Shasta County is at the center of the eight-county Shasta Cascade region, a vast natural playground with three mountain ranges, seven national forests, a national park, a national monument, 15 state parks and countless lakes.
Located about 150 miles north of Sacramento, Redding is the gateway to Shasta Cascade adventures. The community has dog-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities, including 225 miles of trails within 15 minutes of town. It’s also home to the iconic Sundial Bridge that spans the Sacramento River.
Start your Shasta County getaway at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center, south of Redding in Anderson. The team here dishes up smart travel suggestions plus free maps, brochures and geocaching tips.
West of Redding, hike to the 220-foot waterfall in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area or kayak the park’s 3,500-acre lake. Free tours explore Shasta Dam, north of town, while houseboating, waterskiing and fishing are popular on the adjacent Shasta Lake. The Sacramento River National Recreation Trail links the dam with downtown Redding, and other pet-friendly trails cross Turtle Bay Exploration Park and Clover Creek Preserve.
For dogs who love the water, Shasta Lake is a major draw. Several marinas offer boat rentals, and dogs are welcome on most houseboats and pontoon boats. The lake’s many coves and inlets make for great swimming spots where your pup can cool off after a day on the trails. Just keep a doggy life vest on hand for safety on the water.
The Red Lion Hotel and La Quinta Inn & Suites are among pet-friendly Redding lodging properties. Check out Mosaic, at the Sheraton Redding Hotel at the Sundial Bridge, for a special dog menu and yappy hour gatherings.
A quick note on timing: spring and fall are ideal seasons for visiting Shasta County with your dog. Summer temperatures in Redding regularly top 100 degrees, so plan hikes for early morning and keep water accessible for your pup at all times. Fall brings cooler air, salmon runs, and golden light on the mountains — a perfect combination for a dog-friendly road trip north.
