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

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

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

Can Dogs Eat Papaya? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

On a hot summer’s day, there is nothing more refreshing than eating a variety of fruit. One delicious fruit is the papaya! Of...

Dogster Photo Contest: Dogs of the Week Winners (Mar 20, 2025)

This Week’s Winner Cutest Most Expressive Best Action Shot Most Dignified Silliest Enter Your Dog Submit your doggie for a chance to be...

Can Dogs Eat Fish? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Though fish is most commonly associated with cats, many dogs love it, too. If your dog goes bonkers for a fishy treat, they’re...

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch in 4 Easy Steps

Fetching a ball or rope toy may seem second nature to dogs, but that’s not always the case. Some breeds, like retrievers, take...

More related

National Dachshund Day 2025: When It Is & How It’s Celebrated

National Dachshund Day is the day in the US when Doxie owners and lovers celebrate this wonderful breed as part of the global...

Dog New Year’s Resolutions: Lava’s Plans for 2025

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. It’s almost New...

How Do I Know If My Dog Is Healthy? Our Vet Discusses 12 Ways to Tell

Apart from hilarious video clips and adorable photos, one of the main reasons dog owners turn to the internet is to make sure...

Can Dogs Eat Bacon? Vet-Reviewed Health Facts & FAQ

If there’s an aroma guaranteed to get dogs drooling and gazing up at you with big, pleading eyes, it’s the smell of bacon...

Keep reading

Fromm vs Orijen Dog Food: 2025 Comparison, Pros & Cons

Like most dog owners, you are probably carrying the weight of deciding what dog food is best for your beloved pup. Not only is the pet food market saturated with different brands, recipes, and food types but it is also...

Dogster_Dog Food Fromm VS Orijen

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps? Vet-Verified Facts & Explanation

Ginger snaps are a spiced cookie that’s synonymous with the holiday season. They’re slightly sweet without being too overpowering, and deliciously crunchy. While you may enjoy them, ginger snaps aren’t something we recommend offering your dog. Ginger snaps aren’t inherently...

Can Dogs Eat Ginger Snaps

Can Dogs Eat Cool Whip? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cool Whip is a summer favorite—a perfect topping for all hot weather treats! It is no wonder that our dogs want a dollop for themselves! If your dog got into the goodies or you just want to spruce up your...

Can Dogs Eat Cool Whip

Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review 2025: Pros & Cons and Recalls

Review Summary Purina has been one of the top producers in the pet food industry for over 90 years and has been a trusted brand for just as long. Since it has such a large variety of brands and recipes,...

Dogster_Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review

Gravy Train Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary The best way to a dog’s heart is through their stomach, and feeding them nutritional and tasty food is a surefire way to make you their favorite person. Finding a brand that you and your dog likes can...

Dogster_Gravy Train Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Candy Canes? Vet-Approved Facts & Safety Guide

Candy canes are fun and tasty seasonal treats that appear everywhere around the winter holiday season. If you have cats or kids, it’s likely that a candy cane will find its way onto the floor sometime during the festivities, and...

Can Dogs Eat_candy canes

Can Dogs Eat Hay? Vet Approved Facts & Advice

Hay is used as animal feed. However, that doesn’t make it a good choice for your dog. Many dogs will naturally eat a small amount of grass for differing reasons. Therefore, it isn’t odd for them to try a bite...

Can Dogs Eat_hay

Ziwi Peak Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction When it comes to commercial dog food, you’re going to be hard-pressed to find something better than Ziwi Peak. It offers high-quality, environmentally friendly ingredients that combine the nutrition of a raw diet in a convenient dry...

Dogster_Ziwi Peak Dog Food