Russian River Getaways rents out vacation homes across the communities between Santa Rosa and the coast—Guerneville, Forestville, Monte Rio, Cazadero, Duncans Mills, and Jenner. The properties are dog-friendly, though policies vary by rental, so you’ll want to call ahead to confirm what each place allows and whether there are any pet fees or deposits. Most don’t charge extra for dogs, which is a nice bonus.

The main thing to know: many properties let dogs on the furniture, so you should bring your own sheets if you think yours will end up on the couch. Before you leave, vacuum thoroughly to keep things clean for the next guests. It’s a small courtesy that keeps the rentals welcoming for everyone.

The appeal here is location. You’re in the heart of Sonoma County redwood country with the Russian River running through it. The trails around Guerneville and the surrounding towns are excellent for walking with a dog—shaded, often near water, with plenty of spots to let them splash around. The riverbanks themselves are generally accessible and give dogs room to move. Several nearby parks have dog-friendly areas too, so you can vary your days without driving far.

Evenings work well here. If your rental has a fire pit, you can sit outside and watch the smoke drift through the trees. Local wine shops are scattered throughout Guerneville if you want to pick up a bottle. The whole region has a relaxed feel—you’re not dealing with the crowded beach towns you’d hit further west, but you’ve got actual nature to explore instead of just hiking out for dinner.

The rentals themselves range in style and amenities depending on which property you book, so look at the individual listings carefully. Some will have decks overlooking the river or redwoods, which is where you’ll spend most of your time anyway. Winter brings rainfall and muddy trails, so spring through fall is your best bet if you don’t want constantly dirty paws.