Lakes/Rivers
Featured lakes/rivers
Big Bear Lake: a four-paw adventure in Southern California’s alpine country
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake offers a dog-friendly paradise nestled in the picturesque San Bernardino National Forest, just 100 miles northeast of…
Read more about Big Bear Lake: a four-paw adventure in Southern California’s alpine country
Big Bear Marina
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Marina is just a short walk from the village off Big Bear Boulevard with convenient on-site parking, making…
Big Bear Queen Lake Tour
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Queen Lake Tour is the longest-running lake tour in Big Bear Lake, offering a dog-friendly experience for visitors…
Blue Lakes
Blue Lake
Blue Lakes offer a perfect retreat for dog owners seeking a peaceful getaway. Comprising Upper and Lower Blue Lakes, this
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Castaic
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area is one of the largest and most spectacular state water reservoirs in California.
Clear Lake
Clearlake
Clear Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake entirely within the state. Spanning over 68 square miles, this lake offers
Clear Lake State Park
Kelseyville
Clear Lake State Park is on the shores of one of California's largest freshwater lakes. The area is popular for…
Convict Lake
Mammoth Lakes
Convict Lake is located south of Mammoth Lakes and north of Crowley Lake. This scenic area is popular for picnics, fishing, hiking,…
Del Valle Regional Park
Pleasant Hill
Del Valle Regional Park, part of the East Bay Regional Park District, is a 5,000-acre park set amid oak-studded hills.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom
Located at the base of the Sierra foothills, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers opportunities for hiking, biking, running, camping,…
Hampton Inn & Suites Lodi
Lodi
The Hampton Inn and Suites Lodi offers a comfortable and convenient base in the heart of Lodi’s wine country. You’ll…
Hobo Camp Day Use Area
Susanville
Looking for a fun spot to explore with your friends, family, and dogs? Check out the Bureau of Land Management’s…
Horseshoe Lake
Mammoth Lakes
This stunning alpine lake offers a scenic backdrop where your dog can play fetch and go for a swim. Picnic…
Huntington Lake
Lakeshore
Huntington Lake is a popular summer and winter recreation area. This beautiful high sierra lake provides wonderful opportunities for camping,…
Lake Sabrina
Bishop
When the summer heat rolls into Bishop, locals and savvy travelers alike know exactly where to go: up. Less than…
Owens River
Bishop
Just east of Bishop, the Owens River flows through open sagebrush and grassy banks, curving gently beneath the tall ridge…
Phoenix Lake
Ross
No matter what kind of shape you are in, there is a hike at Phoenix Lake for you and your…
Pine Knot Marina
Big Bear Lake
Pine Knot Marina, a full-service marina situated on the picturesque Big Bear Lake in Southern California’s San Bernardino County, offers…
Pleasure Point Marina, LLC
Big Bear Lake
Pleasure Point Marina in Big Bear Lake is a delightful destination for family fun, where you and your furry friends…
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
Pleasant Hill
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area is a 266-acre park that includes an 80-acre lake, ample parking, picnic grounds and miles
Tilden Regional Park
Berkeley
One of the East Bay Regional Park District‘s three oldest parks, Charles Lee Tilden Regional Park has been called the…
Vail Lake
Temecula
Dog-friendly Vail Lake, situated at the base of Oak Mountain just east of Temecula, offers a picturesque setting for outdoor…
Whiskeytown Lake
Whiskeytown
Whiskeytown Lake in Redding, Shasta County, is a dog-friendly picturesque 5-square-mile oasis formed by the stunning Whiskeytown Dam on Clear…
More lakes/rivers
American River Bend Park
Sacramento
American River Bend Park is one of Sacramento’s oldest county parks. A long central road paralleling the river links you…
Antonelli Pond
Santa Cruz
Please note: Natural Bridges State Beach, which is also located on Delaware Ave., (on the opposite side of the street…
Bass Lake
Bass Lake
Bass Lake, located eight miles from Oakhurst in the Sierra Nevada foothills at 3,400 feet elevation, offers a picturesque setting…
Black Butte Lake
Orland
Black Butte Lake was formed in 1963 upon the completion of Black Butte Dam. Located on Stony Creek west of…
Black Point Boat Launch
Novato
Black Point Boat Launch is a very popular two acre site in east Novato, with a newly renovated, single-lane ramp and…
Bon Tempe Lake
Fairfax
The Bon Tempe trailhead is the starting gate to many hikes surrounding Bon Tempe Lake, one of seven reservoirs operated…
Christmas Hill Park
Gilroy
Christmas Hill Park is a 57-acre community park operated by the City of Gilroy. The park provides trails for jogging,…
Cloverdale River Park
Cloverdale
Dog-friendly Cloverdale River Park runs along the west bank of the Russian River in northern Sonoma County.
Coldwater-George Trail
Mammoth Lakes
The dog-friendly Coldwater-George Trail spans approximately 3 miles and boasts a predominantly flat terrain, making it ideal for families with…
Crystal Lake Trail
Mammoth Lakes
Crystal Lake Trail is a scenic 3.2-mile out-and-back hike with stunning panoramic views of Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Don Pedro Lake
La Grange
Don Pedro Lake is a recreational gem in the Sierra Nevada foothills of the Stanislaus National Forest located near the communities of…
Donner Lake
Truckee
Donner Lake in Truckee, Nevada County, is a popular destination in the Gold Country region, offering a variety of activities…
Duck Pass Trail
Mammoth Lakes
The dog-friendly Duck Pass Trail scales the forested hillside behind Coldwater Campground and goes past Arrowhead, Skelton, and Barney lakes…
Eastman Lake
Chowchilla
Eastman Lake is nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills surrounded by grasslands and blue oaks. The lake was created by
Echo Park Lake
Los Angeles
Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, Southern California, offers a range of activities for visitors and their…
Fallen Leaf Lake
South Lake Tahoe
Nestled (oops!) amidst the stunning natural beauty of South Lake Tahoe, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling California…
Forestville River Access
Forestville
The trail leads to a spectacular view, perfect for swimming and enjoying the scenery. Fishing is excellent but challenging. A…
Hensley Lake
Madera
Hensley Lake, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Madera, Yosemite Madera County, is a serene 1,500-acre reservoir formed by…
Hudeman Slough Boat Launch
Sonoma
The Hudeman Slough boat launch is located in the Carneros region of southeastern Sonoma County and provides paddlers access to…
Hurkey Creek Park
Mountain Center
Hurkey Creek Park, situated just 4 miles southeast of Mountain Center in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County, Southern…
Indian Pools
Big Creek
Indian Pools, located along Big Creek in Fresno County’s Central Valley, offers a refreshing escape for both humans and their…
Keeling County Park
Nice
eeling County Park, located in the town of Nice, sits on the shore of Clear Lake. This 1.5-acre park features…
Kern River Canyon
Kernville
Kern River Canyon is a canyon in Kern County, California. It is located east of Bakersfield, and connects the San…
Keswick Reservoir
Redding
Keswick Dam and reservoir are features of the Central Valley Project – Shasta/Tinity River Divisions. The dam creates a 23,800-acre-foot…
Lake Almanor
Chester
Lake Almanor, located in Chester, Plumas County, within the stunning Shasta Cascade region, offers a picturesque destination for water fun…
Lake Alpine Recreation Area
Arnold
Lake Alpine is a High Sierra gem sitting in a forested bowl at 7,350 feet just below Ebbett's Pass on Highway…
Lake Berryessa
Winters
Lake Berryessa, which is managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, is a man-made lake covering nearly 20,000 acres. The Lake…
Lake Fulmor
Idyllwild
Most people who have heard of Lake Fulmor – and there aren’t many – know it for its fishing, but…
Lake George
Mammoth Lakes
At an elevation of 9,250 feet, Lake George is the highest road-accessible lake in Lakes Basin. While swimming isn't permitted…
Lake Gregory Regional Park
Crestline
Located in the community of Crestline, Lake Gregory Regional Park is a hidden gem tucked in the cool cedar and…
Lake Lagunitas
Greenbrae
Lake Lagunitas in the Mount Tamalpais watershed is popular with walkers and stroller-pushers due to its wide trail (actually a…
Lake McClure
Mariposa
Lake McClure, located in Mariposa County in the heart of Gold Country, is a haven for water enthusiasts and nature…
Lake Merced
San Francisco
Lake Merced, located in San Francisco, offers a delightful off-leash area for furry companions at the North Lake area, situated…
Lake Natoma
Sacramento
Lake Natoma, part of Folsom State Recreation Area, is the site of many rowing, sailing, sculling and outrigger canoe regattas…
Lake Pillsbury
Lakeport
Lake Pillsbury is a unique place to visit with your dog in Lake County. This reservoir, surrounded by the Mendocino…
Lake Pillsbury Resort & Marina
Potter Valley
Nestled within the serene beauty of the Mendocino National Forest, Lake Pillsbury Resort & Marina offers a tranquil retreat for…
Lakes Basin Path
Mammoth Lakes
The Lakes Basin Path, a 5.3-mile paved multi-use trail in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, offers a picturesque journey for outdoor…
Long Lake
Truckee
Long Lake is a picture-perfect Sierra getaway spot with crystal-clear waters surrounded by granite outcrops. Getting there requires a half-mile…
Mammoth Pass Trail
Mammoth Lakes
Specializing in dog-friendly travel, they recommend exploring the scenic Mammoth Pass Trail in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County. This 3.5-mile (one-way)…
Mammoth Rock Trail
Mammoth Lakes
Dog-friendly Mammoth Rock Trail in Mammoth Lakes, Mono County, is a picturesque hiking destination in the Eastern Sierra region. This…
Mouth of the Smith River
Smith River
Located at the mouth of the Smith River in Del Norte County on the North Coast, the Mouth of the…
Nicasio Reservoir
Nicasio
Nicasio Reservoir is one of seven reservoirs operated by the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD). This area is open to the pubic for…
North Lake
Bishop
North Lake near Bishop offers serene scenery and outdoor adventure Location and access North Lake, located about 18 miles west…
Panorama Dome Trail
Mammoth Lakes
Panorama Dome Trail begins on Lake Mary Road near the junction with Twin lakes Road. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Paradise Beach
Sacramento
Paradise Beach is located near California State University, Sacramento, on an oxbow bend in the river which creates a cove…
Plasse’s Resort
Pioneer
Plasse's is a summer resort in the old-fashioned sense: Founded in 1853, it's one of the oldest private campgrounds in…
Rollins Lake
Grass Valley
Escape to the country at Rollins Lake, just off I-80, 2 miles from Colfax. This picturesque destination in the Gold…
Rossmoor Bar
Sacramento
Rossmoor Bar is a peninsula, bordered on three sides by the American River. Located in Rancho Cordova, this park provides…
Sabrina Basin Trail
Bishop
Located in the heart of the Eastern Sierra in Inyo County near Bishop, the Sabrina Basin Trail offers a picturesque…
Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake
Shasta Lake, California’s largest reservoir, was created by the construction of Shasta Dam. This massive project, which began during the…
Sherwin Lakes
Mammoth Lakes
Sherwin Lakes is a popular dog walking area for Mammoth locals, with a convenient location near town. This hike has…
Smittle Creek Trail
Woodland
The Smittle Creek Trail in Woodland, Yolo County, is a delightful 2.6-mile path that offers a leisurely stroll along the…
Soulajule Reservoir
Nicasio
Marin Municipal Water District does not actively promote this pretty lake tucked into the hills of North Marin, probably because…
South Lake
Bishop
Situated in the picturesque Eastern Sierra region near Bishop, California, South Lake is a hidden gem that offers a perfect…
Sunset Beach River Park
Forestville
Sunset Beach River Park in Forestville, Sonoma County, offers a serene escape for both humans and their furry companions. This…
Sutter’s Landing Park
Sacramento
Sutter's Landing Park in Sacramento is a 166.83 acre park with multi-use trails, basketball and bocce ball courts, and a…
Taylor Creek
South Lake Tahoe
Taylor Creek is located on the west side of Highway 89, just north of Camp Richardson Road. Overnight camping is…
Trinity Lake
Trinity Center
Trinity Lake in Trinity Center, Shasta County, is a premier destination within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, renowned for its pristine…
Tujunga Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary
Tujunga
The 13-acre Tujunga Ponds site in Sunland was acquired by the Department in 1978, following the CalTrans completion of the…
Twin Falls Overlook
Mammoth Lakes
Access this scenic vista and parking area from Lakes Basin Path and enjoy a panoramic view of Twin Lakes falls,…
Twin Lakes
Mammoth Lakes
Twin Lakes is a popular camping and fishing destination located at the base of Mammoth Mountain's southeastern slope.
Union Reservoir
Bear Valley
Union Reservoir, located in the Stanislaus National Forest in Bear Valley, Calaveras County, offers a serene escape at an elevation…
Utica Reservoir
Bear Valley
Utica Reservoir, located near Bear Valley in Calaveras County’s Gold Country, offers a serene escape for outdoor enthusiasts and their…
Valentine Lake
Mammoth Lakes
There are two routes to Valentine Lake. The Valentine Lake trail begins east of Sherwin Campground. Alternatively, the Sherwin Creek…
Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area
Sacramento
On Interstate 80 at the Yolo Causeway between Davis and Sacramento, you will see signs identifying the dog-friendly Vic Fazio…