Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

8 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Northern California You Can Visit (2025 Guide)

woman hiking with a dog

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 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, visit the following trails.

divider single dog paw oct 2024

The Top 8 Dog-Friendly Hikes in Northern California

1. Wolf Ridge Trail

️ Address: Golden Gate National Recreation, California
Open Times: 24/7, year-round
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Great trail for joggers, hikers, and 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: No
  • 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: No
  • 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: No
  • Offers a panoramic view of the mountainside
  • Not an easy hiking trail
  • Some areas are infested with ticks
  • Breathtaking views
  • Visitors must carry their water

5. Black Butte Trail

️ Address: Mount Shasta, California
Open Times: 6 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • 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: No
  • It’s an easy trail to hike
  • The tree canopy provides adequate shade
  • Plenty of wildlife to see
  • Provides scenic views
  • Don’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

️ Address: Potem Falls, California
Open Times: 6 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: No
  • Delivers a scenic waterfall view
  • It’s an easy hiking trail
  • Most areas are shaded
  • It’s a relatively short trail
  • Great swimming area

divider dog paws 3 oct 2024

Conclusion

California has always been at the top regarding 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.

See also: 13 Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails in Southern California You Can Visit


Featured Image By: Petra, Pixabay

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

10 Benefits of Running With Your Dog & Tips to Get Going

If you’re thinking of starting a running routine, whether for health reasons or just for fun, why not let your pup join in?...

10 Best White Noise Machines for Dogs in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog owners know the frustration of fireworks going off or the rumble of thunder irritating their dogs and causing them to bark. This...

11 Off-Leash Dog Parks in San Francisco, CA to Visit In 2025

San Fran, the Foggy City—it’s the epicenter of tech and home of the iconic landmark, the Golden Gate Bridge. And on top of...

10 Black & White Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures & History

When you think of black and white dogs, a few breeds might come to mind first, but what other dogs classically show up...

More related

10 Dogs Bred for Companionship: With Pictures & Facts

As a dog lover, you are probably familiar with many different breeds, and you likely know that most were developed with a single...

Can Dogs Have Cumin? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

When you think about giving your dog a bite of your food as a treat, you probably don’t think about what spices the...

Formentino Cane Corso: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

The formentino Cane Corso is a color pattern of the Cane Corso breed. They grow to be between 22.8 and 26 inches in...

How to Groom a Pomeranian: 9 Vet-Verified Tips

Pomeranians may be small in stature, but these little dogs come with big personalities. They are fun and joyful pups that love to...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Pears? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

It’s natural to wonder what foods are safe for your dog to consume, as it’s common to want to toss them a quick piece of meat or veggies while you’re at the dinner table. But what about fruit? More specifically,...

Can Dogs Eat Pears

What Is Hydrolyzed Protein Dog Food? Pros, Cons, & FAQ

If your dog is allergic to proteins or struggles with inflammatory bowel disease, you have probably heard about hydrolyzed protein dog food. Meat is one of the most common allergens found in dog food, which often leads to itchiness and...

dog eating from bowl in kitchen

Pros & Cons of Grain-Free Dog Food: Benefits, Risks, & More

Grain-free dog food has been gaining in popularity over the past few years. And while grain-free diets may have some benefits, there are also some potential risks associated with them as well. In this article, we’ll take a look at...

a dog eating from metal bowl

What Is Blood Meal in Dog Food? Health Facts & FAQ

You’re looking at the ingredients of your dog’s favorite dry food and come across this word: blood meal. What is it exactly? Will your beloved pooch benefit from it, or is it a potentially dangerous ingredient? The term “blood meal”...

dry dog food in a bowl on wooden table

Can Dogs Eat Rice Pudding? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

Anyone who owns a dog knows how it feels to be enjoying a yummy snack only to look over and see big, begging eyes watching each bite you take. With the close relationship we share with our dogs, it’s only...

Can Dogs Eat_rice pudding

Can Dogs Eat Salmon? Vet Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Precautions

When you think of dog food, you probably think of beef or chicken instead of novel protein sources like salmon. Part of the reason lies in the habitat we associate with canines. Wolves typically live in various areas, such as...

Can Dogs Eat_salmon

11 Best Wet Dog Food for Huskies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Every Siberian Husky owner knows that these dogs have tons of energy. Huskies require a quality, high protein diet low in carbs to recharge and refuel, making the decision of what to feed an important task. Huskies are extremely active...

husky eating

Can Dogs Eat Fritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Dogs aren’t well-known for their pickiness, and it’s up to owners to monitor the food they can access. Just as you wouldn’t eat a bowl of Purina, your pup shouldn’t be making a habit of feasting on the foods we...

Can Dogs Eat_fritos