Big Bear Lake | DogTrekker

More ways to play at Lake Tahoe

Dogs can swim at Lake Tahoe, and Kiva Beach at Taylor Creek is the top spot. Nearby, the Tallac Historic Site offers fascinating 19th-century estates to stroll. For lake views, hike the trail at Van Sickle Bi-State Park.

Catch a ride on a canine cruiser

Catch A Canoe in Mendocino has added a custom-built Canine Cruiser to its fleet. The handmade redwood outrigger features a raised, padded deck that fits up to four dogs, making Big River estuary trips a true family affair.

Moseying around Mariposa County

Mariposa County's Highway 140 corridor leads to Yosemite through dog-friendly gateway towns. Hike the wildflower-rich Hite Cove Trail in spring, ride a vintage steam train at Sugar Pine Railroad, and stay at charming local lodges.

Hear the roar

Yosemite Falls roars at 2,425 feet during snow-melt season, and your leashed dog is welcome on the paved half-mile path to the base. Dog-friendly lodging in gateway towns like Groveland and Fish Camp keeps you close.

Exploring the Tri-Valley

The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco Bay is home to Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon. The Livermore Wine Valley's 40-plus wineries welcome dogs, open-space preserves offer miles of trails, and dog-friendly patios and hotels make overnight visits easy.

Shelter in the Tahoe snow

Tahoe in winter calls for snowy adventures by day and cozy cabin retreats at night. Cedar Glen Lodge, Tahoma Meadows, and Sorensen's Resort all welcome dogs and offer quick access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.

Cupid calls in Mendocino

Mendocino County's Sheep Dung Properties offer architecturally stunning cottages on fenced rural land perfect for a romantic getaway with your dog. Nearby, Howard Creek Ranch Inn and Andiron Seaside Inn provide coastal retreats with antique charm.

All American River

Float six miles down the American River from Sunrise Bridge to River Bend Park on a dog-friendly raft rental from Sacramento. The gentle Class I water winds through a lush greenbelt with plenty of swimming stops.

10 ways to enjoy Lake Tahoe with your dog

Lake Tahoe delivers ten ways to play with your dog, from swimming at dog-friendly beaches and riding gondolas to floating the Truckee River and paddling kayaks. Add hiking, patio dining, and pup pampering for the ultimate trip.

Dog-friendly campsites in northern California

A roundup of exceptional dog-friendly campgrounds across Northern California, from spacious Gerle Creek Reservoir sites to wildflower-rich Woods Lake near Carson Pass, secluded Kidd Lake, coastal MacKerricher State Park, and the redwood groves of Pfeiffer Big Sur.

Downtown dogs in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz lifted its longtime ban on dogs downtown, and the new policy is now permanent. Leashed pups are welcome from sunrise to sunset, opening up cafes, pizza joints, and seafood spots along the way.

Hiking Mount Tamalpais’s Old Railroad Grade with your dog

Follow the historic Old Railroad Grade 6.6 miles up Mount Tamalpais, tracing the route of the crookedest railway in the world. The smooth trail climbs 1,300 feet through redwoods to panoramic Bay Area views.