The Mendocino National Forest sprawls across the eastern spur of the Coastal Mountain Range in northwestern California, just a three-hour drive north of San Francisco and Sacramento. This 913,000-acre expanse of mountains, canyons, and forests offers serious outdoor opportunities for anyone traveling with a dog.

All trails throughout the forest are dog-friendly, which means you have real options here. The trail system ranges from casual walks through shaded woodlands to more demanding ridge hikes with sweeping views. You’ll actually see local wildlife on many of these routes—deer are common, and on quieter trails you might spot coyotes in the distance. The terrain varies enough that whether you want a short afternoon walk or a full day of backpacking, you can find something that fits.

Dogs need to stay on leash in developed areas and campgrounds, and they should remain under control throughout. This is pretty standard for national forests and mostly comes down to respecting other visitors and protecting wildlife. The forest has multiple campgrounds that welcome dogs, so you can turn this into a multi-day trip if you want to really explore different sections. Some areas get busier than others, so if you prefer quieter trails, mornings on weekdays work better than weekend afternoons.

A few practical things: bring plenty of water for your dog, especially on longer hikes where shade can be sparse in certain sections. The elevation varies considerably across the forest—some trails start at lower elevations while ridge trails climb significantly—so consider your dog’s fitness level. Wildflower blooms in spring and early summer make hiking particularly nice, though the forest is worth visiting almost any time of year.

Before heading out, check in with the ranger station about current trail conditions. Some routes get washed out seasonally, and it’s helpful to know what to expect. Pack out everything you pack in, including waste, to keep the forest in good shape for the next visitors and their dogs.