The Highlands sits in the redwood-dotted hills above Guerneville, far enough from town to feel genuinely quiet but close enough to the Russian River that you can walk there with your dog in about ten minutes. It’s the kind of place where you’ll actually hear yourself think—no highway noise, just trees and the occasional bird.

The resort operates as a mix of cabin rentals and camping spots. They’ve got a pool on the property, which your dog can’t swim in but can hang around while you cool off, as long as they’re leashed the whole time. There are homemade cookies available, which is a nice unexpected touch after a day of hiking.

Here’s what matters if you’re bringing a dog: there’s a $100 non-refundable fee per stay, and dogs are only allowed in certain cabins. You’ll need to book one of these specific units in advance—they don’t assign them on arrival. Once you’re there, your dog can’t be left alone in the cabin at any point, which means you’ll need to plan accordingly if you want to go anywhere without them.

The rules are strict because they take the quiet seriously. Dogs need to be well-behaved with no barking that bothers other guests, and they must be leashed whenever outside (maximum 6-foot leash, Sonoma County law). There’s no off-leash romping on the property itself, though the staff can point you toward actual dog parks and off-leash areas in the surrounding area.

You’re responsible for cleaning up after your dog and paying for any damage—and they count garden damage in that category, so keep that in mind if your dog gets digging urges. If you can work with these parameters and want a genuinely peaceful spot in the redwoods, it’s a solid choice. Just call ahead to confirm dog-friendly cabin availability for your dates.