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.
Folsom: Gateway to Gold Country
Folsom offers 56 miles of paved trails, an off-leash dog park and easy access to Gold Country wine tasting and Apple Hill farms. Dog-friendly hotels, sidewalk dining on Sutter Street and Folsom Lake make it an ideal weekend base.
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Gold country wine trail
The Placer Wine Trail features 20 boutique wineries in the Sierra Foothills near Auburn. Most are family owned and dog-friendly, including Vina Castellano, where pups are welcome in the tasting room, on the patio, and out by the pond.
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Lake county hideaway
Bed and Barrel at Stonehouse Cellars in Lake County Clearlake Oaks is a winery, tasting room, and B&B where dogs roam free. Nearby, Clear Lake and Blue Lakes offer swimming, fishing, and boat rentals for the whole family.
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Madera County: South entrance (Hwy 41)
Oakhurst in Madera County serves as the main gateway to Yosemite's south entrance, with dog-friendly inns, wineries, a historic railroad and nearby Bass Lake. From budget-friendly stays to five-star luxury, this corridor has options for every DogTrekker.
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Russian River runners
Float the Russian River in a dog-friendly SOAR canoe from Healdsburg, stopping to swim and play at sandy beaches along a leisurely nine-mile stretch. Afterward, the town's restaurants, brewpubs and dog-friendly tasting rooms are all within easy reach.
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Down a lazy river with rover
Russian River Adventures in Healdsburg outfits dog-friendly float trips using ultra-stable SOAR canoes on an 8.5-mile stretch of the Russian River. Pack a picnic, bring your pup and drift through swimming holes and sandy beaches all day long.
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Tri-Valley – open space and wine country for your dog
The Tri-Valley east of San Francisco combines dog-friendly wine country, craft beer trails, and tens of thousands of acres of open space where dogs can roam off-leash. Pleasanton Ridge, Dublin Hills, and Del Valle Regional Park are standout picks.
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Rev up in Redding
Redding is your gateway to the Shasta Cascade region, starting with a stroll across the stunning Sundial Bridge and 19 miles of Sacramento River trails. Walk across Shasta Dam, enjoy dog-friendly patio dining, and stay at welcoming local hotels.
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Journey to Wawona (Madera County, south entrance)
The Highway 41 corridor from Oakhurst to Yosemite's south entrance is full of dog-friendly stops. Bass Lake resorts, the quirky town of Coarsegold, a steam train in Fish Camp and the luxury Tenaya Lodge all welcome four-legged travelers.
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Tail-waggin’ fun in Folsom and surrounding areas
Folsom pairs a charming Old Town with miles of dog-friendly trails along the American River Parkway and Folsom Lake. Add in taprooms, restaurants with patios, and the Johnny Cash Trail for a full weekend with your pup.
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First time paws-ing in Redding?
New to Redding? Start at the Shasta Cascade Welcome Center, then walk the Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River. From Whiskeytown Falls to botanical gardens to local breweries, here are our top picks for first-time visitors with dogs.
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By land or by lake with Redding as a basecamp
Redding is the gateway to Upstate California, where rugged mountains, serene lakes, and stunning waterfalls await you and your dog. Hike the Sacramento River Trail, boat on Shasta Lake, or tackle the three McCloud River falls.
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Get your float on in Sonoma Wine Country!
A four-hour float down a secluded stretch of the Russian River near Healdsburg is a must-do for water-loving dogs. Custom inflatable canoes keep everyone stable while you swim, picnic, and play fetch at sandy beaches along the way.
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Clear your head at Clear Lake
Clear Lake in Lake County is a natural freshwater paradise about 75 miles north of Santa Rosa. Rent a dog-friendly pontoon boat, stay in waterfront cabins, sample local wines, and let your pup splash at Clear Lake State Park.
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Bass Lake: A pet-friendly, Yosemite-area lure
Bass Lake near Yosemite has warm water, dog-friendly resorts, and vacation rentals surrounded by Sierra National Forest. Rent a pontoon boat, hike to a fire lookout, or relax at a nearby winery while your pup enjoys the mountain air.
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Around Clear Lake we go
Nearly a dozen communities ring Clear Lake in Lake County, each with its own dog-friendly appeal. From Lakeport's dog parks and boat rentals to Kelseyville's wineries and Clearlake's waterfront cabins, there's plenty for you and your pup to explore.
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An unforgettable ride in Mendocino County
Mendocino County's coast is an adventure playground for dogs. Ride the historic Skunk Train through redwood groves, paddle a handcrafted outrigger canoe on Big River, grab fish and chips overlooking Noyo Harbor, and stay in an ocean-view vacation home nearby.
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Wags and wine in Lake County
Lake County boasts the most dog-friendly wine country in the U.S., with over 30 wineries welcoming pups.
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Yosemite and Mariposa County: Awesome dog-friendly guide
Mariposa County near Yosemite is packed with dog-friendly adventures, from the Wawona Meadow Loop and South Fork Trail to pet-welcoming restaurants, historic lodges and even a ghost town tour you can enjoy with your pup.
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Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard
Sacramento sits within easy reach of Folsom Lake, Apple Hill wineries, Gold Country, and the Sacramento River Delta. These day-trip destinations offer hiking, paddling, seasonal tastings, and plenty of dog-friendly stops along the way.
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Water fun and wineries in Lake County
Lake County, two hours north of San Francisco, blends water fun, wine tasting and small-town charm around Clear Lake. Bring your dog to paddle, hike, visit dog-friendly wineries and stay at lakeside lodges.
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Top Mendocino picks for waves and wine
Mendocino County pairs stunning Pacific coastline with dog-friendly adventures like kayaking, Skunk Train rides through redwoods, botanical garden strolls, and winery visits. The Little River Inn makes an ideal pup-welcoming basecamp.
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Tehama County: Fresh fun in California
Tehama County rolls out the red carpet for dogs just 90 miles north of Sacramento. Hike forest trails along Mill Creek, stroll Sacramento River paths in Red Bluff, and taste wines at Burnsini Vineyards.
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Paws-itively perfect resort packages
Little River Inn's Water Dog Package bundles a two-night stay with your choice of dog-friendly sea cave kayaking or a Big River canoe trip, plus a dinner voucher and pet goodie bag. Available May through September on the Mendocino coast.
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