8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Northern California: 2024 Update
Updated on
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!
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
| 🗺️ 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
| 🗺️ 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
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:
Featured Image Credit: Trialnes, Shutterstock
