Where to take a dog on the Mendocino Coast: Pelican Bluffs

A bench where you can soak in the views.

Most of the trails along the Mendocino Coast are dog-friendly, but the relatively new Pelican Bluffs Coastal Trail might have some of the best views yet. It's short, only about two miles, but breathtaking in spots.
And while your dog won't be wowed by walking above the seemingly endless, dramatic shoreline, there's plenty of sights and smells for them to enjoy.

How to get there: If you are heading south on Highway 1, once you leave Point Arena and see Curley Lane on your left you will soon see the parking lot on your right. The lot has only five designated spaces, with one of those for vehicles with disabled placards only, but often people squeeze in a few more spaces on the margins.
At the north end of the parking lot, one trail heads straight north while another heads west from the sign. I first headed west through the trees to get to the ocean quicker, but now I recommend taking the trail headed north instead, even though it seems to take you along the highway.

Because if you take the trail to the north, soon after you head over a small bridge you are treated to a spectacular, sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean and nearly the entire trail before it heads down a long set of stairs to the bluffs below.

 Words to the Wise:
• Dogs must be leashed.
• There are no bathrooms or water available, so be sure and stop in Point Arena to use their free public restrooms that are right off Hwy. 1 with plenty of parking alongside.
• This trail is not for someone looking for a flat, easy stroll along the ocean such as the Fort Bragg Coastal Trail. And there are narrow spots, especially near the south end, that are not recommended for anyone afraid of heights or of being close to cliff edges.

Where to hike with a dog near South Lake Tahoe: Pyramid Creek Loop Trail

This hike offers waterfalls, mountain views and a lovely creek: all right off a large highway heading into the mountains of Northern California. 
So it's a great short trek to try on your way to or back from a destination hike, which is how I found it. We were driving to Carson Pass in the Sierra Nevada when I saw the parking lot and trailhead sign right off Highway 50 and promised to investigate on the way back.
It's a pretty short trail, but not an easy one. Not only because it is steep and rocky, but often the trail just disappears and you're scrambling over rock faces with no signs in sight. I found this frustrating, but my husband said he liked that it wasn't "your typical, just-head-straight-ahead-on-this-very-clear-path kind of trail." He enjoyed the challenge of figuring out where to step next, sort of like climbing a mountain.
And the dog of course had no complaints about a creek to run in and drink from, and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.
The loop is only about two miles, and takes you to the boundary of the Desolation Wilderness while offering views of Horsetail Falls.

Words to the wise:  

• The rocks by the Cascades, which is literally a long rock face with cascading water, are VERY slippery, and if you let your dog frolic there, they might take a scary slip like ours did. She wasn't injured, but it wasn't fun to watch. Likely not a good spot for older dogs to be off-leash. 
• Also, we did see Bigfoot:

  

  My hubby's "most perfect Patterson pose."
  
  
  
  

Where to hike with a dog near Lake Tahoe: Round Top Lake

The drive to this hike was almost as beautiful as the trail, which was pretty spectacular.

The dog in the gorgeous (and I'm sure very cold) Round Top Lake.

It was fall, so Highways 88 and 89 through the Sierra Nevadas were lined with yellow-gold trees (Trembling Aspens) and hundreds of people pulled over like paparazzi. We went in early October, and most years that is probably the latest you should go unless you like driving with snow.
We definitely walked with snow, as dark clouds followed us for much of the hike, dusting the mountains towering above us with white powder as we braved the wind gusts that took the temperature far below the promised 54 degrees.
Thanks to my husband's need to be prepared, we each had an extra jacket, without which we never would have made it all the way to Round Top Lake. Instead, we would have stopped at the very lovely Winnemucca Lake, as I think most people end up doing. Especially when you see a parade of people leaving Round Top Lake dressed as if they were climbing Mount Everest!

Winnemucca Lake.

We started at the Carson Pass trailhead on Highway 88, which is already at about 8,600 feet elevation. It was Columbus Day weekend and the visitor's center was closed for the season, but the pit toilets were still open.
Once you get through the trees and past Frog Lake about a mile in, the next half mile or so to Winnemucca Lake is relatively flat. 
The large boulders surrounding this lake made it hard for the dog to reach the water, and the gray, wet cold around us made me feel as if I had left California for Alaska or Norway.
The last mile to Round Top Lake was pretty steep and the wind made it very cold, but I am very glad we pushed on. The dog was in heaven, happily running right into the water even though it was likely barely above freezing, while the humans enjoyed just looking at one of the most beautiful lakes I have ever seen. It was well worth braving the freezing wind and altitude, which exhausted me more than expected for a relatively short hike, only about seven miles round-trip.

Words to the Wise: If my husband had his choice, as soon as we saw the "Plague Warning" signs at the beginning of the trail we would have gotten back in the car and gone to Sorensen's resort for lunch. But obviously we pressed on. And the dog did not get bitten by any rodents or their fleas, though there were plenty of chipmunks scurrying about, especially in the first mile or so.


Where to stay: I like staying at Best Westerns, because they usually allow pets and charge you a very reasonable fee, so we stayed at the BW Topaz Lake Inn about an hour away. The drive back and forth was quite pretty, and takes you through Gardnerville, Nev., which has a Raley's, Starbucks and restaurants. I have heard good things about Sorensen's, though, which was much closer to the hike and has dog-friendly cabins.

Where to hike with a dog near Libby, Montana: Saint Paul Lake Trail

This trail had the dog so high on smells she was more excited on the drive back than before.

Driving back from the Saint Paul Lake trail near Libby, Mont.

And no wonder: there were more signs here warning "This is bear country" than I had ever seen on a trail, so the dog must have been sniffing up some of the most intriguing smells she ever encountered. (Not as exciting as her first roll in seagull poop, but close!)

The trail to Saint Paul Lake begins off a long, bumpy, gravel road called Forest Road 407 in the Kootenai National Forest near the Idaho-Montana border. I chose this trail because we could easily fit it into our drive from Sandpoint, ID., to Kalispell, MT. And I'm very glad I did, though I definitely regret not having enough time to hike the four miles to Saint Paul Lake.

But no matter how many miles of this trail in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness you hike on, it is a glorious escape into dense forest that frees your dog of their leash and you of civilization. (We saw another vehicle in the parking lot, but met no other people on our visit. Or bears, fortunately.)

The guidebook that directed me to this trail, "Best Hikes with Dogs in the Inland Northwest," described its charms perfectly: "A scenic, uncrowded lake, a well-groomed trail that hugs a bubbling creek for almost its entirety, and miles of cool, damp old-growth forest -- what more could you ask for?"

Words to the wise: the trail is mostly uphill to start and narrow in parts, so not for people looking for a wide and flat stroll. Also, the drive to and from will cover your vehicle in dirt. There is a pit toilet at the parking lot, but no water available for humans.

About the only sign on the trail not warning users of bears!

Where to eat with a dog in Geyserville, Calif: Geyserville Grille

Even if you don't have a dog, Geyserville Grille is a great place to get a tasty burger and fries, serving up everything I want in a classic diner hamburger:

• Patty of good beef that is not too big, cooked to order with just enough grease to be messy.
• Soft bun that has just enough heft to deliver each bite of the burger, and just enough chew and taste of its own so that it doesn't disappear, yet also doesn't detract from the burger
• Dressed with Thousand Island, lettuce, tomato, pickles and cheddar cheese. Some may insist on American, but I'll take either.  
• A generous portion of fries that were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. 

But what made my visit there on a recent summer afternoon most memorable was how the staff welcomed my dog. There were two patios to choose from, each that we could access without trekking through the restaurant.
I chose the one with the most shade, then was quickly offered water for both of us, with the dog's drink brought out in a large stainless steel bowl. 

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Where to hike with a dog at Lake Mendocino: Shakota Trail

Dog enjoying one of the beach coves.

The Shakota Trail might have more to offer humans than dogs, but it's definitely worth a visit if you're in the Ukiah Valley and want to have some water at your side for most of your hike. 
The trail is three miles one way and hugs the shores of Lake Mendocino for most of that, offering water views as it goes up and down hills, under trees and over bridges. 
In the spring it has plenty of wildflowers, and in the summer it offers shade and lots of spots where your dog can reach the water for a drink and dip. 
But you should still try and hike only in the summer mornings as the trail gets very hot in the afternoons and even frequent dips in the water didn't seem to cool my dog down much.
Location: The south end of the trail is off Observation Road near the South Boat Ramp, and the north end of the trail is reached off of Marina Drive.

Words to the wise: 

• Ticks and snakes: I didn't find any ticks on my dog after two hikes here, one in the late spring and one in early summer, but there were plenty of lizards and snakes.
• Bathrooms and water: I've only started this trail from the south end near the Overlook parking lot, where the trail begins just behind the bathrooms and playground. The toilets are flush, but there was no water available except in the sinks.

When you're not under trees, you're next to the lake.

Video: One of the nicest views of the lake from the trail:

For humans only: Another cool thing that won't interest your dog much is the abandoned winery that has become a haven for graffiti artists. If you start the Shakota Trail from the south end, it is about two miles to the winery. Definitely worth a visit if you like graffiti.

                                       

Where to take a dog in Grass Valley: Condon Park

Trail signs keep you away from the disc golf course.

Condon Park is not a destination for active dogs and humans who like miles of off-leash exploring or hills to climb. But it would make a great place to stop in the middle of a long drive, or if you are staying in Grass Valley it is a great place to take a stroll even on hot days because the trails are mostly flat, well-shaded and there is a nice creek to dip in.
Located near downtown Grass Valley, which is definitely worth walking through after you visit the trails and dog park, the 80-acre Condon Park has a few miles of trails and a nice, fenced-in dog park that has separate sections for small and large dogs. I especially liked that there was a back entrance to the larger dog park, allowing us an alternative to the often-clogged front entrance.
But what I didn't like about the park is the lack of signs directing you to the beginning of the trails. I ended up wandering back and forth through the disc golf course until I finally found the trails, only finding plenty of signs once I was already on the trail.

This is about as hilly as the trails get.

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Where to take a dog near Portland, Oregon: Sandy River Delta

The Sandy River Delta is a sprawling dream of a dog park with "a thousand acres" of trails and plenty of shoreline for your dog and you to explore.

One of the dirt trails with lots of brush to explore.

Located right off Highway 84 about 30 minutes east of Portland, this park makes Troutdale a great place to stop during a road trip to Seattle or beyond.
We stopped here before driving along the Columbia River Gorge and the dog could not have been happier: there were fields to hunt in, plenty of other dogs to play with and lots of water to splash in, as from the park you can access both the Sandy and Columbia rivers.
This park had so much space for all the dogs it was easy to avoid others if your dog is not very friendly, but there are trails on which your dog is expected to be on-leash and it can be confusing to tell when those end and the others begin.
But that was the only drawback to this park I could find, and it is a very minor one. In fact, I liked it so much I immediately wanted to plan another road trip with a stop in Troutdale.

Running along the Sandy River.

Where to hike with a dog in Chico: Upper Bidwell Park

Enjoying the view atop Monkey Face.

Upper Bidwell Park in Chico is a dog walker’s dream: it has plenty of water, meadows and hills for both humans and dogs to enjoy.

The park is located very close to downtown Chico, and its 3,670 acres are split into Upper and Lower Bidwell. (According to the City of Chico’s website, it is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States).

The lower section is much flatter and shadier, but the upper section is much more fun, especially since your dog can romp on a lot of it without a leash.

The parks are separated by Manzanita Avenue, with the Upper Park being to the east and the lower park to the west.

Once you are in the upper park, your dog can be off leash north of Upper Park Road. That area has lots of flat meadows surrounding Horseshoe Lake, which dogs can dip in, but owners are asked to keep them from molesting the birds who also enjoy it.

Taking a dip in Horseshoe Lake.

Heading to the ridge behind Monkey Face.

If you want more of a challenge, you can head up Monkey Face, then continue along the ridge for quite a ways to the east and west of the rock formation that ends many people’s hike.

But be warned: it gets hot quick and if you didn’t bring enough water you and your dog will be suffering soon even in the spring, as the lake far below is the only source of water I found.

In the spring this park is also full of wildflowers.

If you want even more of a challenge, you can put your dog on leash and walk on the Yahi Trail on the south side of Upper Park Road. That trail follows Big Chico Creek and passes some impressive rock formations the city’s website describes as “unique Chico Formation sandstone and Lovejoy Basalt rocks.”

But be warned: I tried this trail in the summer and the ground was too hot for my dog’s paws, and the trail was very crowded with people escaping the heat by jumping into the swimming holes created by the rocks.

Where to hike with a dog in Lake County: Redbud Trail

Heading down to Baton Flat with Cache Creek in the distance.

This trail has everything: views of water, birds, and wildflowers for you to soak in while your dog enjoys miles of roaming space.
If you go in the winter you might see bald eagles, as Cache Creek is one of their favorite spots to fish, but right now might be the best time to go because the Redbud Trail is known for its wildflowers.

The parking lot for the trailhead is located right off eastbound Highway 20 about an hour from Ukiah. The services there are only pit toilets and garbage cans.
The trail heads first through a meadow toward the hills, then gradually winds upward through what can look like moonscape in the winter.
About a mile and a half up, you hit a trail junction and some glorious views of Cache Creek. To the right is the Perkins Creek Trail, which continues up and along the saddle for miles. To stay on the Redbud Trail and eventually reach the creek at Baton Flat, turn right. Whichever direction you choose, the views along this section of the trail are spectacular.
After another mile and a bunch of switchbacks that head down the mountain you’ll reach Baton Flat, where it’s a lot easier to hear the water than reach it.
When the flows are low enough to cross, you can continue on another three miles to Wilson Valley, but I didn’t dare cross the creek when I went. It was nerve-wracking just watching the dog take a dip.

Pausing in Baton Flat with Cache Creek to the right.

Words to the wise:
• Based on the hoofprints I saw, you will likely share the trail with elk, and I did encounter some horseback riders. But save for only one other human, I had the trail to myself on a weekday.
• Unless you go very early in the day, this trail can’t be fun in the summer as it must get blazing hot and there is no water available for humans.

Where to hike with a dog in Yolo County: Blue Ridge Trail to Fiske Peak

This is the second hike I’ve done in the Cache Creek Recreation Area and I can’t recommend either enough.

Near Cache Creek with Blue Ridge and Fiske Peak in the background. 

The first was the Redbud Trail in Lake County, which I understand is particularly gorgeous in the spring, and earlier this winter I hiked up to Fiske Peak on the Blue Ridge Trail in the Yolo County section of Cache Creek.

Neither trail would be much fun in summer, and certainly not the hike up to Fiske Peak, which even in mid-January had me wishing I had brought twice as much water, especially for the dog.

The trail begins close to the parking lot for the Lower Yolo County Park off Highway 16 in the Capay Valley. There are pit toilets to use before you hike down to the water and cross the creek using a cement bridge that is no longer open to vehicles. Up the hill to left begins the trail.

Photo credit for this and above: Nathan DeHart.

The first part through the trees is flat, then you being a gradual climb up a narrow trail barely carved into the hillside (shown to the left), then you move into the rocks and keep going up and up!

Up so steeply, in fact, that there are many sections of the trail that seem to disappear into the rocks, and during the rainy season those sections can’t be fun.

It is about eight miles if you hike to the top of Fiske Peak and back, but I only made it to the top of a smaller hill near the peak. The views were still extraordinary, though, as we saw a snow-covered mountain to the northeast that could have been Mount Shasta!

Words to the wise:

The views were amazing less than halfway up!

• I did not see any signs explaining the leash rules, but many sections of the trail are so narrow and curvy that it’s best to have your dog on leash unless they are very good at sharing the trail.

Two more good reasons to keep your dog on leash, except for maybe the sections when you need both hands free for rock climbing, are the ticks and horses. My dog’s head was covered in ticks after romping off the trail, and I was very glad she was on leash when we ran into some people on horseback at the bottom near the creek. Unless your dog is very well-behaved around horses, it’s probably best to keep them on leash in that section.

• This trail is VERY steep and tricky to navigate in parts, and my legs were definitely shaking on the way down.

• Again, bring LOTS of water!

Where to hike with a dog in Calistoga: Oat Hill Mine

If you like hiking up mountains with your dog off-leash, this trail is a good choice.

Checking out the view along the Oat Hill Mine trail.

It also offers great views and an even better workout, so it is a very popular trail with hikers and bicyclists as well as dog owners. So if you'd rather not run into a lot of other people and dogs, it might not be the best choice for you.
The trailhead is located just off the intersection of Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail and has a small parking lot that fills up fast. 
The first mile heads up pretty gradually above the vineyards, then gets more rocky between miles 1 and 2. Between miles 2 and 3 (there are posts making each mile) it gets considerably more rocky, with certain parts very slippery in the rain. The rockier the trail the more impressive the views, however.
After mile three, the trail starts to get very narrow and there are a few precarious spots that are quite difficult to share with a passing bicyclist. Unless your dog is very good about conceding right-of-way, which mine has no concept of, it might be best to keep them on leash in those sections.

The view get better but the trail gets rockier as you head up.

• Words to the Wise: There is no water available at the trailhead, so be sure and bring plenty of your own. Especially if you are hiking when its warm, which I definitely don't recommend, since there is very little shade. I've only hiked this trail in late December, which is probably one of the best times to go other than early spring.