All "Dog Friendly" Stories in Northern CA

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  Calaveras Giants

  Contending as some of the tallest, mightiest, and most muscular spectacles in the state are the hulking (and beautiful) trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Hit the trails to witness spectacular groves of giant sequoia redwoods.

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  The Trail Less Traveled

  Sometimes it’s the trails less traveled that bring memories most cherished. Sun Valley, Idaho, offers a change of pace and scenery that inspires a sense of wonder and a feeling of rejuvenation.

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  Storied Trail

  If ever there was a fairy trail, this 6.8-mile lollipop loop on Sun Valley’s Proctor Mountain is it. The Proctor Mountain Trail is a storied route in more ways than one, starting with its tranquil oasis memorial for a famous writer, Ernest Hemingway.

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  Bald Statement

  If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. This 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down.

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  Two Wheels to Zen

  The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.

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  Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley

  Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution. Here are some top spots for viewing and photography.

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  Baytiful!

  Bike the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail for the sheer multitude of Silicon Valley attractions—from an amusement park to protected wetlands and the 49ers’ stadium. This 10-mile out-and-back ride takes cyclists through some of the best spots in the South Bay.

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  Float This Boat!

  What makes paddling Mendocino’s beautiful Big River even more enjoyable? Exploring it on an artisan canoe! These handcrafted outriggers are fashioned from reclaimed virgin redwood. (Bonus: even the dog can come along!)

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  Simply Sun Valley, Idaho

  A change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air, and you benefit from both when you experience the Sun Valley, Idaho, very few people know. Nature nurtures here in the original mountain town.

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  North Lake Tahoe, Naturally

  Where do you go to make this spring twice as fun? North Lake Tahoe, naturally! Just 45 minutes from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, North Lake Tahoe’s spring season lets you double up your days with diverse outdoor experiences.

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  Hidden Wilds of Healdsburg

  When you arrive at Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, you may wonder what could possibly be tucked behind a subdivision. But within minutes of hiking in this 155-acre preserve, the beauty reveals itself: majestic oak trees, wetland, spring wildflowers, and wowing views of the Mayacama Mountains and Russian River.

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  Disc-go!

  Big views and one of the most scenic disc golf courses in Northern California: Crane Creek Regional Park in Sonoma County packs a lot into its 128 acres!

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  Flashy Fernandez

  Green rolling hills studded in oak trees, wildflowers like poppies, lupine, and the Mount Diablo sunflower—exclusive to Contra Costa County: the landscape at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez is a highlight reel of wildlife, wildflowers, and wowing panoramas. Try this 6-mile hike or bike ride.

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  Muiraculous Beauty

  Ready to make your non-California friends jealous? Have a bonfire at Muir Beach while watching the sunset. This is Northern California living at its most braggadocious.

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  BBQ by the Bay

  Picnic spots don't get more "on the Bay" than at China Camp State Park. This sprawling state park in Marin has several panoramic picnic spots (with BBQ grills) right on the shores of San Pablo Bay.

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  Samuel's Place

  Samuel P. Taylor State Park has all the fixings for a beautiful picnic combined with a hike or bike ride: redwood forest, babbling Lagunitas Creek, barbecue grills, and beautiful trails.

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  Ride the Ridge

  Galloping green hills, grazing cattle, great vantages … Bolinas Ridge Trail in Point Reyes National Seashore is a challenging yet visually rewarding intermediate-level mountain bike ride (or hike). Winter and spring are ideal for an adventure here, and seasonal features like wildflowers can pop early.

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  The Mission is Mission

  Thousands of hikers and bikers come to test their mettle against Mission Peak and pose with the famous “Mission Peeker” summit pole. This 6-mile out-and-back route happens to be one of the best sunset hikes in the Bay Area.

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  Loop Less Traveled

  The East Bay has some of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, and Monument Peak shares the gorgeous views with fewer people on the trail. Hike this 8.7-mile loop to the summit and it might just be you, and the cows!

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  A New Work of Heart

  Ready for a heartfelt hike? This urban walk in San Francisco features a beautiful mosaic stairway, panoramic views, a new work of "heart," and plentiful coastal drama.

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