Lakes and Rivers Blog

Ruffin’ it in snowy Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe rolls out the red carpet for dogs in winter, with plowed walking trails, cross-country ski centers that welcome pups, pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, and wide-open wilderness to explore together.

Black Labrador Retriever dog wearing a life jacket in a boat — Adobe Images

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.

Dog-friendly California destination, photo courtesy of Tahoe Keys Resort

Dog-friendly Lake Tahoe: Why your dog will thank you

Lake Tahoe is a dream for dogs and their people, with pristine beaches, mountain trails and pet-friendly lodging from South Lake to quieter spots like Tahoma. Here's how to plan the perfect Tahoe trip with your pup.

AdobeStock_331560756_b_regions-2048x1366 — Adobe Images

Lake Tahoe is a winter wonderland

Lake Tahoe in winter means cross-country skiing, lakeside walks, and cozy fireplaces shared with your dog. Dog-friendly lodges like the Beach Retreat, Fireside Lodge, and Desolation Hotel make South Shore an ideal cold-weather escape.

Maya (RIP), DogTrekkerr.com's Barketing Director, walking near the Sacramento River Trail in Redding.

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.

Image from Puptopia Festival returns to Big Bear Lake on DogTrekker

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.

Lower Glen Alpine Falls in Eldorado County, California USA, near Lake Tahoe.

Wandering El Dorado County

El Dorado County offers everything from Echo Lake hikes along the Pacific Crest Trail to five sparkling lakes in the Crystal Basin Recreation Area. With over 700 dog-friendly campsites and trails into Desolation Wilderness, summer adventures abound.

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.

Bold photo retro 50s a woody station wagon a dog t

California’s new dog-friendly rules will blow your mind

California's dog-friendly travel scene expanded dramatically in 2025, with new CDC travel regulations, luxury hotel pet packages in Napa and San Diego, expanded airport relief areas, and tech tools that simplify planning trips with your pup. California's reputation as a top destination.

Pena Adobe/Lagoon Valley Park, a dog-friendly dog park in Fairfield, California

Vacaville: Your wine country HQ

Vacaville offers affordable, dog-friendly lodging just 30 minutes from Napa Valley and even closer to the laid-back Suisun Valley wine region. Between tastings, enjoy off-leash play at Lagoon Valley Dog Park and patio dining downtown. For wine lovers craving a tasting experience.

California glampsites your dog will dig

A curated guide to California's top dog-friendly glamping escapes, from Mendocino Grove's safari tents under the redwoods to desert retreats and vineyard stays. Each property blends wilderness access with comfortable amenities for you and your pup. Glamping by the sea Terrific tree-hugging retreats Vineyard.

Discover Temecula with your dog: A comprehensive guide to wine country adventures

Temecula wine country is a playground for dogs and their people, with pup-friendly wineries, scenic hiking trails at the Santa Rosa Plateau, a walkable Old Town and plenty of outdoor dining options. Traveling with your dog can transform an ordinary trip into.

Cappuccino the Dog is a beloved statue located at the intersection of Alcatraz Avenue and Racine Street in North Oakland. The statue was created by artist Devyon Harrison and represents Cappuccino, a terrier-lab mix.

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.

Spring splash: Where your water dog wants to be right now

California is warming up and your water dog knows it. From the crystal-clear pools of the South Yuba River to calm Lake Natoma, here are the best spring splash spots to hit before the crowds arrive.

Golden retriever walking on a scenic autumn trail among colorful fall foliage and trees, capturing the beautiful outdoor adventure with your dog.

A dog’s guide to autumn: 5 fall day trips in Northern California

Autumn in Northern California means cooler trails, colorful foliage and fewer crowds. These five dog-friendly day trips cover Apple Hill orchards, Gold Rush towns, ocean bluffs and redwood groves, each one perfect for a fall road trip with your pup.

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.

Halfway to heaven

Hike 270-acre St. Joseph's Hill Open Space Preserve above Los Gatos, soak your paws at Lexington Reservoir, then wind down with wine and cheese on the dog-friendly patio at Testarossa, the Bay Area's oldest continuously operating winery.

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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.

Lola and Leroy on an adventure in Gold Country.

El dorado county’s adventure loop

The El Dorado County Adventure Loop packs 45 miles of Gold Country exploration into one weekend, with dog-friendly hiking at Cronan Ranch, wine tasting at Jose Wine Caves and Gold Rush history in Coloma.

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.

Make time for wine in Lake County

Lake County's fast-growing wine region offers laid-back, dog-friendly tasting with more than two dozen wineries to visit. Sample standout sauvignon blancs and bold reds at spots like Six Sigma Ranch, Thorn Hill Vineyards, and historic Langtry Farms.

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.

Historic Folsom: Gateway to the Gold Country

Historic Folsom offers far more than its famous song. The Johnny Cash Trail, Folsom Lake shoreline, miles of paved paths and patio dining on Sutter Street make this Gold Country gateway city a prime destination for dog-loving travelers.

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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