Lakes and rivers Blog
Paws to the Redding paths
Redding, the self-proclaimed Trail Capital of California, offers more than 200 miles of hiking paths. From the Chamise Peak summit to the new Great Shasta Rail Trail, there is terrain for every level of dog and hiker.
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Redding: Waterfall capital of California
Redding and the Shasta Cascade region boast over 225 miles of trails and some of California's best waterfalls. Spring is prime time to hike with your dog to cascades at Whiskeytown Lake and along the McCloud River.
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East Bay Regional wonders
The East Bay Regional Park District spans 65 parks across Alameda and Contra Costa counties, with over 1,200 miles of trails where dogs can hike off-leash in undeveloped areas. Del Valle and the Ohlone Wilderness are standout picks.
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Dog-friendly waterfalls and trails at Whiskeytown
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Redding is a rare National Park Service gem that welcomes leashed dogs on 70 miles of trails. Four waterfalls, lakeside swimming and stunning scenery make it worth the trek north.
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Raving about Redding
Redding in March means green hills, blossoming orchards, and comfortable temperatures for dog hiking. Walk the Sundial Bridge, follow the Sacramento River Trail toward Shasta Dam, or loop through the McConnell Arboretum.
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Play in a park with your pup
Sacramento's tree-lined parks offer shady relief for dogs even on the hottest days. From the 166-acre William Land Regional Park to Capitol Park's labeled gardens to the 32-mile American River Bike Trail, the City of Trees has room to roam.
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Moseying on Mendocino waterways
Catch A Canoe near Mendocino offers a specially designed canine cruiser with a stable center deck for dogs to sit or stand as you paddle the calm Big River estuary. The 8.3-mile waterway flows to the ocean through beautiful scenery.
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Paw-friendly ‘must see’ Redding attractions
The Sundial Bridge in Redding is a stunning pedestrian span doubling as the world's largest sundial, with dog-friendly trails along the Sacramento River. Nearby, you can walk the length of massive Shasta Dam and connect to miles of trails.
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Rev up in Redding
Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.
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Old-fashioned fun at Shasta Cascade cabin resorts
The Shasta Cascade region is home to old-fashioned cabin resorts perfect for a fall getaway with your dog. From Trinity Alps Resort to Railroad Park Resort's vintage cabooses in Dunsmuir, these rustic retreats offer fishing, hiking, and charm.
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Bark at the bots, but don’t give up
Bots are snatching up popular campsite reservations before humans can click, but don't give up. Try lesser-known campgrounds on public and private lands, go midweek, check for cancellations, or wait until after Labor Day when competition thins out considerably.
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Make time for wine in Lake County
Lake County's fast-growing wine region offers laid-back, dog-friendly tasting with more than two dozen wineries to visit. Sample standout sauvignon blancs and bold reds at spots like Six Sigma Ranch, Thorn Hill Vineyards, and historic Langtry Farms.
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Rush on up to Redding
Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.
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Hike, splash, camp at Tuolumne County lakes
Tuolumne County's mountain lakes offer swimming, hiking, camping and boating with your dog. From popular Pinecrest Lake to massive Lake Don Pedro, where you can rent a dog-friendly houseboat, there is a waterside adventure for every pup.
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Around Keswick Reservoir with your pup – Redding hikes
The Sacramento River Rail Trail near Redding follows a historic railroad route along turquoise Keswick Reservoir for 11 paved miles. The trail passes a 1923 tunnel and relics from the copper mining era.
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All wine, no whine at these Lake County wineries
Lake County is one of California's fastest-growing wine regions, with over 30 wineries welcoming dogs at their tasting rooms and picnic areas. Sample sauvignon blancs, petit sirahs and big reds while your pup relaxes beside you.
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Tails wag on Big Sur Coast
A drive along the Big Sur coast with your dog means breathtaking ocean views, purple-sand beaches, and walks through towering redwoods. Dog-friendly stops include Sand Dollar Beach, Pfeiffer Beach, and several state park campgrounds with cabins for overnight stays.
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Dog-friendly Lake County adventures
Lake County offers dog-friendly water adventures from Clear Lake to the spring-fed Blue Lakes. Rent electric boats, splash at state park beaches, hike wildlife areas and watch for bald eagles and wild tule elk at Cache Creek in cooler months.
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Take a spring hike around Redding
Redding calls itself California's Trail Capital, with about 100 miles of dog-friendly paths in and around the city. Spring is ideal for hiking the Sacramento River Rail Trail, crossing the iconic Sundial Bridge and exploring McConnell Arboretum with your pup.
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Choose Redding for new dog-friendly scenery, experiences
Redding and Upstate California offer a refreshing change of scenery for dogs and their people. Walk the Sacramento River Trail, marvel at Shasta Dam, explore Whiskeytown Lake, and chase waterfalls along the McCloud River.
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Hop on a houseboat with your pup
A houseboat vacation means water, sun and quality time with your dog. Trinity Lake and Lake Don Pedro both offer dog-friendly houseboat rentals through Suntex Marinas, with fishing boats and pontoons available too. Here's what you need to know.
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Put tails to trails in and around Redding
Redding calls itself the Trail Capital of California, with 80 miles of paths within city limits. The Sacramento River Trail runs 17.5 miles from the Sundial Bridge to Shasta Dam, with more options on nearby BLM lands.
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First time paws-ing in Redding?
New to Redding? Start at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center, then walk the Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River. From Whiskeytown Falls to botanical gardens to local breweries, here are our top picks for first-time visitors with dogs.
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Waves away with your dog on the Central Coast
California's Central Coast is loaded with dog-friendly cabin and cottage lodging, from Santa Cruz and Monterey to Big Sur, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. Here are favorite retreats for you and your pup along this scenic stretch of coastline.
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