Maya checks out the llamas at Dog & Pony Ranch. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Dog-friendly cabins dot the California landscape, connecting four-legged family members with best-in-show adventures. Whether you prefer a farm stay in Gold Country, a trek along Yosemite trails, or a Marin County coastal stroll, you’ll always find great options. Because DogTrekker.com readers tell us that cabins and cottages are their top lodging preference, we asked Maya, DogTrekker’s Director of Barketing, to do some digging. She’s traveled California in search of dog-friendly cabins and cottages, and here are three of her favorites.
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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 »
Maya chillin' on Lake Tahoe
As of June 20, it’s officially summertime! Lakes and rivers are not so full as last year, but don’t let the drought hamper your fun. Thousands of splash spots in California await people and pups eager to get wet in the great outdoors.
Here are the great splash-zones where you can get wet with your dogs:
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Wild Blue Dog Camp at Lake Tahoe
Go for a beach romp, a hike or a tram ride—or, go to camp with Wild Blue Dogs! Summer is high season at Northern California’s favorite vacation destination, and now, with the state’s pandemic restrictions easing up, you can lower the mask and breath deep of that invigorating mountain air. Here are some tried and true DogTrekker tips on how to enjoy Big Blue with your four-legged sidekick. 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 »
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 »
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 »
Kayla at Turtle Bay
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. more »
Bailey at Wild Blue Dog Camp
We all agree 2020 was a very tough year for travel, but there were a few bright spots. After working with many local health and other park jurisdictions in the South Lake Tahoe area, Wild Blue Dogs was given the go-ahead for their Fall 2020 camp. Actually, the camp turned out to be the only operational Dog Camp in the USA. Utilizing the most advanced cleaning techniques and social distancing protocols, the camp did not have a single reported illness. more »
Follow the Rules For a Safe & Fun Time!
It's finally summer (Indian at least) and it's hot, hot, hot! Many DogTrekkers will be heading for the beaches over the next several weeks, both mountain and ocean! For a fun and safe time for pups and the entire family, please be follow the above safety precautions (click to enlarge or download). more »