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 »
Hedge Creek Falls - courtesy Visit Redding
OK, so it hasn’t been a wet year. Nevertheless, waterfalls near Redding are still flowing, delectable swimming holes await, and you and your dog are in for some scenic treats whether you make a waterfall pit-stop or take a hike. Start, perhaps, at Hedge Creek Falls in Dunsmuir. It’s right off Interstate 5 via a short path, has a generous parking lot, a viewing platform and a cave beneath the cascade for sensory thrill (your dog may or may not want to follow you behind the water curtain). more »
Fresh sea breezes. Fido-friendly paddling, pedaling and hiking. Local wine and produce plated hours after harvest. Simple suggestions for living well. Enjoy highlights like these at dog-passionate Stanford Inn by the Sea, a historic farm and eco-resort on the Mendocino coast.
Tucked between old-growth trees and USDA-certified organic gardens, this dog-friendly destination weaves wellness, relaxation and only-in-California recreation into each stay. Here’s what to explore when you visit. more »
Dog-sailing on Big River. Photo courtesy of Catch A Canoe.
Stanford Inn Wellness Programs Director Sid Garza-Hillman oversees experiences that help resort guests recharge, revive and restore their health. One of his favorite recommendations is a simple one: walking. Taking more steps benefits both humans and their four-legged family members. With gorgeous beaches, state parks and small-town streets all within a stone’s throw of the Stanford Inn, it’s a great place to start. more »
Cordelia visiting Yosemite National Park, photo by: Charlie Kelly
Heads up: you will once again need reservations to visit Yosemite National Park this summer, whether its for day-tripping, camping or lodging. But no big deal, just keep checking on protocols and procedures so you don’t travel all that way just to be locked out.
At any rate, you don’t even need to enter the park to get a eyeful of scenery in Mariposa County, which is bisected by highway 140 leading to the park’s El Portal entrance. more »