8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Northern California: 2025 Update
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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
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
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🗺️ 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.
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Featured Image Credit: Trialnes, Shutterstock