Don’t leave your camera behind. Feather Falls National Scenic Trail offers you an incredible view of Bald Rock Dome, Bald Rock Canyon, and the 640-foot waterfall, Feather Falls. Your dog will handle this hike just fine, though it’s worth knowing what you’re getting into before you drive out to Oroville.

The trail to the falls forks about a quarter of a mile down the path. The lower trail to the left is shorter at about 3.5 miles, but more difficult due to occasionally steep elevation changes—this route is primarily downhill to the falls three-quarters of the way, then primarily uphill for the final quarter. The upper trail to the right is about 4.5 miles and makes the trip to the falls much more gradually, which some hikers prefer if their dog isn’t used to steep sections. Either way, the trails join again just before the final three-quarters of a mile climb to the Feather Falls overlook.

Plan for a minimum of four to five hours to complete the entire nine-mile loop. Bring significantly more water than you think you’ll need—this is a remote area with no facilities once you leave the trailhead, and you’ll both be working hard. Pack a first aid kit as well. Poison oak grows thickly along much of the path, so familiarize yourself with what it looks like before you go and watch where your dog is walking. The close of the trail near the falls has safety fences for good reason; don’t let your dog jump over them no matter how curious they are about the view.

The payoff is genuinely worth the effort. Standing at the overlook looking down at that 640-foot drop is the kind of moment that justifies a long day on the trail. Just make sure both of you are properly conditioned for the elevation changes before you start out.