The Sacramento River National Recreation Trail in Redding stretches 20 miles along the river, connecting the striking Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay Exploration Park to Shasta Dam. It’s a paved multipurpose trail that’s seen recent expansion, with an 11-mile segment added to the original 9-mile portion, giving you plenty of options depending on how far you want to go with your dog.

Dogs are welcome here, and the well-maintained paths make it genuinely easy to walk at whatever pace works for both of you. The trail hugs the Sacramento River for most of the route, so you get constant water views and the sound of the river as a backdrop. I’d recommend starting near Turtle Bay if you want a shorter walk with good parking and facilities nearby. From there, you can head out as far as you’re comfortable going and turn back the same way. The terrain is pretty straightforward since it’s paved, which is nice if your dog isn’t great at navigating rocky sections.

The 20-mile total length is a bit misleading if you think you need to do it all at once. Most people I’ve seen do 3 to 8-mile stretches depending on their dog’s age and energy level. The trail gets decent shade in some sections, especially closer to Turtle Bay, but there are long stretches where you’re pretty exposed, so plan your timing during cooler parts of the day if you’re visiting in summer.

Bring water for both you and your dog—there aren’t many reliable water sources along the trail itself. Waste bags are essential since the trail is busy with other walkers and cyclists. The path is wide enough that you won’t feel cramped when other people pass, which is nice for dogs that get anxious around crowds. If you’re looking to break up a longer walk, there are several spots where you can step off the trail to let your dog rest in the shade near the water.