Stoney Creek Trail in Gasquet sits in Del Norte County‘s rugged landscape, offering a straightforward 1-mile bluff hike along the north fork of the Smith River. The trail ends where Stoney Creek flows into the river—a natural focal point that makes for a satisfying turnaround spot.

What makes this hike work well with dogs is the moderate difficulty and the river setting itself. You’re walking through thick woods the whole way, so there’s plenty of shade even on warm days. The trail stays close enough to the water that you get those soothing sounds of the river throughout your walk, and the forest canopy keeps things cool. It’s the kind of place where you can actually relax instead of just pushing through.

Dogs hike here regularly, and the trail handles leashed dogs without issue. The path itself is stable enough that you won’t be scrambling over rocks the whole time, which is good news if your dog isn’t a technical scrambler. There are natural spots where the trail widens slightly, giving you room to step aside if other hikers come through.

The main thing to know is that this is a real forest hike—not a manicured park walk. You’ll see Douglas fir and redwoods, creek vegetation, and actual dirt trail. Bring water for both of you since there’s no water service at the trailhead, and the river water isn’t the best option even for filtering. The Smith River area can be muddy, especially in winter and spring, so expect your dog’s paws to be wet and grimy by the end.

This works best as a morning outing when the trail is quietest. Give yourself about 45 minutes round trip including a brief pause at the creek confluence. It’s a genuine piece of the Redwood Coast rather than a destination hike, which is exactly what makes it work.