The Putah Creek Reserve Trail is basically a long, relatively flat loop along the north side of Putah Creek in Davis, and it’s one of those walks where your dog will actually be interested in the whole time. You’re walking through riparian habitat with real character — Box Elder, Valley Oaks, Arroyo Willow, Sandbar Willow, wild California Grape, California Wild Rose, and Fremont Cottonwood trees line the path. The vegetation changes enough that it doesn’t feel monotonous, even if the elevation doesn’t.

The important thing to know upfront: stick to the north side of the creek. The south side is all private property, so you’ll need to respect the established trail. Dogs need to stay leashed the whole way, which isn’t a huge constraint on a path like this where you’re mainly just walking and looking at trees and the water.

There are several different access points scattered around Davis, so depending on where you’re coming from, you can probably find a convenient entry point rather than driving across town. This flexibility is actually helpful if you just want a quick outing instead of committing to the full loop.

The trail itself is pretty straightforward — flat and easy to navigate with your dog on a regular walking pace. You’re never far from the creek, and depending on the season, you might see wildlife using the water and vegetation, which keeps dogs engaged without any drama since everything’s spaced out naturally. The light filtering through the cottonwoods is especially nice in late afternoon.

Just remember to bring a poop bag or two — they request that you clean up after your dog — and you’ll be set. The trail doesn’t require any special permits or reservations, just show up during daylight hours and you’re good.