Taking in the views of Yosemite's high country. Photo: Molly Horner
What better way to beat the California summer heat than with a swim? There are great swimming holes all over Mariposa County, but maybe none that are better for dogs than Lake McClure and Lake McSwain in the southern Sierra foothills of Mariposa County. While your faithful companion splashes around, you can spend time fishing or swimming yourself. more »
The good life, Shasta Lake. Photo Credit: @themurphdawg_
Redding (population about 100,000) is the Shasta Cascade region’s largest city, and it’s a great place to make base camp with your four-legged friend. The “must-do” activities: stroll the iconic Sundial Bridge, wander the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail, walk across the massive dam containing the waters of Shasta Lake, largest reservoir in California. more »
Mt. Shasta / Photo: @crazycoco_bcmix
If you crave a change of scenery, you’ll get it many times over in the eight-county Shasta Cascade region. The lightly traveled North State is a treasure trove of mountainous scenery, history and small towns that charm. What’s not to like? A paws-up warning: Dog access is restricted, to various degrees, at the places set forth below. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a woofing good time with your four-legged companion, even where leashes are required. Here we go with some suggestions. more »
Fallen Leaf Lake. Photo Credit: @carenandatka
Highway 89 along Tahoe’s West Shore is a treat for the senses on many levels. It takes about an hour in non-traffic conditions to drive straight through, but why would you want to do that? Your first worthwhile diversion, especially if you’re a Tahoe first-timer, is Tallac Historic Site, a collection of late 19th-century estate homes and out-buildings. more »
Enjoying the beautiful view. Photo by Susan
Dog-friendly (and off-leash) hiking can be hard to come by in Santa Cruz, so Susan and her best friend Roobin were thrilled to discover
Byrne-Milliron Forest. Miles of off-leash hiking trails, awesome giant redwoods, eye-popping vista points complete with rustic lounge chairs, picnic tables, water stations for dogs and humans and other amusing and quirky amenities.
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Captain chillin' in Tahoe. Photo Credit: Garrett (CC)
Whether there’s lots of snow or not a flake at lake level, your pup will appreciate a winter break at Northern California’s favorite playground as much as you will. The wild card is weather, so be prepared to embrace whatever conditions Mother Nature throws your way. Here are some of our favorite ways to play with our pups at Lake Tahoe.
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Clover playing in Fallen Leaf Lake. Premshiree-Pillai (CC)
Most hikes around Lake Tahoe—and there are hundreds—can be enjoyed with your best friend. But if your goal is to bask in fall color, better get a move on. The aspens and other color-makers at higher elevations have already peaked, but you’ll still find some golden glow around the lakeshore. Go to
CalifornaFallColor.com for leaf-peeper updates—and, as always, check weather reports before rounding up your pup and heading into the high country. Be prepared for snow, because at this time of year, you never know!
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Coyotes near Lake Tahoe. Photo Steve Dunleavy
Traveling to Lake Tahoe with your dog? Keep an eye out for coyotes on the trails.
Coyotes are beautiful animals, but should be treated with a healthy respect and common sense.
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