Outrigger outings

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.

Photo by Catch A Canoe & Bicycles, Too.

You won’t find a more eclectic collection of canoes and kayaks than at Catch-A-Canoe, which has been outfitting paddlers on the eight-mile-long Big River estuary near Mendocino since 1972. Well behaved dogs of all makes and models are welcome to ride along and enjoy the scenery in surrounding Big River State Park.

“You can go in a standard canoe, but for stability I recommend an outrigger,” says Jeff Stanford, owner of the adjacent (and extremely dog-friendly) Stanford Inn by the Sea. “Dogs can sit on the platform across the top or in the bottom of the boat. People take dogs on them all the time.”

You won’t encounter whitewater or significant currents on the scenic Big River, but the estuary is tidal and salty and the climate often chilly, so be sure to dress warmly and bring fresh water for your pet.