Dakota at Mendocino Grove. Photo by Jennifer Brierley.
California travelers know fall is the ripe time to pack the hiking boots for an adventure in Northern California’s Mendocino County. As the barometer slides, the fog pulls away, corks pop and nature hits its seasonal migration stride.
Here is the best of dog-friendly Mendocino County in the fall:
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Maya hiking the Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Lace up your hiking boots, load your pup into the car and get a grip on your leash: you’ll need it when you see how excited she’ll become upon encountering a multitude of new sights and smells in dog-friendly Mendocino County. The weather is near-perfect both along the coast, as well as inland. Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks and as always, Leave Only Paw Prints™. more »
Image courtesy of Visit Folsom
Just up Highway 50 from Sacramento, the city of Folsom is a superb dog-friendly destination with a handsomely renovated Old Town just a block or two from the Sacramento River. Cuddle up in dog-friendly lodging and spend a weekend exploring with your four-legged friend. Get your bearings on Sutter Street (the main drag), where you can soak up some local motion at a dog-friendly taproom or restaurant. more »
Become a BARK Ranger!
Yosemite is home to a number of dog-friendly trails. Leashed dogs are allowed at picturesque Yosemite destinations including Tunnel View, Bridalveil Fall, Glacier Point and Mirror Lake Trail.
Become a Yosemite B.A.R.K. Ranger (BARK Ranger), as leashed dogs can explore along most paved roads, sidewalks and bike paths inside Yosemite National Park. You don’t have to miss out on any famous sites if you have your dog with you. A few additional ideas include: more »
Courtesy of the East Bay Regional Park District
The very dog-friendly East Bay Regional Park District is partnering with Outdoor Afro to commemorate Juneteenth by waiving park entry fees on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Juneteenth is an annual recognition of the 250,000 enslaved Black Americans in Texas who were notified of their freedom on June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect.
“There is no better place than parks to reflect on Juneteenth, the end of slavery, and today’s ongoing social justice issues,” said Park District Board President Dee Rosario. “The District embraces diversity, inclusion and promotes equal access for all.” Learn more here. more »
Contra Costa County Beer Trail Now through June 30!
Set in the shadow of magnificent Mount Diablo, dog-friendly Concord is an under-the-radar East Bay gem. Jazz musician Dave Brubeck was born here. The popular Iron Horse Regional Trail winds through town. Dog-friendly hiking paths unfold in every direction, and a new passport program spotlights a thriving regional craft beer scene. more »
Stay and play in Concord
Concord is a convenient, one-tank trip from several Bay Area, Sonoma and Napa communities. Visit the new Concord Visitor Center for travel inspiration, hike scenic regional parks with your pup, or follow the Concord Taco Trail that features nearly 40 local taquerias and restaurants. Then, overnight at one of Concord’s dog-friendly hotels. more »
Kayla at Turtle Bay
Like to hike? You’re in luck in the Trail Capital of California, as Redding has so aptly branded itself. The city boasts about 80 miles of trails within its city limits and hundreds more within a 20-mile radius of its core.
Trails are free to all, and most are dog-friendly, which means the whole family can explore together. Remember to pack your camera, a few snacks and plenty of water. Before you put paws to path, request a free trails brochure or check out the virtual guides online. And as always, pack it in, pack it out, and Leave Only Paw Prints™!
See below for the stories. more »
Upper Sacramento Ditch Trail - courtesy of Bureau of Land Mgmt.
The upper and lower ditch trails once brought water to 19th-century gold miners. There are lots of relics of the era to see if you know how and where to look! While the Upper Trail is a hefty 9 miles, the Lower section is only 2.8. Both are rated easy to moderate.
The Upper trail, starting near the Shasta Dam visitor parking lot, stretches to the trailhead at the end of Walker Mine Road. more »
Otis at Keswick - ©Randal Fleischmann/Dreamstime.com
For a dog-friendly, close-to-town hike offering some unusual scenery, check out the trails around Keswick Dam, which creates an after-bay (Keswick Reservoir) for Shasta Lake. The water, released from the lower reaches of the lake, is very cold and turquoise-blue in color. Anglers and kayakers love it, but it’s not safe for a casual dip. The Sacramento River Rail Trail, which hugs the reservoir, is paved for 11 miles and is an ideal path to hike with your dog while taking in some scenery. more »