Secret Trail Brewing Company sits in Chico’s emerging beverage district, a 3,200 square foot operation where you can watch the 15-barrel brewing system in action while sitting outside with your dog. The setup works well because they’ve got plenty of outdoor seating, so there’s real space for dogs to settle in while you work through their lineup of beers.

What makes this place different is their focus on local ingredients and a mix of both traditional styles and their own experiments. If you’re the type who wants to understand what you’re drinking, you can actually see where it’s being made—the tasting room opens right onto the production floor. On a decent day, you’ll want to grab a spot outside anyway. The brewery sits in an area that’s still developing, so it has that neighborhood feel rather than a tourist trap vibe.

Chico itself has good hiking nearby—Bidwell Park is the obvious choice with miles of trails and the Sacramento River running through it. Secret Trail Brewing is convenient for a post-hike stop if you’re coming from that direction, though I’d check their website first to confirm current hours and what’s on tap that day. They do events and special releases, which is worth knowing about if you’re planning a trip specifically around them.

The dog situation is genuinely relaxed here. No pretense about it—they just let dogs hang in the outdoor area, which matters because you won’t feel like you’re imposing or that anyone’s watching you nervously. Bring water for your dog though, especially if you’re staying for more than one beer. The outdoor seating can get warm on afternoons, and Chico summers are legitimately hot.