Lakes and rivers Blog
Go north, DogTrekkers, go north!
The Shasta-Cascade region offers spectacular waterfalls, dog-friendly cabin retreats near Shasta Lake, and fly-fishing at Hat Creek, all within striking distance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Winter is a perfect time to head north with your pup.
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Get your float on in Sonoma Wine Country!
A four-hour float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River near Healdsburg is a must-do for water-loving dogs. Custom inflatable canoes keep everyone stable while you swim, picnic, and play fetch at sandy beaches along the way.
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Conquer Concord with your dog
Concord rewards DogTrekkers who linger with scenic trails, craft breweries, and a famous Taco Trail featuring 40 restaurants. Hike Lime Ridge or Black Diamond Mines, then let your dog go off-leash at Fernandez Ranch.
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What’s shakin’ in wintertime Redding?
Winter is a great time to visit Redding with your dog in uncrowded conditions. Snap photos on the Sundial Bridge, hike the Sacramento River Trail, then chase waterfalls at Hedge Creek Falls and McCloud River Falls.
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Bass Lake: A pet-friendly, Yosemite-area lure
Bass Lake near Yosemite has warm water, dog-friendly resorts, and vacation rentals surrounded by Sierra National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat, hike to a fire lookout, or relax at a nearby winery while your pup enjoys the mountain air.
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Cool it on a Shasta Cascade houseboat
Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, is the state's houseboat capital. Dogs are welcome aboard, and with boats ranging from basic fishing models to floating luxury suites with hot tubs, it's a novel way to vacation with your pup.
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Around Clear Lake we go
Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.
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River, bridge, dam and your dog – Redding hikes
The Sacramento River National Recreation Trail stretches nearly 19 miles from Redding's iconic Sundial Bridge to massive Shasta Dam. Along the way, you and your dog can take in stunning architecture, riverside swimming spots and views of California's largest reservoir.
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Dog-friendly EBMUD: What is it?
Beyond the well-known East Bay Regional Parks, two EBMUD recreation areas offer great outings for leashed dogs. Lafayette Reservoir features a paved shoreline loop, while San Pablo Reservoir and nearby trails provide quieter options.
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Discover California’s dog-friendly waterfalls: A nature lover’s guide
California has dozens of dog-friendly waterfalls worth visiting, from Alamere Falls cascading into the ocean at Point Reyes to Bridalveil Fall in Yosemite and hidden swimming holes in Shasta County. Leash up and go chase some mist.
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Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide
Mariposa County near Yosemite is packed with dog-friendly adventures, from the Wawona Meadow Loop and South Fork Trail to pet-welcoming restaurants, historic lodges and even a ghost town tour you can enjoy with your pup.
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Bass Lake video
Less than 35 miles from Yosemite's front gate, Bass Lake offers crystal-clear waters, dog-friendly trails, and a laid-back local atmosphere. Whether you're swimming, hiking, or just exploring the shoreline, it's a perfect day trip or weekend escape with your pup.
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Water fun and wineries in Lake County
Lake County, two hours north of San Francisco, blends water fun, wine tasting and small-town charm around Clear Lake. Bring your dog to paddle, hike, visit dog-friendly wineries and stay at lakeside lodges.
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Big Bear Lake: A cool canine retreat
Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino Mountains is a cool mountain escape for dogs and their people. With 100 miles of hiking trails, lakeside parks, pet-friendly cabins and patio dining, it offers year-round outdoor fun.
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Dog-friendly digs in Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake has dog-friendly lodging for every style, from lakeside resorts and Bavarian-style lodges to upscale hotels with no size restrictions. Pet fees and policies vary, so call ahead to confirm before you book.
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Siskiyou County: Where dogs are a way of life
Siskiyou County borders Oregon in the Shasta Cascade region and treats dogs like family. Hike the McCloud River falls loop, explore old-growth forests on Gray Butte Trail, and camp at Lake Siskiyou.
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On & off-leash adventures
Big Bear Lake offers seven miles of water plus 100 miles of hiking trails for dogs and their people. Kayak, paddleboard, and hike together, from easy shoreline strolls to the challenging Cougar Crest climb.
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Go off leash with Russian River Adventures
Russian River Adventures celebrates 25 years of paddling in Sonoma County with pup-friendly canoe tours on stable inflatable vessels. Dogs join for just $15 on a nine-mile self-guided trip past swimming holes, wildlife and scenic riverbanks.
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Paddle with pups in magical Mendocino
Catch A Canoe at the Stanford Inn rents special canine cruiser platforms so dogs can ride along on Big River paddling trips. Back on land, the inn pampers pups with house-made treats, bowls and organic doggie dishes in the lobby.
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Boat rides and big views near Bishop
Lake Sabrina, at 9,100 feet near Bishop, rents dog-friendly pontoons, motorboats and kayaks for high-altitude lake adventures. Back in town, pups enjoy a dedicated dog park, patio dining at local breweries, and 16 pet-welcoming hotels.
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Discover dog-friendly Bishop: Small town, big backyard
Bishop sits at 4,000 feet in the Eastern Sierra, surrounded by public lands perfect for dogs. With pet-friendly hotels, a dedicated dog park, patio dining, and trailheads steps away, it's a big draw for pups.
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Vineyard views & wine-loving woofs
Glamping in California wine country means safari tents along the Russian River, luxury cottages in Paso Robles and campgrounds in the Santa Ynez Valley. Many nearby wineries welcome leashed dogs for tastings, treats and vineyard strolls.
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A seaside paradise for pups and people
Little River Inn sits between Mendocino's redwoods and the Pacific coast, with a footpath to Van Damme State Beach and easy access to Big River Trail. This 225-acre, family-owned property has welcomed dogs and their people for over 80 years.
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Paws-itively perfect resort packages
Little River Inn's Water Dog Package bundles a two-night stay with your choice of dog-friendly sea cave kayaking or a Big River canoe trip, plus a dinner voucher and pet goodie bag. Available May through September on the Mendocino coast.
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