Tails in Tahoe
Fallen Leaf Lake.
Most hikes around Lake Tahoe—and there are hundreds—can be enjoyed with your best friend. But if your goal is to bask in fall color Read more.
Moseying through Mendocino County
Photo by Pt. Arena Lighthouse.
Happy dog in Gualala If you haven’t been to Mendocino County in a while, consider following coastal Highway 1 through a scenic wonderland touched by many trails where you and your dog can sniff out your own discoveries. Read more.
Paws for a Night’s Rest
Bodie playing in the Sacramento River. Photo Janet Fullwood
From the downtown core to the farthest reaches of suburbia, Sacramento abounds with dog-friendly places to stay. If you and your furry friend are avid walkers, the Westin Sacramento, just off Interstate 5 about five miles south of downtown, is a four-paw DogTrekker choice. Read more.
Prospecting in Placer County
Placer Dogs - George Lamesom (CC)
The contemporary wine industry in Placer County, while young, is gaining steam and recognition, turning out wines that impressed the judges at the 2014 California State Fair and rolling out the welcome mat for visitors with two legs and four. Most of the 20 wineries and tasting rooms on the Placer County Wine Trail are situated north of Interstate 80 near Auburn Read more.
DogTrekkers visits the dog passionate Stanford Inn in Mendocino County
Photo by Stanford Inn.
Sydnie and Siskiyou on the coast "If you're ever in the Mendocino area, I highly recommend the Stanford Inn. We went there with three of our fur babies, and were greeted with "welcome" chocolates for us AND "welcome" doggies treats for the dogs. The room we stayed in also included a fireplace and had a couch with special doggie blankets! Read more.
Social Media and Wearable Technology
Social-media lovers have more ways to play now that apps like Dogbook, the mobile connection to Facebook’s dog community, have gained some maturity. Read more.
Dog-walk Apps
Sunset walk at Point Pinole. Photo by Hilary.
Walking is as good for you as it is for your dog, and with Walk For A Dog, a new fundraising app from WoofTrax, every step you take translates into money earned for local shelters and rescue groups. Read more.
Finding the Perfect Dog-sitter
Photo by Sameer
Websites optimized for smartphones are gaining ground on phone-only apps these days, giving consumers two ways to play. Such is the case with DogVacay and Rover, a pair of websites and associated apps (free) that aim to match traveling dog owners with host families nationwide. Read more.
Go California! DogTrekker Photo Contest
Have a great photo of your best friend frolicking on a California beach, hightailing it up a trail through the redwoods, or maybe strolling among the vines of your favorite winery? Submit it to our Go California! DogTrekker Photo Contest and you could win one of two GoPro® HERO3 Cameras. Read more.
Roam Santa Rosa With Your Dog
Mack at Hood Mountain Regional Preserve. Photo: Laura Crocker.
Your first stop when visiting Santa Rosa should be the California Welcome Center in Railroad Square, where you’ll see a statue of Santa Rosa’s most famous dog, “Peanuts” creator Charles Schulz’s Snoopy, and receive a dog bone for your own furry friend. Read more.
Bet on Bodega Bay
Follow the Pacific coast through Sonoma County and you’ll find plenty of gorgeous scenery to share with your best friend. Bodega Bay makes an ideal hub for discovering the region’s many attributes. Bed down at a dog-friendly property such as Bodega Coast Inn & Suites, Sonoma Coast Villa & Spa, Bay Hill Mansion B&B or Bodega Bay RV Park and prepare to get sandy, as you&rsquo Read more.
Scenic Sebastopol
Hanging out at the Sebastopol Apple Fair.(CC) e.t.
This West Sonoma County hub is fast becoming a DogTrekker favorite, particularly since the advent of The Barlow, a dog- and family-friendly shopping district with over 38 outlets connecting consumers with local artists, food producers, winemakers, distillers, and brewers. Tree-lined streets, grassy areas and lots of outdoor seating make it a fun Read more.
KOA Welcomes DogTrekkers
Camping in California is surging in popularity with DogTrekkers, in part because privately owned campgrounds such as the award-winning San Francisco North/Petaluma KOA have diversified to offer not just RV camping, but tent sites, camping cabins, dog-friendly full service lodges and resort amenities that appeal to a wide variety of vacationers. Read more.
Our Yosemite Get-away
Charles and his dad taking in the view
DogTrekker.com reader Lori O'Connor wrote to us about a recent weekend getaway to Yosemite for her family and their pup, Charles. Read more.
Rover-friendly RV Rentals
Westfalia at Ocean Cover Photo courtesy Phil King (CC)
Who hasn’t seen those distinctive Cruise America rental RVs on the road on a summer road trip? If you’ve imagined yourself behind the wheel, Duke and Daisy perched on the seat beside you, it might be time to try a road trip of your own in one of these dog-friendly vehicles. Read more.
RV Resorts: Not Just for RVs Anymore
Petaluma KOA Photo courtesy Daniel Trumm (CC)
KOA (Kampgrounds of America) has been a leader for decades in expanding its amenities to attract a broad demographic of vacationers. Most of the company’s more than two dozen properties in California have dog-friendly cabins for rent, and almost all offer a dog run or other fenced area where Astro can stretch his legs. Read more.
East Bay SPCA Adopt-a-thon this Saturday
Come join us this Saturday, July 19th, for East Bay SPCA’s 2014 adopt-a-thon at Jack London Square in Oakland. With more than 50 participating rescue groups, shelters and vendors, there is something fun for every animal lover. Read more.
A Sweet Time at Sonora Oaks
Charles ready to go to his room.
Intrepid DogTrekker, Lori O. wrote us raving about the dog-friendly Best Western Sonora Oaks. "Last weekend my husband, our dog Charles and I traveled to Sonora and stayed at the Best Western Plus Sonora Oaks. They were so doggie (and people) friendly," wrote Lori. Read more.
On the way to Yosemite: East entrance
Yosemite. Photo by Visit Mono County.
Cody, Tioga Pass. Photo: Patti Thompson
Why hurry to Yosemite National Park when the journey can be as rewarding as the destination? The extremely dog-friendly Yosemite Region encompasses four gateway counties, each with its own unique set of attractions. DogTrekker is celebrating Yosemite’s 150th anniversary with a look at places and diversions for DogTrekkers to check out along the m Read more.
Tuolumne and Mariposa Meanderings
Tuolumne and Mariposa counties make up the southern part of the Gold Country region stretching along the Sierra Nevada’s western flank. But they’re also part of the Yosemite Region and serve as gateways to the iconic national park. Please revisit our June 11, 2014 newsletter for suggestions on how best to enjoy these scenic slices of Cali Read more.
On The Way to Yosemite: South Entrance
Bass Lake. Photo: Susan Marie
Why hurry to Yosemite National Park when the journey can be as rewarding as the destination? The extremely dog-friendly Yosemite Region encompasses four gateway counties, each with its own unique set of attractions. DogTrekker is celebrating Yosemite’s 150th anniversary with a look at places and diversions for DogTrekkers to check out along the major highway co Read more.
Eden Vale Inn
Eden Vale Inn is a unique destination nestled in the Sierra Foothills. Named one of America’s Top 10 Most Romantic Inns, Eden Vale is also one of the most dog-friendly Inns in the Gold Country. Read more.
Wandering El Dorado County
Gus at Echo Lake. Photo: Kat Stan (CC)
El Dorado County is one of the state’s most diverse when it comes to beguiling attractions. From dog-friendly wineries and hip historic towns to sparkling lakes (most notably Lake Tahoe), snowy mountains and distinctive lodging, this is one of California’s most visited destinations. Read more.
Sacramento and Folsom: Gold Country Getaways
Dog party in downtown Sacramento. Photo: Kelly Huston
Sacramento and Folsom are the dog-friendly gateways to California Gold Country. And there’s no denying it: temperatures here can get very hot here in the summer. The upside is that Sacramento is blessed with a marine phenomenon known as the “Delta breeze” that puffs up most evenings, cooling temperatures by as much as 30 d Read more.
Calling Calaveras County
Lou in Calaveras. Photo by DK (CC)
Mark Twain slept here. So did Western adventure writer Bret Harte. You’ll see their names plastered on b usinesses, schools and street signs all over Calaveras County, where dog-friendly communities like Angels Camp and Murphys don’t hesitate to play up their Gold Rush-era legacies. Read more.
Corgi Nation Beach Day
Corgis take over Huntington Dog Beach
DogTrekker, Bonnie H., from Canoga Park wrote to us recently to tell us about a great dog-friendly event at Huntington Beach: SoCal Corgi Nation Beach Day.
On June 28, over 375 corgis brought their people out to play on the beach. There was a costume contest, a corgi limbo, group photos and much more. Read more.
Choose Redding With Your Dog
Everyone knows dogs have excellent taste in art, so Redding made sure its world-renowned Sundial Bridge was accessible to all species of architecture lovers! Read more.
On the road to Yosemite
Photo by Pixabay.
Why hurry to Yosemite National Park when the journey can be as rewarding as the destination? The Yosemite Region encompasses four gateway counties, each with its own unique set of attractions. This week we celebrate Yosemite’s 150th anniversary with a look at places and diversions for DogTrekkers to check out along the major highway corridors leading to the iconic park. Read more.
Russian River Adventures
Have a dog who loves water? Why not let her serve as first mate in a dog-friendly canoe? Russian River Adventures, Sonoma County's premiere dog-passionate eco-adventure outfitter, welcomes four-paw passengers in its SOAR inflatable canoes. Since 2003, thousands of dogs and their owners have enjoyed awesome days dog-paddling down the Russian River in these tough and stable crafts. Read more.
DogTrekker’s best river adventures
Catch a Canoe & Bicycles, Too! in Mendocino.
Among our favorite go-to spots is the languidly flowing stretch of the Russian River around Healdsburg. Russian River Adventures rents dog-friendly inflatable canoes for full-day trips where you can enjoy clear, clean swimming holes and a picnic lunch before catching the shuttle back to town. Read more.
Enjoy These GGNRA Beaches While You Can
Dog running on Muir Beach: Photo by Carolyn (CC)
For dog lovers, few sights bring more joy than watching man’s best friend run free and unfettered on a beach. In the Bay Area, one of the top places to enjoy the privilege has always been Muir Beach, a gorgeous strand in Marin County bounded by high bluffs, habitat-sensitive wetlands and a lagoon.
Dogs have always been allowed on leash or un Read more.
Make a splash at North Lake Tahoe
Photo by Karsten Winegeart.
Time to take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe's North Shore! Four-pawed visitors aren't welcome everywhere, but the DogTrekker crew has scouted some of the best dog-friendly beaches along the shores of Big Blue. Read more.
Redding, Your Pawsport to Adventure
Redding, in the heart of the Shasta Cascade region, is the perfect home base for your next hiking, fishing or boating adventure and enjoy a stay at the first-class, extremely dog-friendly Red Lion Hotel in Redding. The prize also includes a pet package full of doggie treats, with uprights treated to the hotel's Roaring Start Breakfast Buffet. Read more.
Whiskeytown Waterfalls
Whiskeytown Falls. Photo: Tara Spelty
Northern California DogTrekkers are probably more familiar with the geographic features of the Sierra Nevada mountain range than with the Shasta Cascades that define the landscape around Redding. There’s no better time to experience the difference than in May, when the rugged foothills glow velvet green, the icy cone of Mount Shasta looms tall and Read more.
Celebrate Sundial Bridge
Obi on the Sundial Bridge. Photo: James Navarro
What a difference a bridge makes! It’s been 10 years since Redding’s Sundial Bridge, designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, opened to international acclaim. To mark its first decade as an iconic symbol of the region, the city is preparing to celebrate in a big way. Read more.
Mistral About the City
Mistral Visits Corona Heights, San Francisco
Kala Sherman-Presser and her nine year old black lab Mistral have this urban waves and wilderness thing pretty well figured out as these photos show. Taken in San Francisco and neighboring Marin, they prove that us city dwellers and our pups can find beauty and solitude just minutes away from our doorsteps. Read more.
Dogs love Tahoe
Lake Tahoe. Photo by Tahoe Keys Resort.
As DogTrekker.com readers already know, Lake Tahoe is a paradise for dogs. They also tell us that Tahoe Keys Resort is the most dog-friendly place to stay. Read more.
Tips For Traveling With Your Dog
Abby & Jake Ready to Go (CC) John Shulte
If you leave on a trip and forget your toothbrush or Rover's leash, you can always buy another one. Not so with veterinary records or a tag with emergency contact information. Here are our tips for planning a DogTrekking road trip. Read more.
Clearly Clear Lake
There it sits, a big blue puddle on the map about 75 miles due north of Santa Rosa. When’s the last time you and your furry sidekick visited Clear Lake, in Lake County? Read more.
The Gold Country’s Golden Chain Highway
Sure, you’ve visited parts of Gold Country. But have you ever driven the entire 330 miles of Highway 49, the historic “Golden Chain Highway?” Considering all the dog-friendly places to see, things to do and history to absorb along the way, we at DogTrekker consider it a Five-Bone route for a road trip. Read more.
Let’s Go Coasting: Pacifica To Carmel
Dogs playing on Carmel Beach. Photo - Janet Fullwood
There’s nothing like the sight and sound of the sea to soothe the soul, vanquish boredom and revive the spirit. If your pup has been seeing far too much of the back yard lately, maybe it’s time for both of you to sniff out new horizons along the highly scenic, 122-mile stretch of Highway 1 between Pacifica and Carmel. Read more.
It’s Happening in Huntington Beach
Murphy Playing at Dog Beach (CC) Doug Carlson
Huntington Beach, (aka Surf City, USA) is located at the intersection of Beach Boulevard and the Pacific Coast Highway, 35 miles south of Los Angeles, and is known for its almost 10 mile stretch of pristine beach, Huntington Beach Pier, world-class surfing, miles of biking and jogging trails, endless sunshine and laid-back beach culture. Read more.
Prettiest dog-friendly place in Lake Tahoe
Zephyr Cove. Photo by Ingrid Salmanca.
Debbie J., our latest Paw Tester wrote in to tell us about, The Pine Cone Resort at Lake Tahoe, 'the most fun place' she has ever stayed with her dogs, Boomer and Molly. Read more.
High Sierra Hideaways
Boat dog in Mono County. Photo - Colleen Greene
Late spring, when roads are clear but the mountains are still frosted with snow, is a gorgeous time to enjoy the majesty of the High Sierra. Off-season rates make it more affordable and vacancies at high-demand properties are more available than at the height of summer. Read more.
Lake Tahoe’s South Shore and more
Titan at the the Tahoe Keys Resort dog-friendly beach in Lake Tahoe. Photo by Tahoe Keys Resort.
Summer is prime time at South Lake Tahoe, for hotel stays and vacation rentals alike. A vacation rental can be your ticket to dog-friendly togetherness and flexibility; plus the lake and miles of dog-friendly hiking trails are right outside your door. Read more.
How to Find a Dog-friendly Vacation Rental
Vacation here we come! To view our recommended vacations rentals throughout California, select your destination on the DogTrekker.com home page, and then look for “vacation rentals” under the “lodging” tab. We include pet policies and fees for each property, but you’ll want to confirm the details with the management company when you book your reservation. Read more.
Dog-Friendly Fun at Half Moon Bay Brewing
Half Moon Bay Brewing threw a great dane of a party this weekend to celebrate their 3rd consecutive win in the Beast of The Bay contest as the Best Dog-Friendly Restaurant in the Bay Area that was also a fundraiser benefiting the Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA. Kayla, DogTrekker’s Research Lab, attended the festivities and sniffed out this report. Read more.
Enjoy a Day of the SLO Life
Rusty hiking Bishop's Peak.Photo - Emdot
The city of San Luis Obispo prides itself on surrounding open space where dog-friendly hiking trails dot the hillsides. The most popular and certainly the most rigorous of these day hikes is local landmark Bishop’s Peak. Tallest of the Nine Sisters, Bishop’s Peak is a 3.5-mile, out-and-back trek with an elevation change of more than 1,200. Read more.
At Play in Morro Bay
Emma and Abbey at play at the Elfin Forest
Photo: Robyn O'Leary (CC)
The Morro Bay estuary is famous for its temperate climate, scenic beauty and wide variety of seaside activities available for all your two- and four-footed family members. Majestic Morro Rock looms over the north end of the bay, while the southern end of the estuary splashes up against the quiet little town of Los Osos, wher Read more.
Dog-friendly San Simeon Cove
Nestled under the watchful eye of William Randolph Hearst’s famous castle is San Simeon Cove, a jewel in San Luis Obispo’s crown of beaches. Emerald-green water, abundant wildlife and ample space to romp makes this dog-friendly beach a must-see for DogTrekkers. Read more.
Grateful Connection
Back in June, 2013 Anita M., was reading the latest DogTrekker Newsletter that included a photo of a pup that was available for adoption from Grateful Dogs Rescue. His name was Achilles, and she was smitten. Read more.
A Place to Let Lucy Loose on the Pacific Crest Trail
Mokie headed out on the Pacific Crest Trail Photo: Dennis Price
And DogTrekker just got our paws on some great insider information from one of the El Dorado Forest Rangers about an off leash area of the Pacific Crest Trail you can let Lucy loose leash free! Read more.
See the Sea
Otto at Tilden Park, Berkeley. Photo: Carol Kolb DeWilde (CC)
In our last newsletter, Spring Delights in the East Bay, we profiled some favorite hikes in the green, rolling hills of the East Bay. This time around, short hikes with ocean views are the ticket. If you’re visiting the San Francisco area and have only a couple of hours available to get outside with your pet, give these options Read more.
Waterfall Season, Finally
Cataract Falls, Marin County. Photo: Kevin Etter, CC
Despite this year’s scant rainfall, waterfalls are once again flowing in Northern California, and you don’t want to miss the show. Cataract Falls on the north slope of Mount Tamalpais in Marin County is probably the best-known waterfall in the Bay Area, and for good reason. It gets really big after a spring rain, sprouting up t Read more.
Great Kibble to Bark About
Beast of the Bay Winner! The results of the 6th Annual Bay Woof "Beast of the Bay" awards are in, and DogTrekker.com finished as top dog in two of the … Continued Read more.
“Tri” Something New
Pleasanton Ridge - Photo: Maverick Wyatt Myers
Residents of the East Bay’s Tri-Valley region know they’ve got it good when it comes to open space, but the casual visitor buzzing through on the Interstate 680 corridor might not realize the foresight and vision responsible for the region’s semi-rural character. Regional plans limiting urban sprawl and protecting agriculture are wh Read more.
Nip into Napa
Sadie, wine tasting in the Napa Valley.
Ah, wintertime in the Napa Valley. The crowds are gone and region’s many delights are yours for the taking. This is the season when yellow-mustard covered crops add a flash of brilliance to dormant vineyards, and when restaurant reservations are easy to come by. Visit midweek, and you’re likely to find yourself (and your four-legged friend) among just a Read more.
Dogs Love Downieville
Do you like to fish, hike, get away from it all? Plan a spring getaway to Downieville, a historic community set amidst some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Northern California. You’ll beat the summer rush and revel in peaceful, scenic surroundings, often with the soothing sound of the North Yuba River as a backdrop. Read more.
Go For The Gold
Gracie at Dog and Pony Ranch. Photo courtesy Dog and Pony Ranch.
The history books don’t say much about the ruff 'n' ready canines who kept lonely miners company and guarded their claims back in the Gold Rush days. But it’s clear that dogs today are as welcome as the tourists who visit “them thar hills” in search of rest, relaxation and scenery. Read more.
Point to Point Reyes
Point Reyes National Seashore. Photo courtesy National Park Service.
One of the assets of Point Reyes National Seashore is that all those wild, surf-lapped landscapes are just a blink away from civilized comforts. There’s no need to pack in a trunk-load of groceries with so many good restaurants nearby. Then again, there’s something to be said for having a kitchen where you can mak Read more.
Save Our Access to GGNRA Lands
Rohn at Crissy Field
As DogTrekker.com first reported in an editorial last September, the then recently revised 1,900 page plan did little to improve the outlook for dog owners who have used the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) lands for decades to walk, run and recreate with their dogs. Just one percent of the 80,000 acres managed by the GGNRA in Marin, San Francisc Read more.
Doggie Action Galore at SnowFest
Snowfest dog. Photo: Lisa Sunde
Wondering when to plan a dog-friendly winter getaway to Tahoe? Mark your calendar for February 29-March 9, when North Lake Tahoe SnowFest is in process. This family-friendly series of events is a winter favorite for many locals and chock-full of activities ranging from tame (snow-queen pageant) to just plain wacky. (Human bowling, anyone?) Read more.
Bonus Trekking Resources
Over the past year, our hiking pages and listings have become the most visited of all activities on DogTrekker.com. In addition to the terrific hikes presented in this newsletter, we have some perennial favorites. Here are some great ways for you and your pup to put paws to the path in 2014. Read more.
Redding: Trail Capital of California
All dogs welcome on Redding's Sundial Bridge
With 100 miles of trails within 10 miles of Redding’s city center, and many more beyond, it’s easy to understand why Redding is considered the Trail Capital of California. These trails of varying degrees of difficulty, from easy to rolling hills to moderate climbs, have one thing in common - both you and your pups are welcome. Read more.
Hidden Trails, Hidden Falls
If you live in Sacramento or anywhere near the Interstate 80 corridor through the Sierra Nevada foothills, Hidden Falls Regional Park near Auburn in the Gold Country foothills should be on your “must do” excursion list, even if it’s not waterfall season. Read more.
Step Up to a Summit in San Francisco
Dog hiking Mount Davidson - Sharon Hahn Darlin (CC)
Everyone who comes to San Francisco catches a glimpse of the deep green hill topped by a 103-foot-cross that serves as a kind of subliminal city landmark. But while many seek out the views at neighboring Twin Peaks, relatively few bother to find their way to the top of Mount Davidson, whose 938-foot summit is the highest point in a city said to Read more.
Views Galore in Santa Clara County
Photo by Geno Maldonado.
Mount Madonna County Park, Santa Clara County
Bring your tent or RV and make a weekend of it, or just come for the day. Any way you slice it, Mount Madonna County Park, 10 miles west of Gilroy in Santa Clara County, contains all the elements, from ocean views to redwood forests, that epitomize Northern California. Spring wildflower season is perhaps the best time to visit this 3,688-acre prese Read more.
Winter Tips for Visiting the Desert With Your Dog
Desert Dog: Photo by Askii
Traveling in the desert with your dog this winter? Here are some things you should know . . . our tips for safe comfortable desert dog travel. Read more.
Four Paw Salute to Our Sponsors
As we begin adding new Southern California regions in 2014, it’s important to give a shout-out to all of the destinations who partnered with us in 2013. These Paw-of-Approval destinations have entered into an agreement with DogTrekker.com to assist in making their regions as dog-passionate as possible through local advocacy, education and outreach—including support of loca Read more.
Camp Layman, a Doggie Delight in the High Sierra
Camp Layman is Gracie's Favorite Place On Earth
Gracie and her family have been coming to this cozy cabin at Camp Layman every year since her rescue in 2004. She swims, goes on hikes, meets other dogs and people. The owners of Camp Layman even provide a doggy blanket to snuggle up on at the end of a hard day of trail sniffing and squirrel chasing. Read more.
Mad about Mad River
Emily, one of our Intrepid DogTrekkers from Humboldt County, wrote in about Pump Station #1 on the Mad River, just outside of Arcata. She says the Mad River pump stations are a fun and convenient place to take your dogs to roam off leash. Read more.
Make Time for Trees
Every home that celebrates Christmas needs a Christmas tree, and there’s nothing like choosing and cutting your own to ensure fresh scent throughout the house all season long. Santa’s Tree Farm, a fixture in Half Moon Bay since 1972, encourages four-legged family members to wander the rows and to help choose the Monterey pine; redwood; or Douglas, Monterey, white, noble or grand f Read more.
All The Way in Half Moon Bay
Dogs on the beach in Half Moon Bay - Photo Dave Kendrick
Dog-friendly Half Moon Bay, at the heart of the region locals call “Coastside,” is part resort, part classic California surf town.
Beaches and bluffs are what it’s all about for visitors with dogs, and while off-leash opportunities are few, there are many ways to engage with the scenery.
In fact, it’s hard to know Read more.
Wag Hotels
When pet parents are away, the pups can play. We DogTrekkers love to travel with our four-legged friends; that’s what we’re all about. But there are times when we have to go places Max and Bella can’t go. That’s where Wag Hotels comes in. Read more.
Pacified in Pacifica
Sprawled along the six miles of coastline just over the hills from San Francisco International Airport, the once working-class community of Pacifica has morphed into a haven for well heeled commuters. It’s also a haven for DogTrekkers who relish fresh air, wide-open scenery and thousands of acres of roam-worthy public lands. Read more.
Coastside Chow Down
Photo courtesy Moss Beach Distillery.
Fresh-air activities are major draws on the San Mateo coast, and we all know how ocean-scented breeze and exercise work up an appetite in both man and beast. Fortunately, many eateries along the coast welcome four-legged guests, so long as there’s a two-legged companion on the other end of the leash. Here are four worth barking about. Read more.
Wearable technology for dogs
Photo by GoPro.
Tru-fit harness with wearable camera mount Just as we humans enjoy getting new gadgets and gizmos for Christmas, so do we enjoy buying cool new accessories for our pets. Given the zooming popularity of GoPro action cams, it was only a matter of time before someone—Kurgo, in this case—came up with a camera mount dog harness that makes it easy to view the world from your best friend’s point of Read more.
Take a Bragg-adocious break
Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden. Photo by Pawparazzi Pet Photography, provided by MGBG.
With a whopping 7,500 full-time residents, Fort Bragg is the “big city” on the Mendocino coast. It’s also a very dog-friendly place, thanks largely to the tireless advocacy efforts of the Mendocino Coast Dog Owners Group (McDog). Read more.
Mendocino’s inland Charms
Photo by Underwood Park.
Drive north on Highway 1 from Fort Bragg, and you’ll soon leave the coast and turn inland. It’s about an hour to Leggett, where the road merges with Highway 101 and the Redwood Coast begins. Leggett is home to one of the North State's most enduring roadside attractions, the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree, a centuries-old coast redwood that was transformed into a tourist stop in the 1930's, when a Read more.
Groovin’ In Gualala
Ocean stroll on the cliffs near Sea Ranch Lodge
In southern Mendocino County, the village of Gualala makes a peaceful, fresh-air base for a low-key getaway. From high-end to budget, there’s someplace for every brand of DogTrekker to cozy up with four-legged family members. Read more.
17 miles of magnificence
It’s just 17 miles along scenic Highway 1 from the coastal village of Albion to the more muscular city of Fort Bragg, but considering how much lies in between, you could take an entire, leisurely week to go the distance. In Little River, just north of Albion, the charming Little River Inn welcomes four-legged family members as well as their uprights, offering bed, breakfast and majestic views Read more.
Sipping in Sonoma
The largest county in the Bay area is also the most diverse from a DogTrekker’s point of view. From downtown tasting rooms to Russian River wineries with sweeping views, our October 9 DogTrekker newsletter is filled with suggestions for a Sonoma County romp with your dog. Read more.
Moseying Around Monterey
Bleeker and Aero in Monterey. Photo Dave Kendrick
They say that Monterey Wine Country is "where great taste begins." We know from experience that it's also a great place to experience dog-friendly hospitality along the River Road Wine Trail. Rolling hills misted with morning fog create memorable panoramas, while the climate is comfortable year-round. Pack a picnic, a camera and a Read more.
Mendocino magic
Many Mendocino County visitors stay glued to the gorgeously sculpted coastline, but to do so is to miss out on star attractions such as the Anderson Valley wine region, an area bisected by Highway 128 and encompassing the Boonville, Philo, Yorkville Highlands and Navarro wine regions. Read more.
Over Hill and Dale in El Dorado County
Dog at Kids Inc. - Photo Scot Schrantz
El Dorado County covers a lot of territory on either side of the Highway 50 corridor leading up to Lake Tahoe, and one of the most popular regions to visit at this time of year is Apple Hill, a region on the north side of the highway between Placerville and Pollock Pines. Read more.
DogTrekker is on the Road
Ella - Photo by Dave Kendrick
The Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon 2013, held last weekend at the Marin Center, was a fabulous success. DogTrekker.com was on hand both days and witnessed 40 dogs being given a new life with new families at the Rocket Dog Rescue center next to our booth. Read more.
Ruffin’ It In Style
Camellia Inn
When it comes time to spend the night, Sonoma County has more options than a Dalmatian has spots. Autumn offers great rates at dog-friendly properties in hip and happening Healdsburg. The Best Western Plus Dry Creek Inn, where newly renovated, dog-friendly rooms go for under $100 a night midweek, is a DogTrekker favorite. The stylish H2hotel just off the downtown plaza serves u Read more.
Run Spot Run
Dog on a bike in Petaluma.
The town of Sonoma might be the gateway to Sonoma Wine Country, but wineries aren’t the only places in this sprawling county to visit with your best friend. The laid-back Russian River region is especially renowned for its paw-friendly hotels, restaurants and wineries, and urban areas such as Santa Rosa and Petaluma have their Read more.
Sniff Around Downtown Sonoma
Stylin Dog in Downtown Sonoma
Sonoma State Historic Park, which are clustered along Spain Street on the north side of the plaza. You and Spot are free to walk the square’s perimeter, so long as you stay off the grass and away from the historic buildings. Read more.
Editorial: GGNRA Aims to Tighten Leashes
DogTrekker Editorial
Rohn at Crissy Field
We have received many questions from readers about the recently revised and released dog management plan for the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). We think it is appropriate to use this beach issue to put our paws down in the sand and take a stand. While we haven’t been able to absorb the entire scope of the document’s 1 Read more.
Scenic coasting in Monterey County
Carmel By The Sea. Photo by Susan Berman.
Monterey County boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, from Watsonville in the north to the famous Big Sur in the south. Read more.
SLO Down Already
Dogs on Pismo State Beach San Luis Obispo County on California’s Central Coast is as mellow for dogs as it is for humans. But while there are lots of off-leash dog parks and play areas in the vicinity of SLO town, there are just a couple of places in the sand-and-sea department where Dottie can frolic off-leash (provided, of course, she is socialized to the max, has an ultra-reliable recall and Read more.
Make a splash in Marin
Rodeo Beach. Photo by Jessica Bay.
Marin County is spring-loaded with dog-friendly places, but we at DogTrekker have some tail-wagger favorites. Beautiful Muir Beach permits dogs under voice control off-leash. Read more.
Get Your Butte in Gear
With more public lands than a DogTrekker could explore in a lifetime, Butte County is a great place for an outdoorsy getaway with your canine companion. The surprises start in the county seat of Chico, home to Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, a California State University campus and Bidwell Park, at 3,618 acres, one of the largest municipal parks in the country. While the developed Lower Park is Read more.
Redding, Your Pawsport to Adventure 2013
The City of Redding is your DogTrekker-approved “Pawsport for Adventure” in Northern California. In addition to more than 100 miles of dog-friendly trails within 10 miles of the city center, attractions near the landmark Sundial Bridge, and the many recreational activities to be found at Shasta Lake, Redding is the perfect place to stay while you explore the eight-county Shasta Read more.
Take a Scenic Drive or Five
Is there anything more all-American than a scenic-drive vacation? The Shasta/Cascade region has 12 designated scenic byways, each with its own intrinsic qualities. The 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway, which winds through the least populated part of California, is one of just 21 routes nationwide designated an “All-American Road” by the U.S. Department of Transportation. The ro Read more.
Tails on Trails
Redding calls itself California’s Trail Capital, and for good reason: about 100 miles of trails, both paved and natural-surface, have been developed in and around the city through private and public partnerships. Three bridges along the northern part of the path span gorges that gush with waterfalls in springtime and offer arresting views of Shasta Lake and Keswick Reservoir at any time Read more.
Lick Your Chops
Callie and Cream in Sacramento. Photo: Jo & Joey (CC)
Each month, it seems, more and more Sacramento restaurants are breaking the dog barrier by welcoming human-canine parties at their patio and sidewalk tables. There’s no better time to sample their cuisine than during Farm-to-Fork Restaurant Week, Sept. 21-29, when eateries throughout the region will be showcasing farm-inspired, fixed- Read more.
Moveable Feast
Maggie on the RiverTrain
This just in: The Sacramento RiverTrain is now dog-friendly! That’s right, your pooch can ride along with you in open-air cars on three-hour, themed daytime trips that feature wine or beer tastings; picnics, “great train robberies” and, on the horizon, zombie trains and pumpkin-patch visits. While fares for human passengers vary according to trip, Read more.
Amazing Mendocino County
Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. Photo by Jessica Bay.
If there’s one destination in Northern California that really rolls out the red carpet for your pooch, it's Mendocino County. Pet-friendly properties such as Stanford Inn by the Sea, Little River Inn, and the Beachcomber Motel properties welcome you and your pup with open arms, treats and amenities, while dozens of restaurants have patio tables set aside for diners with four-legged companions. I Read more.
Dog-Friendly Hide-aways in Mendocino
If seclusion is your thing, you’ll find plenty of it in big, diverse Mendocino County. DogTrekkers who love being shooshed to sleep by the waves should check out the possibilities at Serenisea, a blufftop cluster of cottages and vacation-home rentals, many of them dog-friendly, three miles north of Gualala on the county’s south coast. Also near the water is Howard Creek Ranch Inn, a historic, Read more.
Of Cottages and Vines
When in wine country with your pooch, it’s ever so nice to retreat to the deck of your own private cabin for an evening repast. At the dog-welcoming Creekside Inn in the Russian River Valley burg of Guerneville, you can do just that while admiring ancient redwoods to the sound track of a burbling brook. Dawn Ranch Lodge, on the Russian River just west of Guerneville, is another dog-friendly Read more.
Coastal Cruising
September on the California coast brings the clearest weather of the year, making it an ideal month to take in the scenery and chase waves. Our favorite dog-friendly coastal-cabin hideouts start with a trio of 1940s and ‘50s era motels—Sea Breeze Inn & Cottages,Andril Fireplace Cottages; and Bide-A-Wee Inn & Cottages—in the Monterey Peninsula town of Pacific Grove. All are wit Read more.
Tahoe time
Tahoma Meadows Cottages.
If crowds get you down, visit Lake Tahoe in September or October. You won’t quite have the place to yourselves, but relative to summer holiday weekends, Read more.
Reserving a Spot for You and Spot
So, a friend told you about a great place to camp with your dog. But how do you make reservations? Here are three places to start:
• Reserve America handles reservations for 572 federal, state, private and regional park district campgrounds in California (a dog icon designates those that are dog-friendly).
• Recreation.gov is an umbrella site for reservable activit Read more.
Pawsitively Perfect
We’re not claiming to be personally familiar with every campground in Northern California, but our experiences at these dog-friendly sites have been pawsitive enough to keep us coming back. Whether you overnight in an RV or a tent, put these on your list. Read more.
Dog-friendly Campground Etiquette
At most campsites, rules call for dogs to be leashed and to sleep either in your tent or in your vehicle. Obviously, you can’t cook or build a campfire with a leash in your hand, so unless your pooch is a couch potato, you’ll want to think ahead about how to temporarily tether her so she won’t run into the road or take off after a squirrel while your back is turned. Read more.
Dog-friendly Redding Trails
With 100 miles of trails within 10 miles of Redding’s city center, and many more beyond, it’s easy to understand why Redding is considered to be the Trail Capital of California. These trails of varying degrees of difficulty, from easy to rolling hills to moderate climbs, have one thing in common - both you and your pups are welcome. Read more.
Don’t Wait: Check Out Highway 88
There’s more to the Tahoe Basin than just the famous lake. Scoot south to the Highway 88/Carson Pass corridor and you’ll encounter a high, rugged world dotted with lakes and laced with trails where a well behaved Bella can accompany you unleashed. Read more.
More ways to play at Lake Tahoe
Who says you can’t take your dog swimming at Lake Tahoe? True, there are only a few places in South Shore where you can, Read more.
Folsom For You and Your Dog
Johnny Cash may have put Folsom on America's musical map, but visitors don't sing the blues once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at the western gateway to California Gold Country. Read more.
Yosemite Region Highs
Think of Yosemite, and the famous national park comes immediately to mind. Yet the rugged landscapes that characterize the park don’t stop at its boundaries. The Yosemite Region encompasses parts of four counties, and dog-friendly fun comes easily in them all. Read more.
Explore Sacramento and Folsom
Buddy jumped 26 feet at Splash Dogs in Folsom
No, gold wasn’t found in Sacramento or Folsom. But both cities played huge roles in the Gold Rush as supply centers, and both celebrate that legacy today. Old Sacramento and the Folsom Historic District are great places to explore with your pooch. Browse the shops, soak up some history and enjoy a meal at a patio café before heading ou Read more.
See Sierra County
Want to steer clear of summer crowds? Sierra County in the northern reaches of Gold County wins loyal fans among those who take time to explore its many treasures. Home to fewer than 4,000 souls, this slice of rural, laid-back Northern California feels as pristine and fresh as it did 50 years ago. Our suggestion: Make a loop trip along the 170-mile Yuba-Donner Scenic Byway, stopping for Read more.
Tails in Tuolumne County
Like other parts of Gold Country extending into the High Sierra, Tuolumne County is rich in rugged scenery. It’s also a great place to learn about the colorful and convoluted history of a region that today is cherished for its hiking, fishing, river-rafting, camping and sightseeing opportunities. Columbia State Historic Park and Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, a stone’s throw fro Read more.
Treasure in El Dorado County
El Dorado county contains many recognizable-at-a-glance sites, most notable among them Lake Tahoe. But the Highway 50 and historic Highway 49 corridors through this scenic slice of California hold many other cultural and recreational attractions. In summer, Sacramento-area residents in search of a quick change of scenery head an hour up Highway 50 to Sly Park Recreation Area in Pollock Pines. T Read more.
Nevada County Now
Nevada County hugs the northern side of the Interstate 80 corridor from just northeast of Auburn all the way to Truckee, harboring within its bounds a great variety of attractions for DogTrekkers. Our suggestion: Make base camp history-filled Nevada City, perhaps at the Northern Queen Inn, offering several styles of accommodations on 34 leg-stretching acres. Read more.
Angles on Amador County
In summer, water rules, and Amador County offers many options, from Camanche Reservoir in the foothills to beautiful Silver Lake in the Eldorado National Forest near Carson Pass. If you’re a camper, fisher-person, hiker or boater, put these lakes on your summer “must-do” list and reserve a campsite early if staying over a weekend. Read more.
Calaveras County Rambles
A benefit of living in densely populated Bay Area and Central Valley cities is how little time it takes to leave them behind when the cool promise of the Sierra Nevada calls. Our suggestion: Snag a dog-friendly vacation rental in hip-and-happening Murphys, make a dinner reservation for a patio table at Alchemy and spend an afternoon wine-tasting with your pup along the main drag or at wineries Read more.
Best Ocean Beaches
When it comes to blue-ribbon beaches, DogTrekker.com gives top honors to strands where dogs under voice control can legally romp leash-free. There aren’t many in Northern California, but these three will definitely set your pup’s tail a-waggin’. Read more.
Paws on Pillows
Maximo, Hotel Rex Ambassador
When it comes to dog-friendly hotels in the City by the Bay, two trustworthy brands and many individual stars stand out. Joie de Vivre, largest operator of boutique hotels in California, has seven dog-friendly properties in San Francisco, none of which impose breed or weight restrictions or charge extra for canine guests. Policies vary a bit from hotel to hotel, but i Read more.
Exploring the Urban Forest
Most visitors to San Francisco never make it to the upper reaches of the Presidio, a 1,500-acre former U.S. Army base transferred to the national park system in 1996. And that’s a doggone shame, especially for DogTrekkers unaware of the 24 miles of trails winding along the Presidio’s coastal bluffs, through shady forests and past historic sites and neighborhoods that seem a world remo Read more.
Splash Down
The America’s Cup sailing showdown comes to San Francisco this summer and fall, and there’s no reason you and your four-legged friend can’t share the excitement sure to be generated by those high-tech yachts hydroplaning around the bay. They’ll be visible from many vantage points; if you can see the bay, you can watch the races live (although you’ll get better inte Read more.
Lift Off!
Gabe on Northstar Lake
Sure, you can hike your way up to Sierra Nevada ridge lines, but in North Lake Tahoe, you can also “cheat” and get a lift. Northstar California and Palisades Tahoe are kicking off their summer seasons early this year due to the light snow pack, and at both resorts, dogs are allowed to ride up with their people on designated lifts. Read more.
DogTrekker Welcomes the Tri-Valley
Just over the hills from the San Francisco Bay Area lies a verdant region known for its mild climate, award-winning wines, historic town centers and dog-friendly attitudes. Agriculture still … Continued Read more.
Open Letter to Elizabeth Goldstein
Open letter to Elizabeth Goldstein, President, California State Parks Foundation
Dear Ms. Goldstein:
As co-founder and managing partner of DogTrekker.com, I was disappointed when I received your most recent 2013 California
State Parks Foundation survey. As the non-profit, non-governmental advocate for our California State Parks system, the foundation has done a tremendous job of raising awaren Read more.
Paw of Approval Lodging
DogTrekker.com appreciates feedback from our readers, and one of the most-asked questions we get is, “when are you planning to add the Central Coast, and more specifically, San Luis Obispo County, to the destinations you cover?” As promised, the San Luis Obispo County pages have been launched with more than 150 listings featuring dog-friendly lodging, chow, hikes, splash zones, attr Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Charity Miles
Sometimes when I'm running, or hiking with my pup I start to think of the amount of time I spend doing these activities and, while they make me personally feel good, what are they doing for the betterment of society? I know, deep questions for a Wednesday. Read more.
Paws for a Rest
While the Tri-Valley region is within commuting distance of millions of Bay Area and Sacramento residents, those coming for special events often prefer to spend the night. Read more.
Down in Del Valle
Willow at Del Valle Regional Park
A regional plan adopted in the early 1990s to revitalize agriculture and limit urban sprawl is largely responsible for preserving the Tri-Valley region's semi-rural character. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Skate Dog Studios
I am a California girl born in the mid '70's, which explains my fascination with board sports, specifically skateboarding and surfing. Unfortunately I am not the most coordinated person out but now I have found a way to incorporate the art of skateboards into my dog's world, and not in a circus animal kind of way. Today's Wednesday Woofable comes to us from Skate D Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Molly Mutt
It's no secret that dogs sleep a lot. My dog can power sleep for 9-10 hours at a time, day or night. She even puts herself to bed with a little hrumph at around 9:30 p.m. every night. Besides needing as much beauty sleep as she can get I think one of the reasons she likes to sleep so much is her bed is so stylish and comfy! Today's Wednesday Woofable supports both of those criteria as well Read more.
Gem of a Find in the South Bay
It can be hard to find a place where you can legally cut that pesky umbilical cord, otherwise known as a leash, that ties you and your furry friend together. Read more.
Down By the Riverside
Not all hikes lead to a specific destination, but those that do are rewarding—especially when the weather is warm, the destination wet and the scenery in between bright green and streaked with patches of purple lupine and smears of yellow goldfields. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Weather Puppy
If you are anything like me you like to know what the weather is, what it's going to be and if you and your dog are going to get to hike on any given day. Now, I am obsessive about the weather, I check it constantly, and not just locally. Read more.
What a Rush
Blasting down Interstate 80 through Fairfield, it’s hard to believe that just a few miles off the highway lies a 2,070-acre swath of landscape little changed since before suburban sprawl began claiming the surrounding hills. Read more.
Is Yosemite Dog-Friendly?
“Is Yosemite dog-friendly?” That’s one of the questions most commonly asked by DogTrekker readers. The answer depends on how “Yosemite” is defined. We at DogTrekker define it as the four-county region surrounding Yosemite National Park. Read more.
The many sides of Mendocino County
Photo by Visit Mendocino.
If there's one destination in Northern California that really rolls out the red carpet for your pooch, it's Mendocino County. Pet-friendly properties such as Stanford Inn by the Sea, Little River Inn, and the Beachcomber Motel welcome you and your pup with open arms, treats and amenities, while dozens of restaurants have patio tables set aside for diners with four-legged companions. Read more.
Beaching It in South SLO County
Kayla taking a stroll in Pismo beach
SLO County’s south coast extends from land-locked Arroyo Grande through the beach towns of Oceano, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach, Shell Beach and Avila. Read more.
SLO North Coast Paradise
San Luis Obispo County’s North Coast is a tail-wagging, 31-mile stretch of California shoreline on Highway 1. The route begins with a quick jaunt from San Luis Obispo west on Los Osos Valley Road to the coastal hamlet of Los Osos. Read more.
Exploring Historic Downtown SLO
Hounds in search of culture and history will be right at home in the city of San Luis Obispo. The hub of the county, SLO town’s beginnings trace back to 1772, when Father Junípero Serra built Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, the fifth in the historical chain of 21 missions that create the El Camino Real. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Fun Time Dog Shop
Sometimes your dog just needs a few of the basics. Maybe a new bed, a dog bowl or a toy. Sure, you could easily just go by a pet store or you could check out Fun Time Dog Shop. What's super awesome, besides their selection, about this online dog (and cat) store is that all of the proceeds go to helping shelters across the country! Read more.
A Toast to Spring
Pups at Lambert Bridge
So many wineries are dog-friendly these days that it’s rare to visit one without spotting a least a couple of canines wagging their tails while their happy owners swirl and sip. Sprawling Sonoma County offers many ways and places for the two of you to enjoy a wine-centric outing together, and you don’t have to go far from the historic Sonoma Plaza to get st Read more.
Take a walk on the wild side: Mendocino in spring.
Mendocino County in spring is an emerald wonderland that begs to be admired, and there’s no better way to do so than to don a pair of hiking shoes and take to the hills. Read more.
Flower Power
Not all botanical gardens are dog-friendly, but we know some that are—and if you’re into tulips and other early-blooming florals, now’s the time for the two of you to watch spring springing into action. Read more.
Choose Redding!
The city of Redding is your DogTrekker.com approved Passport for Adventure in Northern California. In addition to the dozens of dog-friendly waterfalls near Redding (see adjoining Fall for the Cascades story). Redding has over 100 miles of dog-friendly trails within 10 miles of the city center. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Preppy Pup Coats
So I'm not usually one to dress my dog up, except in World Champion SF Giants t-shirts! But, this morning on our walk I did think about the chill in the air, and of course wanting to keep her stylish I started to wonder if there was a way to keep her warm and on trend. Read more.
Knock on Madera
Madera County notches into Yosemite National Park via Highway 41, segments of which are included on an 87-mile scenic loop known as the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. Read more.
Mono Vision
Mono County in the Eastern Sierra is connected to Yosemite National Park via Highway 120, the “Tioga Road,” which crests the Sierra Nevada at 9,943-foot Tioga Pass, traverses the park and exits 59 miles later at the Big Oak Flat portal in Tuolumne County. Read more.
Moseying Around Mariposa County
The Highway 140 corridor through Mariposa County leads to the Arch Rock entrance to Yosemite National Park, offering plenty of recreational opportunity along its winding way. Read more.
Fall for the Cascades
Brandy Falls at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area
Northern California DogTrekkers are probably more familiar with the geographic features of the Sierra Nevada mountain range than with the Shasta Cascades that define the landscape around Redding. Read more.
Fairway For Families
Tetley at Fairway Falls
There’s no need to work up a sweat on a waterfall hike, especially if the hike is a family-friendly, one-mile round trip to Fairway Falls, also known as Arroyo de San Jose Falls. This seasonal gusher offers its best rewards just after a hard rain, when a swath of water takes a fierce, 30-foot tumble through a forested ravine into a rock-lined pool and the fast Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Duke and Winston
Today's Wednesday Woofable is all about understated style and fashion, for your dog and you! Duke & Winston is a casual menswear line based in Philadelphia that also has a limited dog line, and we are smitten. Read more.
Hear the Roar
California’s best-known cataract is 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls, a voice-drowning, three-stage gusher that roars like a highway during snow-melt season. And yes, your leashed dog is welcome to enjoy views that will put a smile on your face, a crick in your neck and a wag in Fido’s tail. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Steadfast Friends
It’s no secret that I love my dog, and I love to proclaim that love in many different ways. So continuing with the multitude of ways I can show how happy I am to have a four-legged companion today’s Wednesday Woofable helps do just that. Steadfast Friends has created awesome iPhone cases and temporary tattoos of dog silhouettes, and even better, 10% of all revenue goes to the Canine Ch Read more.
Exploring Marin County with your dog
You’ve seen the views a million times in photographs, but if you haven’t soaked them up yourself, what are you waiting for? The Marin Headlands, that hilly peninsula on the Marin County side of the Golden Gate Bridge, is best known for views of the iconic structure, but with a little exploring, you’ll come to know it in a different way. Read more.
Sand and Sea With Your Dog
When the urge to brush sand out of your dog’s coat becomes irresistible, throw a towel and a dog brush in the car and take off to enjoy one of Marin’s dog-friendly beaches. Read more.
Paws For a Night
Marin is loaded with pet-friendly lodging, but why not follow the “green” theme for which the county is known and choose a property that verifiably adheres to sustainable practices? Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Rifle Paper Co.
Honestly, I always have the best intentions when it comes to thank you cards, but, my best intentions are not always realized. Today’s Wednesday Woofable is from Rifle Paper Co. and they are so cute they are sure to turn intentions into realities-at least I hope so. Read more.
Cupid calls in Mendocino
If you’re in the mood for a secluded getaway—no traffic, few people, plenty of room to hold hands with your partner and roam with your dog—look no farther than a splurge weekend with Sheep Dung Properties, whose architecturally stunning modern cottages in a rural setting will have you shedding your city jitters in no time. Read more.
Love Is A Cabin In Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove, the picturesque community on the northern tip of the dog-friendly Monterey Peninsula, is cabin central for DogTrekkers who revel in coming back to a kitchen, a living area and maybe a fireplace after a brisk coastal stroll. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: The Treasure Island Flea
I admit it, I am always looking for new places to do a little shopping on the weekends. Well, this Wednesday Woofable involves two of my favorite things, my dog and shopping! The Treasure Island Flea is Saturday and Sunday (January 26 and 27) 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and it's dog friendly. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: The Tiny Tim Collection by John Bartlett
I don’t know about you, but this morning when I stepped outside to walk my four-legged pal it was down right freezing. To help combat the chilly winter temps we are experiencing here on the west coast today’s Wednesday Woofable is all about staying warm, with CFDA Award winning designer John Bartlett, and helping animals at the same time. Read more.
Mining Good Times
From the late 1800s to the early 1990s, as many as 900 miners at a time labored to remove nearly 4 millions tons of coal—“black diamonds”—from the ground in what is now Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve near Antioch in Contra Costa County.
Read more.
Tri-Valley Perfecta
One of the unique bits of real estate in the Tri-Valley region is the Iron Horse Regional Trail, which runs along the former Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties.
Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Chester and Company
The holidays have come and gone and it's time to settle back into the routine of everyday life. If you are like me, you have a little bit of extra moolah burning a hole in your wallet, thank you aunt Connie for putting the gift receipt in the slipper sock box. I have decided I will invest that extra cash in a super cute pendant to remind me of my four-legged friend when I'm at the off Read more.
Not Just For Flakes
Wishy-washy about when to plan a dog-friendly winter getaway to Tahoe? Mark your calendar for March 1-10, when North Lake Tahoe SnowFest is in process. This family-friendly series of events is the favorite winter week of the year for many locals and chock-full of activities ranging from tame (snow-queen pageant) to just plain wacky. (Human bowling, anyone?) Read more.
Winter hiking in Tahoe
Sometimes you just want to walk the dog, not make a big, equipment-heavy production of it. At Tahoe, warm boots should suffice on most winter days if you stay around lake level, where snow comes and goes throughout the season. Read more.
Paws, Poles and Snowshoes
Janet and Bo. Photo Janet Fullwood
Anywhere there’s snow, you can snowshoe. Your hound, however, won’t float atop fresh powder like you do. He risks post-holing, floundering in tree wells or even breaking through a snow bridge and falling into an icy stream if you don’t have enough backcountry experience to recognize the hazards. Read more.
DogTrekkers Four-Paw Salute To Our Sponsors
A recap of 2012 wouldn't be complete without a four-paw salute to the supporting sponsors of DogTrekker.com. All of these destinations have partnered with us this year, helping to fund important research into the fun and safe places for our readers to stay, chow-down, hike, splash and have fun with their pups.
Just as important as the research, all of these partners have ente Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: A Toy For Every Dog
Everyone deserves a present on Christmas morning, especially shelter dogs! For today’s Wednesday Woofable we are letting you pick the present. You see, there is an awesome toy drive happening, A Toy For Every Pup. From now until January 15, 2013 ATFEP is collecting new toys to give to shelter dogs in San Francisco. Read more.
Road Trip
We know you like to travel with your canine companion; that’s what DogTrekker is all about. In the past year, we’ve loaded up our four-legged friends, hit the road and uncovered some great places to stay and play on trips that took us out of our usual weekend orbits. From hikes among the redwoods in Humboldt County to dog-friendly botanic gardens on the Central Coast, our aim is to Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Soggy Doggy Doormat
Winter is here and if your dog is anything like ours yesterday’s rain brought a trail of little paw prints throughout the house. We’ve all had the experience of a rainy day walk and the not so fun task of trying to dry our four-legged pal off sufficiently before letting them back in the house. Luckily, we here at DogTrekker have found the ultimate wet-dog dryer, The Soggy Doggy Doormat Read more.
Off-Leash Rompin’ In The Redwoods
Let's face it: hiking is not much fun when your dog is pulling you down the path. In Humboldt County, home to the tallest trees on Earth, both of you can break free from the leash. Here are the areas where you and yours can enjoy a fragrant scamper among the redwoods or along the gorgeous Redwood Coast. Read more.
Beachcombing with Bravo on the Redwood Coast
Humboldt County’s 100-mile-long Redwood Coast is a misty and majestic slice of California that should be on every DogTrekker’s bucket list. While redwood trees are the stars, the beaches are magnificent—and on many of them, your four-legged friend can romp free within the wave slope. Time your visit to arrive at low tide to stay within regulations—and watch out, especially Read more.
Sleep It Off
There’s nothing like a day in the outdoors—and especially the foggy outdoors—to make a hot shower and hotel room, even a simple one, feel like a million bucks. In Humboldt County, you won’t have to look hard or far to find an establishment that welcomes both you and your four-legged friend.
In the heart of the redwoods and on the Avenue of the Giants, Miranda Gardens Reso Read more.
Hunting for Bigfoot
Photo by Eddie Suh.
It’s always cool on the Redwood Coast, so don’t worry about leaving Sparky in the car while you spend half an hour at the Willow Creek-China Flat Bigfoot Museum (open May-October), where you’ll see film footage, footprint casts and other artifacts related to the hairy hominid that has even earned a starring role in the county’s tourism marketing campaign. (Hey, you gotta be Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: Dog Silhouette Dry Erase Decals
Here at DogTrekker HQ we love organization, in fact we especially love to do lists. We have lists of calls we need to make, articles that we want to write, we have even been known to have a shopping list or two hanging around. The lists reside on yellow stickies, pads of paper and even some electronic lists (we heart Evernote), all waiting to be done. Imagine our excitement when we found these ado Read more.
Good Doggone Fun
Let's say your IPO just came in—or maybe you uncovered a cache of extra cash to spend on yourself and your four-legged partner. If you hike or hunt, we know you're already craving the Garmin Astro, a tracking receiver and transmitter set that uses GPS technology to map your dog's movements. And if you're into photography, it's hard to resist the possibilities presented Read more.
The Bark On Shopping Local
Shopping local isn’t just good for your community, it provides a satisfying, hands-on experience and the opportunity to consult with experts, which can be of major help when it comes to picking a great gift for your best friend. Read more.
One-of-a-kind Cool Gifts
One-of-a-kind gifts carry a different connotation than mass-produced goods. Even if you can’t personally meet the crafter, you can usually feel the love. That’s certainly the case with Paco Collars, the Berkeley-based crafter of one-of-a-kind, bling-enhanced collars, leashes and tags that make an undeniable fashion statement. Completely different in style are the colorful and distin Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs
Are you scratching you head wondering what to purchase for your dog-loving friend this holiday season? Tired of the same old dog toy or basket of treats? This year take the literary road and order The Big New Yorker Book of Dogs. Read more.
Pet Gifts that Keep On Giving
Perhaps the nicest thing a dog-lover can do to show support for the canine world is to help dogs in need find loving homes. The ways to do so, aside from adopting another pet yourself, are as endless as the stream of abandoned pups pouring through shelter and rescue-organization doors. Read more.
Shopping On A Leash
Dogs at Cypress Inn
The boutiques and galleries in Carmel Village are seriously intriguing, and not just for window shopping. Look for the water bowls on the sidewalk; they’re a good indicator that dogs are welcome inside. (A hitching post, on the other hand, is a hint that furry friends should wait out front while their people pull out their credit cards.) Read more.
Beachy Keen
In early morning, canines of every make and model can be seen romping happily on the sugar-fine sand that graces a beach situated just below the ninth hole at world renowned Pebble Beach Golf Links. Read more.
Chow Down With Charlie
Kayla & Truman at Carmel Cafe
Carmel-by-the-Sea is nirvana for dogs and the people who love them, and that's as true when it comes to restaurants as it is with the town's glorious leash-free beach. Start your morning with a scone and a mocha latte savored at an outdoor table at Carmel Valley Roasting Company—or, should you care to greet the day with a scenic journey along 17-Mil Read more.
See the Sea
It was half a century ago, in 1962, that Point Reyes National Seashore north of San Francisco was created to preserve a magnificent stretch of coastline and the farmlands abutting it. Although dogs are allowed on only three beaches within the preserve, the always refreshing rewards of a visit make it well worth the drive. Read more.
Bridge for All Seasons
Cavallo Point
For 75 years, the Golden Gate Bridge has been the symbol of San Francisco — and one that never grows less beautiful with the passing of time. It's no longer legal to walk over the bridge with a dog, but there are many trails-with-a-view from which to admire it in the city and in adjacent Marin County. Read more.
Wednesday Woofable: FourandSons
Here at DogTrekker we are all about traveling with your dog, as you know, but sometimes something so awesome crosses our path we just have to bark about it…the website Four&Sons is just that. This site is all about dogs and dog-centric content but from a design perspective and with an extremely strong editorial approach. Read more.
Drink Up The Scenery
The Marin Municipal Water District, responsible for the preservation of 20,000 acres of pristine watershed land on Mount Tamalpais, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, giving you something to think about as you and Rex stretch your legs on the district's 130 miles of trails and dirt roads. Your four-legged friend will have to stay leashed and away from streams and reservoirs, so be Read more.
Dog-friendly Folsom
Johnny Cash may have put Folsom on America's mental map. but visitors don't sing the blues once they experience the vitality of this historic little city at the western gateway to California Gold Country. Read more.
Tail-Waggin’ Gold Country Farm Trails
For many Northern California families (dogs included, of course) autumn wouldn’t be autumn without a trip to the Apple Hill region of El Dorado County, where pie shops, u-pick orchards, pumpkin patches, wineries, hay rides and all sorts of other activities await. Most of the 55 or so family-owned “ranches” between Placerville and Pollock Pines extend a friendly paw to Do Read more.
Fall Walk With Fido
If you’re not already packed up and headed for the hills, get moving! The first week of October is prime time for fall foliage in the upper elevations of Gold Country, and right now extensive stands of quaking aspen in Hope Valley, Donner Lake and elsewhere in the Lake Tahoe basin are dressed in their autumn best. The Highway 88/Carson Pass corridor, with its string of silvery lakes tucked Read more.
