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8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Northern California: 2025 Update

Codee Chessher

By Codee Chessher

dog at a trail

Northern California has some of the country’s most breathtaking natural scenery and wildlife, from the snowy, picturesque Sierra Nevada Mountains to the majestic, towering redwood forests. Whether you’re a native or just visiting, it’s well worth taking the time to go visit some of northern California’s hiking trails with your best four-legged friend along for the ride.

In this article, we’ll be giving you all the essential details on northern California’s best dog-friendly hiking trails. Read on and start planning your next trip today!

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The 8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Northern California

1. Mammoth Crest Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 Mammoth Crest, California
🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: Yes, in certain areas
  • Trail length: 13.2
  • Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
  • Steep and demanding trail suitable for experienced hikers and high-endurance dogs
  • Beautiful mix of alpine mountains, meadows, rivers, and wildlife including black bears & bighorn sheep
  • Poor cell reception—tell friends or loved ones where you’re off to before leaving!

2. Black Butte Trail

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd4VWjbJped/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

🗺️ Address: 📍 Mount Shasta, California
🕐 Open Times: Dawn to dusk
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail length: 2.6 miles
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Steep but short and well-maintained trail
  • Black bears and mountain lions could be present—be respectful of the wildlife and their habitat
  • Can get muddy during spring

3. Mount Judah Loop Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 Mount Judah, California
🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail length: 5.5 miles
  • Difficulty: Advanced
  • Come prepared—there are no amenities along the trail
  • Spring and fall offer the most amenable weather

4. Potem Falls Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 Potem Falls, California
🕐 Open Times: Dawn to dusk
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail length: 0.3 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Short forest trail ending in a gorgeous 60-foot waterfall and swimming hole
  • Use caution when climbing—the last bit before the waterfall is devilishly tricky

5. Kanaka Peak Trail

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgNCmatBZZZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

🗺️ Address: 📍 Kanaka Peak, California
🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail length: 8 miles
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Visit during the spring to check out the colorful, blooming wildflower meadows
  • Physically demanding trip culminating in a panoramic mountain-top view
  • Check your dog for ticks after this trip

6. Heart Lake Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 Mineral, California
🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail length: 3.0 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Wonderful fall destination
  • Pack snowshoes if you’re going in the winter
  • Summer visitors report bugs on this climb—bring bug spray

7. Lake Siskiyou Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 Mount Shasta, California
🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail length: 7.3 miles
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Long, fully shaded trail
  • Excellent sightseeing for wildlife: black bears, bald eagles, beavers, deer, and more

8. Wolf Ridge Trail

🗺️ Address: 📍 Golden Gate National Recreation Area, California
🕐 Open Times: 24/7 year-round
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-Leash: No
  • Trail length: 4.4 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Postcard-worthy views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the SF Bay, and the city skyline
  • Several other connecting trails with well-marked trailheads to explore
  • Try this route in the morning to avoid traffic and intense mid-day sun

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Conclusion

Northern California is a treasure trove of natural scenery, whether you’re interested in alpine valleys or mysterious waterfall basins. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vet at hiking, there are trails aplenty to satisfy you in Northern California.

Related Reads:

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Featured Image Credit: Trialnes, Shutterstock

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