Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
Dogs love spending time outdoors more than we do. They love interacting with nature, and if you afford them that opportunity, theyโll surely love you more. Northern California is richly diverse, and there are many options for an outdoor adventure.
Thereโs always something for everyone, whether youโre into adventurous climbs, exploring aging woodlands, or strolling along scenic shorelines. So, if you and your dog would like to have a taste of what the top side of the Golden State has to offer, go visit the following trails.
The Top 8 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Northern California
1. Wolf Ridge Trail
Great trail for joggers, hikers, and even cyclists
Usually gets busy in the morning
Not many trees to provide adequate shade
Scenic views of the city skyline
Itโs connected to other trails
The trailheads are well-marked
2. Heart Lake Trail
๐บ๏ธ Address:
๐ Mineral, California
๐ Open Times:
24/7, year-round
๐ฒ Cost:
Free
๐ Off-Leash:
Yes
Some areas are infested with bugs during summer
Winter visitors must have snowshoes
The trail is relatively short
The perfect time to visit is during the fall
Itโs a fairly easy hiking trail
3. Mount Judah Loop Trail
๐บ๏ธ Address:
๐ Mount Judah, California
๐ Open Times:
24/7, year-round
๐ฒ Cost:
Free
๐ Off-Leash:
Yes
One of the most challenging hiking trails
Offers no amenities
Dangerous during summer and winter due to intense heat and cold
Not ideal for inexperienced hikers
Not much shade
4. Kanaka Peak Trail
๐บ๏ธ Address:
๐ Kanaka Peak, California
๐ Open Times:
24/7, year-round
๐ฒ Cost:
Free
๐ Off-Leash:
Yes
Offers a panoramic view of the mountainside
Not an easy hiking trail
Some areas are infested with ticks
Breathtaking views
Visitors must carry their own water
5. Black Butte Trail
Is home to mountain lions and black bears
Some areas are extremely steep
It usually gets muddy during spring
Itโs well-maintained
Provides adequate shade for visitors
Ideal for inexperienced hikers
6. Lake Siskiyou Trail
๐บ๏ธ Address:
๐ Mt. Shasta, California
๐ Open Times:
24/7, year-round
๐ฒ Cost:
Free
๐ Off-Leash:
Yes
Itโs an easy trail to hike
The tree canopy provides adequate shade
Plenty of wildlife to see
Provides scenic views
Doesnโt get too busy
7. Mammoth Crest Trail
๐บ๏ธ Address:
๐ Mammoth Crest, California
๐ Open Times:
24/7, year-round
๐ฒ Cost:
Free
๐ Off-Leash:
Your dog must be leashed in high-traffic areas
Has wildlife such as bighorn sheep and black bears
Bad cell reception
Only ideal for athletic dogs
Not suitable for inexperienced hikers
Offers scenic views of the Alpine mountains
8. Potem Falls Trail
Delivers a scenic waterfall view
Itโs an easy hiking trail
Most areas are shaded
Itโs a relatively short trail
Great swimming area
Conclusion
California has always been at the top when it comes to the best hike-friendly states in the country. It has all the beautiful scenery you can imagine, and plenty of trails to cater to both experienced and inexperienced hikers. Weโd encourage you to visit one of these trails with your dog if youโd like to forge a stronger bond and experience some awesome trails.
Featured Image Credit: Petra, Pixabay
Written by
Nicole Cosgrove
Lead Pet Expert & Pet-ditor in Chief
Nicole is the proud mom of 3 rescue fur babies, Baby, a Burmese cat; Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway; and Mac, a Lab/Mastiff. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts’ knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.…Read more