All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Northern CA
Banner Briones
There’s a challenging 3.9-mile hike at Briones Regional Park where the reward is some of the East Bay’s best views.
ViewEasy Does It, East Bay
Lafayette Reservoir is an East Bay classic and this time of year we recommend simply stretching your legs on the trail around the reservoir.
ViewFernandez Fabulous
There’s a lesser known hiking haven located in the northern range of the East Bay Hills. Fernandez Ranch has beautiful trails through the park’s golden hills and under oak savannahs. This 4-mile recommended loop hike bonuses with glorious view of San Francisco Bay.
ViewSibley Sensations
Make your way to Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland Hills for a 3.5-mile (round-trip) hike alongside the East Bay’s 10-million-year-old volcano.
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Love You Some Limantour
A lot of places in Point Reyes National Seashore don’t allow dogs, but Limantour Beach has split the difference, offering ample dog-friendly space that’s bluffing beautiful.
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Dillon Darling
Often overlooked, Dillon Beach in Marin can be magical in fall when the mist lifts to reveal a 1-mile swath of wide and sandy terrain backed by dunes and dotted with picnic tables.
ViewNot Your First Rodeo
Marin’s Rodeo Beach has a lot going on. It’s the starting point for sweeping headland hikes, and it’s home to the world-renowned Marine Mammal Center. Head south for more seclusion!
ViewSuperb in the Burbs
Tucked behind a suburb on the Peninsula, Pillar Point Bluff County Park is a slice of coastal paradise, with its 220 acres of ocean-bluff beauty. Hike the 1.4-mile Jean Lauer Trail loop for some sweet coastal views.
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Make Time for Tolay
Hidden in the hills south of Petaluma, Tolay Lake Regional Park is 3,400 acres of wide-open space, with a fantastic network of hiking and biking trails, wildflower walks in spring, grazing cattle, and sweet farm animals.
ViewTiny Hike, Mighty View
Nestled in Napa's beautiful Browns Valley neighborhood, Timberhill Park is a hidden gem with a fantastic hike and equally fantastic views.
ViewArastradero Is an A+
Pearson-Arastradero Preserve just might be the perfect place for feeling swept away while not being far away at all. Easily accessed off busy Highway 280, the preserve has over 10 miles of trails.
ViewBerkeley's Bounty
Berkeley’s best ingredients for fall hiking: forest for some color, ridges for some huge views, plus redwoods and a tranquil lake. Ta-dah! It’s all within this 3.3-mile hike in Tilden Regional Park.
ViewTahoe's Trio of Lake Vistas
They say good things come in threes, and it’s true when you embark on this 8-mile (round-trip) hike in Tahoe’s Desolation Wilderness. It gives you three excellent lake vistas: Eagl
ViewNapa's Liquid Assets
Looking for more ways than wine to have a good time in Napa? Just add water. Head to Lake Hennessey in Saint Helena for a moderate 5.5-mile loop hike with a bounty of scenery. From
ViewBackyard Sierra
With bright blue water, ospreys soaring overhead and evergreens towering all around, Bon Tempe feels like a secluded lake in the Sierra Nevada. Surprise! It's one of the five pocket lakes on Mt. Tam's northern flank, and the water supply for many Marin homes. You'll never lose sight of this blue beauty as you hike the flat 3.8-mile trail that circles its shore.
ViewJenner's New Views
The beautifully developed trails at Jenner Headlands Preserve in Sonoma County offer access to quiet stretches of coastal redwood forest and huge views of the Pacific. It’s also a refreshing escape on hot days.
ViewYour Private Cabin Is Calling
A private cabin in Yosemite tucked among sugar pines? Yes please! The brand-new Explorer Cabins at Tenaya Lodge make your next Yosemite getaway even more relaxing. Each standalone
ViewBattery Recharger
Get swept up in iconic coastal scenery on this classic 5-mile loop hike in the Marin Headlands that passes a secret World War II military fortification, home to a vast network of underground tunnels.
ViewTahoe Trio of Lakes
Three alpine lakes, superb views, and shoreline camping for soaking it all in … Loch Leven Lakes is pure Tahoe wilderness. This 7.2-mile out-and-back in Tahoe National Forest is great for a long day hike, or a weekend of adventure camping among this trio of crystal waters.
ViewDam Tam!
Hike in the Sierra without leaving the Bay Area! Well, at least it seems that way. The sparkling reservoirs on the north side of Mount Tamalpais offer miles of hiking trails and the kind of peaceful forest sensation that could be a stand-in for low elevation Sierra Nevada.
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Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula
The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.
Find Your San Francisco Peninsula Adventure
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