8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Northern California You Can Visit (2023 Guide)

Dogs love spending time outdoors more than we do. They love interacting with nature, and if you afford them that opportunity, they’ll surely love you more. Northern California is richly diverse, and there are many options for an outdoor adventure.

There’s always something for everyone, whether you’re 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
It’s connected to other trails
The trailheads are well-marked

2. Heart Lake Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Mineral, California
🕐 Open Times:	24/7, year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 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
It’s a fairly easy hiking trail

3. Mount Judah Loop Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Mount Judah, California
🕐 Open Times:	24/7, year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 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

🗺️ Address:	📍 Kanaka Peak, California
🕐 Open Times:	24/7, year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 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
It’s well-maintained
Provides adequate shade for visitors
Ideal for inexperienced hikers

6. Lake Siskiyou Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Mt. Shasta, California
🕐 Open Times:	24/7, year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 Off-Leash:	Yes

It’s an easy trail to hike
The tree canopy provides adequate shade
Plenty of wildlife to see
Provides scenic views
Doesn’t get too busy

7. Mammoth Crest Trail

🗺️ Address:	📍 Mammoth Crest, California
🕐 Open Times:	24/7, year-round
💲 Cost:	Free
🐕 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
It’s an easy hiking trail
Most areas are shaded
It’s 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. We’d encourage you to visit one of these trails with your dog if you’d like to forge a stronger bond and experience some awesome trails.

Featured Image Credit: Petra, Pixabay