Stroll Old Sacramento's waterfront, browse Folsom's revitalized Sutter Street, and connect the two cities via the 32-mile American River Parkway with your dog.

Lola and Leroy on an adventure in Gold Country.

El Dorado County’s adventure loop

The El Dorado County Adventure Loop packs 45 miles of Gold Country exploration into one weekend, with dog-friendly hiking at Cronan Ranch, wine tasting at Jose Wine Caves and Gold Rush history in Coloma.

Napa Valley leg-stretchers

After wine tasting in Napa Valley, burn off those calories with your dog at Canine Commons in Alston Park, where off-leash play awaits. Westwood Hills Park and the downtown River Walk offer more leashed options with vineyard and city views.

Lake County dog-friendly campgrounds

Lake County has plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds for summer fun. Private resorts like The Narrows offer full hookups and waterfront access, while Clear Lake State Park has 149 drive-up sites with swimming and hiking nearby.

Choose Redding. Meet outside the meeting

This summer, choose Redding, where every gathering becomes a memory in the making. Set along the Sacramento River and framed by Northern California’s forests and lakes, Redding offers an unhurried place to connect. Here, the agenda is yours to…

Effortless day trips and outdoor adventures

Sacramento sits within a short drive of some of California's most iconic activities, including many delightfully dog-friendly options. It’s easy to choose your own adventure here, whether you'd like to taste small-batch wines, hike ruggedly beautiful trails, survey the state's…

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Lakes and rivers Blog