Lakes and rivers Blog

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maya at the Sacramento River near Redding.

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.

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.

Puppies play in a waterfall. professional photo ph

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.

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.

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.