Clear Creek Greenway Trail in Redding is a 3.5-mile path that follows the creek through landscape shaped by California’s gold rush history. What makes it special now isn’t the mining though—it’s the salmon. From late fall through early winter, you can stand at the Gorge Overlook and watch Chinook salmon spawn in the creek below. Your dog will definitely pick up on the energy of the water and activity, even if they don’t quite understand what’s happening.

The trail itself is easy to moderate, which means most dogs handle it without trouble. It winds through thick vegetation that provides real shade on hot days, and there are plenty of spots to stop and let your dog wade or drink from the creek. You’ll likely see deer, rabbits, and various birds along the way. The path is well-maintained and not crowded, so you won’t have to navigate around lots of other hikers.

Bring more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you’re going in warmer months. Your dog will want to splash in the creek, which is fine, but they’ll also get thirsty from the walking and the excitement. There are good resting spots throughout where you can sit on rocks or grassy banks while your dog catches their breath.

Keep your dog on leash the whole way—it protects them from the water hazards and wildlife, and keeps the local deer and other animals from getting stressed. The creek can move quickly in certain spots, and you don’t want your dog getting swept downstream. Also clean up after your dog; the trail is used by a lot of people and it’s not hard to pack out what you pack in.

The combination of shade, water access, and the interesting sights and smells of a working salmon stream makes this feel like something special compared to typical hiking trails.