Canoeing Rafting Boats Blog
Water dog? Here are some great stories with dog-friendly ideas for canoeing, rafting and boating fun for you and your dog. Whether you are looking for a quiet paddle down a river or an adrenaline-pumping white water adventure, there is something out there to fit everyone’s tastes. Take your time researching and selecting the right activity based on safety considerations and your comfort level. It’s important to choose activities that will be enjoyable for both you and your canine companion.
Fifth stop: Mammoth Lakes back to Sac via Yosemite
The drive from Mammoth Lakes back to Sacramento crosses Tioga Pass through Yosemite National Park at nearly ten thousand feet. Pack a lunch for a stop at Tenaya Lake and soak in 59 miles of jaw-dropping Sierra scenery before descending to the valley.
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You’ll fall for this season’s dog-friendly events
From adoptathons and wine festivals to corgi getaways and fundraiser galas, these fall dog-friendly events across California promise food, fun and heartwarming moments for pups and the people who love them.
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Dog-friendly lakes not named “Tahoe”
Skip the Tahoe crowds and explore California's quieter dog-friendly lakes instead. From Clear Lake in Lake County to Big Bear, Shasta Lake and more, these alternatives offer great swimming, boating and shoreline fun with your pup.
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Welcome to spring – and the 2024 event season!
Spring kicks off a packed calendar of dog-friendly events across California, from the Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash to adoption fundraisers, costume contests, and tasting tours. Here are our top picks through mid-summer.
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Cooper loved to travel
Cooper the Lab mix lived ten adventure-packed years as an avid DogTrekker, from winery visits in Sonoma to Shirley Canyon hikes at Palisades Tahoe. His owner Niki shares how DogTrekker shaped their travels together.
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DogTrekker® 15th anniversary
DogTrekker.com celebrates 15 years of helping California dog lovers travel together, supporting animal welfare groups and inspiring millions of readers since launching in June 2011. DogTrekker.com launched 15 years ago, guided by a mission to leave no dog behind -- whether at.
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Paw-some events for the dog days of summer
Pup-friendly festivals are popping up across California this summer and fall. From Puptopia in Big Bear to Bark & Meow in Berkeley and winery fundraisers in Napa, these events bring dog lovers together while supporting rescue and animal welfare groups.
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On the road to Yosemite
The Yosemite Region spans four gateway counties, each with its own dog-friendly highlights. From Merced River hikes in Mariposa County to Gold Rush history in Tuolumne County, the journey can be as rewarding as the destination.
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Gotta lake it
Gold Country lakes offer cool relief for dogs and their people all summer long. From Folsom Lake's miles of shoreline to hidden Long Lake near Soda Springs and Bass Lake's pontoon boat rentals, there's a splash spot for every pup.
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Go with the rivers’ flow
Grab a paddle and bring your dog along for a float on California's best rivers. From canoe trips on the Russian River near Healdsburg to outrigger canoes on Mendocino's Big River and rafting the Truckee at Tahoe, wet fun awaits.
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A dog day in Vacaville
Plan a full day out with your dog in Vacaville, from morning coffee and the Centennial Dog Park to wine tasting in Suisun Valley, craft beer at The Brass Tap, and hiking at Lagoon Valley Park.
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Discover dog-friendly Oakland: A canine paradise
Oakland is one of the Bay Area's most welcoming cities for dogs, with 73 regional parks, off-leash trails, sunny weather when San Francisco is foggy, and a community where having a dog is practically required.
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Madera county (south/wawona) entrance
The Highway 41 corridor through Madera County leads to Yosemite's south entrance, passing dog-friendly gems like Queen's Inn with its adjacent winery in Oakhurst, the quirky town of Coarsegold, Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp and recreation-rich Bass Lake.
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Mendocino’s inland charms
Inland Mendocino County holds surprises like the Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree in Leggett, dog-friendly trails around Lake Mendocino near Ukiah, and a string of small family wineries between Ukiah and Hopland where tasting is often free and dogs are always welcome.
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Napa valley leg-stretchers
After wine tasting in Napa Valley, burn off those calories with your dog at Canine Commons in Alston Park, where off-leash play awaits. Westwood Hills Park and the downtown River Walk offer more leashed options with vineyard and city views.
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The many sides of Mendocino county
Mendocino County is one of Northern California's most dog-welcoming destinations. Pet-friendly inns provide treats and amenities, wineries like Husch let dogs inside the tasting room, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to paddling outrigger kayaks along the coast.
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Beyond the crowds in Mendocino county
Mendocino County pairs leash-free beaches, dog-welcoming wineries, botanical gardens, and kayak outfitters with cozy lodging from the Stanford Inn to state park campgrounds. Ride the Skunk Train with your pup or paddle an estuary in a canoe built for dogs.
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Onward and inland!
Head inland from Fort Bragg on Highway 1 to explore Mendocino County's redwood country with your dog. Drive through the Chandelier Tree in Leggett, ride the dog-friendly Skunk Train from Willits, and sample wines along the Highway 128 Wine Road.
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From wine to bristlecone pines
A dog-friendly road trip through the High Sierra follows the Golden Chain Highway through Gold Country, crosses Yosemite via Tioga Pass and heads south on Highway 395 past Mono Lake, Mammoth Lakes and the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest near Bishop.
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Russian River Adventures
Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg rents dog-friendly inflatable canoes for a nine-mile float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, let your pup splash at swimming holes, and catch the shuttle back.
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Amazing Mendocino county
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs like few other California destinations. Pet-friendly inns offer treats and amenities, wineries welcome four-legged visitors inside, and activities range from Skunk Train rides to outrigger kayaking on the coast.
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Lake del valle: Paradise for water dogs
Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore offers 5,000 acres, a five-mile lake, off-leash trails, and one of the few places where your dog can join you on a boat.
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Best water activities for senior dogs in California
From gentle beach outings and pond-side cottage stays to houseboat adventures on Lake Shasta, California offers plenty of water-friendly activities suited to senior dogs who still love a good splash.
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Pet-friendly Mendocino county
Mendocino County rolls out the red carpet for dogs, with dozens of pet-welcoming hotels, winery tasting rooms that offer treats and water bowls, botanical gardens open to leashed pups, and gorgeous beaches along the coast.
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