Loading... Please wait...
Kurgo Dog Blog
Browse Popular Topics
Dog-Friendly Hikes: Northern California
Posted by Jen Sotolongo, Long Haul Trekkers on 25th May 2018
Far away from any large cities (it’s a four-hour drive to San Francisco), northern California offers an abundance of spectacular hikes with fewer crowds, swimming holes aplenty, and pristine wilderness. Here are some of our favorite dog-friendly hikes. Tell us yours in the comments below! Make sure you are prepared for hiking by checking our hiking with dogs checklist.
Easy
Potem Falls (Shasta Trinity National Forest) – Escape the summer heat with a trip to Potem Falls, com
plete with a swimming hole at the base of the 70-foot falls. The hike is super short (just 0.4 miles), but worth it for the easy access. Head there mid-week for a chance to have it all to yourself.
McCloud Waterfalls (Mt. Shasta/Medicine Lake) – If you like mountains, high desert, diverse flora and fauna, and waterfalls, then this is the hike for you. A set of three waterfalls, the lower falls is popular among swimmers who want to cool off in the summer heat. Continue to the more impressive Middle and Upper Falls.
Lake Siskiyou Trail (Mt. Shasta) – Mt. Shasta towers above the lake on this easy 7-mile hike, offering one of the most scenic views in all of northern California. The shaded trail provides a nice escape from hot weather. Note that a seasonal wooden bridge crosses the Sacramento River, otherwise the trail ends up being 9 miles. Bring a kayak or paddleboard and get in the water.
Moderate
Kanaka Peak (Whiskeytown National Recreation Area) – This challenging uphill climb is worth the 1,100-foot climb for the beautiful 360° views from the peak. In the spring, colorful wildflowers blossom, guiding your way across creek crossings and lightly-trafficked 8-mile roundtrip janut. Take a rest in the shade on the bench near the top, before summiting the exposed peak. Beware of ticks and check your dog thoroughly after you finish.
Heart Lake (Mt. Shasta) – Don’t let the short 2-mile out and back trail deter you from considering this moderate hike. Take in one of the best views of nearby mountains like Shasta, Black Butte, and Mt. Ashland from the lake. Accessible year round, bring snow shoes in the winter in case the trail is not packed down.
Seven Lakes Basin via the PCT (Shasta Trinity National Forest) – Take in the various
mountain views throughout this pleasant hike. In addition to the sweeping vistas of the Klamath Mountains, this six-mile roundtrip hike offers swimming options and plenty of spots to relax and enjoy the scenery and solitude.
Deadfall Lakes + Mt. Eddy (Trinity Alps + Marble Mountain Wilderness) – A favorite among local hikers, this hike begins in a meadow before ascending into the glacier-carved Deadfall Basin. Continue on to Upper Deadfall Lake for a lunchbreak with the best views of Mt. Eddy. With the energy from the rest and a bit of food, push on to the peak of Deadfall Summit (8,020 feet) and Mt. Eddy, just 1.1 miles beyond. Now you can say that you’ve hiked to the top of the tallest mountain west of I-5!
Difficult
Big Bear Lake Trail – (Trinity Alps Wilderness) – Break up this steep 10-mile round trip hike by backpacking in and camping by the crystal clear waters of Big Bear Lake. If you’re staying the night, be sure to pick up a wilderness permit from a ranger station. If you have the energy, continue 3.1 miles to Little Bear Lake.
Castle Lake Trail to Mt. Bradley (Mt. Shasta) – Brave the hoards at Castle Lake to find solace and spectacular views at the peak of Mt. Bradley. Hiking beyond Castle Lake, this trail is one of the least-visited in the region. The long ridge walk means nearly constant stunning vistas in all directions.
Mt. Shasta via Clear Creek Route (Mt. Shasta) – While you’re in the shadow of Mt. Shasta, why not give it a go to the top? For experienced hikers only, the Clear Creek route offers the least technical way to the summit. Take at least two days to enjoy the trek and acclimate by camping at Clear Creek Meadows and wake up early for a sunrise approach. The climb to the top can be grueling and is straight up, but the views of Oregon and California from 14,180 feet are unparalleled. All users must first obtain a climbing permit from the ranger station.
Jen Sotolongo is a writer and photographer and runs Long Haul Trekkers, a blog about independent, responsible travel with a pet. Over the past few years, she and her partner have taken their dog, Sora on a cycle tour spanning across Europe and South America, proving that adventures can include your dog, no matter where in the world they may be.
4 Steps To A Clean Car
At Kurgo, we consider dogs to be part of the family and we know you love having them come along on every adventure. Often times these outings involve mud, sand, or water and before you know it your car is filthy. We've put together 4 tips to help keep your car clean so you can [...]
5 Dog Moms We Love
In honor of Mother’s Day, we connected with a few of our favorite Instagram friends who exemplify the Kurgo mission of getting out and enjoying life together with your dog. They are true adventurers who love spending time hiking, running, and walking with their dogs. We asked them to share a bit about what makes their relationship with their [...]
5 Dogs Who Love to Get Muddy
For many dogs, the freedom to get filthy is totally invigorating. After all, rolling around in the wet squishy mud all day long is like a trip to the dog spa. We found 5 dogs who dig getting dirty and we asked their owners a bit about their obsession with mud. While many dog owners dread these muddy [...]
How to Conquer Mud & Messes in the Car
Let’s face it, dogs are messy. Whether it's mud, snow, sand, or any other type of dirt – they love to roll around in it and we then need to clean it up. Follow these easy steps for how to conquer mud and messes in the car. Cover Your SeatThe first step to conquering mud and messes [...]
8 Colorado Breweries that Welcome Your Dog
Typically known for its ski-slopes, sunshine, and dog-friendly hiking trails, Colorado is also becoming known for its thriving craft beer scene. With over 300 breweries across the state, there are always plenty of options for new places to visit and new brews to try. But perhaps the most important deciding factor for many when choosing their libation locale is: [...]
Why Does My Dog Bark in the Car?
For us humans, barking can sometimes be a real nuisance. But for dogs, it is their way of communicating. Because barking occurs for a variety of reasons, it is important to first understand the reason behind the behavior before we try to modify it. The three main reasons for dogs barking in the car are anxiety, barrier aggression, and excitement. [...]
Keeping the Car Clean After a Muddy Hike
Ah spring, the season we wait so long to arrive – only to remember that all those beautiful flowers are blooming thanks to an abundance of rain. Rain, of course, for those of us who get outdoors on a regular basis, means mud. Lots and lots of mud.While it’s fun to play in the mud, dogs tend to gravitate [...]
What to Look for In An Obedience Class
Since dog training has changed drastically over the years, there are now many different options when it comes to choosing an obedience class. This can leave owners confused and a bit worried about how to choose the right fit for their pup. There is everything from puppy class, to agility, to even scent class! So how do you choose? And [...]
Dog Hiking Checklist
Here at Kurgo, we love exploring the outdoors with our dogs. Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and discover a new area together. Whether you're planning an an hour-long trek or a full day hike, make sure you're prepared! Using our Dog Hiking Checklist is a great place to start and check [...]
