Lakes and rivers Blog

Image from All American River on DogTrekker

Dog-friendly riverside trails: Truckee River and American River Parkway

Two of California's best paved riverside trails welcome dogs year-round. The Truckee River Legacy Trail offers off-leash walking near downtown Truckee, while Sacramento's 32-mile American River Parkway winds through shady greenbelts alive with spring wildflowers and wildlife.

Slivers of silver

South of Lake Tahoe along the Carson Pass corridor, Silver Lake, Caples Lake, and Bear River Reservoir offer fall hiking through golden aspens and forest campgrounds. Pet-friendly cabins at Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley make a great base for exploring…

The splashy side of Placer County

Placer County is full of dog-friendly water fun, from rafting the American River and fishing at French Meadows Reservoir to kayaking on Lake Tahoe. Folsom Lake and Sugar Pine Reservoir also welcome leashed pups for swimming, hiking, and boating.

Spring forward at Lake Tahoe

Spring is Tahoe's overlooked shoulder season, and that's exactly why it works so well with a dog. Snow melts off the lower trails, crowds vanish, and the lake shifts through shades of blue while meltwater-fed rivers run fast through pine…

Lake tahoe winter fun with dogd --ar 169 --v 7

Lake Tahoe: Winter fun with your dog

Winter in North Lake Tahoe brings fewer crowds, deep snow, and a landscape made for long walks with your dog. From Truckee's gritty main street to Kings Beach's quiet shoreline and Tahoe City's groomed Nordic trails, each community offers its…

Tails in Tahoe

Fall at Lake Tahoe means golden aspens, cooler trails, and thinner crowds. From easy lakeshore strolls at Kiva Beach and the Rainbow Trail at Taylor Creek to backcountry routes into Desolation Wilderness, the hiking options with your dog are practically…

Cartoon map of california humor. points of doggie

California’s top tail-wagging destinations: Adventure awaits

A south-to-north road trip through California's best dog-friendly destinations, from Ocean Beach in San Diego and Runyon Canyon in LA to Big Bear Lake, Carmel Beach and beyond. Each stop pairs off-leash fun with pet-welcoming hotels and cafes.

Wild Blue canine camp is calling!

Wild Blue Dogs hosts weeklong sleepaway camps on the shores of Lake Tahoe for you and your pup. The all-inclusive experience features hikes, swims, campfires and training, and every dollar raised goes toward canine cancer treatment and research.

Cappuccino the Dog is a beloved statue located at the intersection of Alcatraz Avenue and Racine Street in North Oakland. The statue was created by artist Devyon Harrison and represents Cappuccino, a terrier-lab mix.

Discover dog-friendly Oakland: A canine paradise

Oakland is one of the Bay Area's most dog-welcoming cities, with 73 regional parks, off-leash trails in the hills, sunny weather when San Francisco is socked in with fog, and walkable neighborhoods like Rockridge and Temescal lined with dog-friendly patios…

AdobeStock_331560756_b_regions-2048x1366 — Adobe Images

Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland

South Lake Tahoe in winter means cross-country skiing, lakeside walks, and cozy fireplaces shared with your dog. Pet-friendly properties like the Beach Retreat, Fireside Lodge, and Desolation Hotel make the south shore an ideal cold-weather base for snow-season adventures.

Get some snowshine at Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a winter playground for dogs who love snow. Snowshoe at Echo Lakes, cross-country ski at Tahoe Donner, or trek through open snowfields near Palisades Tahoe. Sno-Park permits unlock access to trails across the basin, with reliable snow…

Californias reputation as a dog-friendly paradise

Your dog’s California bucket list!

Five California towns every dog should visit at least once: Carmel-by-the-Sea for off-leash beach bliss, Mendocino for coastal trails, South Lake Tahoe for mountain adventures, Santa Barbara for elegant seaside strolls, and one more surprise.

Dip into Tahoe’s lake lifestyle

Lake Tahoe's summer scene includes dog-friendly beaches on the north shore, scenic waterfront paths and seasonal camps by Wild Blue Dogs that combine canine activities with nonprofit fundraising. Pups can swim, hike and socialize all season long.

High Sierra escapes from Sacramento

From Sacramento, you can reach Lake Tahoe's alpine beaches and mountain parks in about two hours. Let pups splash at Kiva Beach, hike Van Sickle Bi-State Park, paddle Echo Lakes or grab a post-hike pint at FiftyFifty Brewing in Truckee.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Tahoe Keys Resort

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

Lake Tahoe is a dream for dogs and their people, with pristine beaches, mountain trails and pet-friendly lodging from South Lake to quieter spots like Tahoma. Here's how to plan the perfect Tahoe trip with your pup.

Winter wanderings in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe in winter offers dogs and their people cross-country skiing on groomed trails, snowshoeing through meadows and lakeside hikes when the snow line is high. Here are our favorite ways to play with your pup at the lake.

Maya (RIP), DogTrekkerr.com's Barketing Director, walking near the Sacramento River Trail in Redding.

DogTrekker® 15th anniversary

DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind --…

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe beaches: Your ultimate summer guide

From Carnelian Bay coffee shops to secluded coves on the Nevada side, here is your guide to the best dog-friendly beaches at Lake Tahoe. Both shores offer sandy spots where your pup can splash all summer long.

Image from Puptopia Festival returns to Big Bear Lake on DogTrekker

Paw-some events for the dog days of summer

Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.

Landscape view of Lake Tahoe with snow-covered mountains and forests seen from Incline Village on the Nevada side — Adobe Images

Close encounters in Nevada County

Nevada County is packed with dog-friendly fun, from cozy inns and patio dining in historic Nevada City to the unique wooden flumes of the Independence Trail, where a switchback ramp leads to a scenic swimming hole your dog will love.

At Tahoe: Plowed trails for tails

Lake Tahoe maintains a network of plowed winter trails perfect for walking your dog without skis or snowshoes. The Tahoe City Lakeside Trail, Truckee River Legacy Trail, and paths in Incline Village are all great options.

Stroller-friendly hikes for wheels, feet and paws

California offers plenty of paved, stroller-friendly trails where dogs are welcome too. From Lake Tahoe's Lam Watah Trail to San Francisco's Crissy Field and the historic Independence Trail near Nevada City, these paths work for wheels, feet and paws alike.

Make tracks to Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is brimming with water and activity options for dogs and their people. Kayak the North Shore, walk the expanding shoreline trail network, or visit the historic Tallac estate homes with Big Blue sparkling in the background.

Crystal blue persuasion

The Crystal Basin Recreation Area off Highway 50 holds more than 700 campsites around five scenic reservoirs in the Eldorado National Forest. Two lakes offer direct trail access into Desolation Wilderness, where dogs can hike off-leash beside you.

Lakes and rivers

Lakes and rivers near me..

Lakes and rivers

Lakes and rivers

Lakes and rivers Blog