Dog-friendly road trip north: the compass points toward Redding

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Heading north out of Sacramento on Interstate 5, the goal is to base camp in Redding, the Shasta Cascade’s largest city. One of the top sights includes the iconic Sundial Bridge, spanning the Sacramento River. It bisects a paved, 16-mile, dog-friendly trail that eventually leads to Shasta Dam. Redding prides itself as “California’s Trail Capital,” with 225 miles of trails within a 15-mile radius of town. Search trails and download a map here.

It’s hard not to feel something special in the shadow of Mount Shasta’s volcanic peak. The headwaters of the 300-mile Sacramento River gush from a lava tube originating deep within the mountain, and before heading out to explore, you and your pup might want to visit the spot where the icy torrent surfaces in Mount Shasta City Park.

Water is a key element to a successful vacation in the Shasta-Cascade region. Lake Siskiyou is one spot to put on your list. Take in the spectacular views of Mount Shasta from the seven-mile Lake Siskiyou Trail, a beautiful, gentle path circling the lake.
Castle Lake is another of the region’s scenic highlights, while a section of the trout-rich McCloud River with three waterfalls and great fishing just 10 miles from town.

However you plan your time, be sure to include a trip up the Everitt Memorial Highway, a paved road winding 14 miles up the flanks of Mount Shasta for unforgettable hiking trails and views.

As the road climbs from Mount Shasta City (elevation 3,500 feet), the vistas to each side become more and more astounding. To the left, Shasta’s icy summit sparkles between stands of conifers and glacier-scoured landscapes. To the right, a succession of mist-filled valleys recedes to infinity. The road ends at the now closed Ski Bowl winter recreation area at 8,000 feet.

Dogs are allowed anywhere on the network of trails within the Old Ski Bowl ridge line, where even in high summer you can usually walk to the snow. Check in with the Mount Shasta Trails Association for details about these and other dog friendly hikes in the Mount Shasta region.

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