All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Northern CA

Heintz on Time
There’s a marvelous hiking and biking route linking three South Bay parks, all within the urban environs of Los Gatos. This 4-mile loop in Heintz Open Space glows green after the rains.
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Can’t Bluff This! (Secret Spring Ranch)
Accessible right from downtown Mendocino, a bluff-side walk at Mendocino Headlands State Park is a must. The marquee trails here overlook not just the charming hamlet of Mendocino, but also the dramatic coastal scenery from the bluffs.
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The Magic of MacKerricher
Headlands, wetlands, lakefront, and tide pools—MacKerricher State Park is one of Mendocino County’s coastal greatest hits. This wild stretch just north of Fort Bragg packs in miles of dramatic shoreline, an easy boardwalk ramble, and one of the best chances around to spot river otters slipping through a thriving estuary.
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This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!
All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.
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Buck Wild!
Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.
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Orinda Original
This 3.5-mile out-and-back through Orinda Oaks Park and Moraga offers scenic vistas right inside the city.
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Three Cheers
Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.
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Peak Briones
Great views and a killer workout go hand-in-hand on this 6-mile loop through Briones Regional Park. Lace up your boots, pack an extra water, and enjoy this challenging hike through the northern East Bay’s peaks and valleys.
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Sweet and Salty
Located on Highway 1 about 18 miles north of Jenner, Salt Point State Park is wild, scenic, and one of the most beautiful places to do some classic coastal camping.
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Keep on Truckee
The 12-mile Truckee River bike path cuts right through downtown Reno and goes all the way to neighboring Sparks. Along the route you should absolutely make some pit stop detours to enjoy one of Reno Tahoe’s top signature crafts: beer!
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Aloha from California
Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.
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Berry Good Hike (or Bike)
This 7-mile out-and-back through Sanborn County Park has big views of the South Bay and offers some reprieve from summer heat thanks to shaded sections among towering firs.
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Your Mission Is Less Crowded
Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.
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Bear Hug
This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).
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Peaceful at Pyramid
About 40 minutes beyond downtown Reno, Pyramid Lake Scenic Byway leads to one of the world’s largest oases. Pyramid Lake is the end point of the Truckee River, and it’s an absolute marvel.
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Huffaker for Huge Views
As the sun goes down, the iconic lights come up in the Biggest Little City in the World. And there’s a perfect place to witness both on a short sunset hike to an outcropping offering a brilliant panorama. South Reno’s Huffaker Hills is a grass prairie open space teeming with wildlife and seasonal wildflowers.
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Key to the Biking Kingdom
It’s not often that you get amazing mountain biking trails within city limits. Hello, Keystone Canyon in Reno! Keystone Canyon feels like a wilderness world away with its vast network of trails ranging from beginner-friendly to truly challenging.
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This Way to Oxbow and Dickerson Road
Just west of downtown Reno—tucked right alongside the Truckee River—is a nature haven for wildlife spotting and waterside relaxing. The 22-acre Oxbow Nature Study Area is ideal for those seeking solitude and a short hike. Afterwards, explore the creative hub of Dickerson Road.
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Switchbacks and Swimming Holes
Hike hard, play hard! This 7-mile out-and-back in Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area is a great workout with payoff vistas and a relaxing post-hike picnic and dip in the water.
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Saddle Up with Central Coast Trailrides
Untouched and sweeping, the mountainous scenery and deep valleys of Santa Margarita near Paso Robles are just begging to be explored. So saddle up for a scenic adventure with Central Coast Trailrides (CCT) at the 14,000-acre Santa Margarita Ranch.
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