Ever skipped an otherwise great outing because your dog couldn’t come along? We all have—and sometimes, it’s because we just didn’t know our options. Here’s one that should be on every DogTrekker’s bucket list: floating with your pup on the Russian River in an inflatable canoe specifically designed to accommodate canines.
Russian River Adventures outfits this adventure for hundreds of DogTrekkers each summer using super-stable SOAR canoes that let all of you travel comfortably on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River out of Healdsburg in Sonoma County. It’s a floating party on summer weekends, so expect plenty of company at the many swimming holes and beaches along the way.
The full-day trip includes a shuttle ride back to headquarters, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. Pack sunscreen, a picnic lunch and drinks for the people in your party (don’t forget snacks for Buddy), and you’re good to go. (Remember that streams are running much faster and colder than normal for early summer, so pay attention to the safety briefing and be cautious about when and where you jump in.)
A bonus: Healdsburg and neighboring Guerneville (pronounced Gurn-ville) are among Northern California’s most dog-friendly towns, offering many options for dining, wine tasting and exploring with your pet. Check Russian River Getaways for vacation rental options in the region and DogTrekker.com listings for family-friendly campgrounds on or within easy striking distance of the river.
Photo Credit: @zeus.and.koga
