Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

Summer’s last splash: Gotta lake it!

September is the sweet spot at Lake Tahoe, with fewer crowds and great deals on lodging. Swim and hike with your dog at beaches like Nevada Beach, Kiva Beach and Fallen Leaf Lake before summer fades away.

The importance of play for your dog

Play keeps your dog healthy, mentally sharp and bonded to you. Whether it is walks, swimming, fetch or puzzle toys, regular fun activity helps prevent obesity, anxiety and destructive behavior while keeping both of you in good shape.

Road trip! explore a scenic byway

Fall is prime time for a scenic drive through California's mountains with your dog. Three standout routes cross the Sierra and Cascades, from the twisting Ebbetts Pass to Yosemite's Tioga Road and the 500-mile Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway.

Jessica’s Haven: Pairing rescue dogs with people with disabilities

Jessica's Haven and Rescue in San Rafael pairs rescue dogs with kids and adults with disabilities, creating meaningful bonds for both. Dogs get extra love and nurturing while special-needs visitors learn responsibility and soak up unconditional affection.

Dog-friendly Amador County: Gold Country wine and history

Amador County along Highway 49 is Gold Country at its finest, with historic hotels, robust zinfandels and dog-friendly tasting rooms. Time your visit for the annual Barbera Festival or enjoy wine and live music any weekend in Sutter Creek.

Dog-friendly Calaveras County: Wine, caves and Gold Rush towns

Calaveras County blends Gold Rush history with wine tasting and outdoor adventure. Walk your dog through Murphys' 25-plus tasting rooms, hike near New Melones Lake or watch humans stomp grapes at the annual street fair in this Sierra foothills getaway.

Dog-friendly Lake County adventures

Lake County offers dog-friendly water adventures from Clear Lake to the spring-fed Blue Lakes. Rent electric boats, splash at state park beaches, hike wildlife areas and watch for bald eagles and wild tule elk at Cache Creek in cooler months.

All wine, no whine at these Lake County wineries

Lake County is one of California's fastest-growing wine regions, with over 30 wineries welcoming dogs at their tasting rooms and picnic areas. Sample sauvignon blancs, petit sirahs and big reds while your pup relaxes beside you.

A Tahoe classic that rewards with a splash

The steep 4.4-mile hike up Shirley Canyon at Palisades Tahoe rewards you and your dog with cascading waterfalls, a mountain lake, and access to the High Camp complex at 8,200 feet. Ride the tram back down for free.

Carmel City Beach, Monterey County

Carmel City Beach is perhaps the best-known off-leash dog beach in the country, a powdery mile-long strand within walking distance of Carmel-by-the-Sea's shops and restaurants. Nearby, Big Sur's Pfeiffer Beach offers dramatic sea stacks and pink sand.

California labradors, retrievers and more rescue

San Diego-based California Labradors, Retrievers and More Rescue saves dogs who need it most, including injured, senior, and mixed-breed pups. Meet Mai Tai, a three-legged boxer with perfect manners ready for her new family.

Off we go, into the wild blue yonder

Wild Blue Dog Camp at Lake Tahoe is a week-long summer camp for you and your dog. Activities range from agility and nose work to kayaking and beach yoga on a sandy 33-acre lakefront property.