Wag More: Pet-Friendly Places In & Around Crescent City, California

Sit. Stay. (Sleep.)

After a long day hiking mystic trails or exploring sunny beaches, it’s time to curl up with the pup. There is no shortage of pet-friendly lodging in Del Norte County, so you are sure to find Fido’s type of place.

Is your dog the rustic explorer type? Treat them to developed or backcountry ​camping in the Redwoods​. Some parks also offer cabins and RV hookups. For ocean loving pups and their people, park your RV at Lighthouse Cove RV Park and go gaga over the ocean and Battery Pt. Lighthouse views — and sandy beach strolls are only steps away.

Maybe your K-9 favors more creature comforts. Many hotels in Del Norte County are pet-friendly. Here are just a few … refer to all pet-friendly lodging options at the bottom of this post:

• Anchor Beach Inn​ in Crescent City features ocean views in most the rooms and easy access to a long sandy beach (South Beach) for walks and wags
• OceanFront Lodge​ in Crescent City includes a complimentary hot breakfast
• Quality Inn​ in Crescent City maintains a quaint, clean rooms with affordable pet fees
• Hiouchi Motel​ in Hiouchi is situated along the serene Smith River
• Middle Fork Ranch​ in Gasquet offers a selection of lodging on beautiful acreage

Perhaps you need a place that will accomodate a larger flock, both human and furry. Del Norte County vacation rentals and Airbnbs also feature pet-friendly accommodations. There are more than 40 listings on ​VRBO​ as well as ​Airbnb​.

Sandy Paws

Wander well with your dog along Del Norte County’s endless coastline and beaches in Crescent City and Del Norte County. Leashed dogs are welcome on all beaches. Kellogg Beach is great for agate-hunting. Klamath Beach is a wildlife paradise where the river meets the ocean. And South Beach provides miles of sand fit for running and sniffing.

Take your pup on the salty hike of a lifetime around Lake Earl State Wildlife Area. You’ll trot along the shoreline at Point St. George and up to the dunes and marshes of Tolowa Dunes State Park. Your dog’s tail is wagging at the thought of this wild paradise. If you have a maritime mut, be sure to swing in to Lake Earl while you’re there for some incredible paddling.

Bark Parks & Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

The state and national parks of Del Norte County are completely inspiring with towering trees, thick vegetation and unique wildlife. To protect these treasures, our fur friends have some rules to follow. Throughout the Redwood Parks, leashed pups are allowed in campgrounds, viewpoint areas, gravel and old logging roads.

We recommend the 3.6 mile out-and-back Cal Barrel Road trail in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. A rarely-used dirt road, it winds through a spectacular old-growth forest that even the most discerning doggo will appreciate.

The Redwoods National Park Service has put together this great ​page for pet-owners​ on visiting the parks. It includes hikes, tips and rules to create an awesome experience with your pet. The general rule of thumb for bringing your dog to the Redwoods National and State Parks is you can walk them on any of the gravel roads throughout the park.

The Smith River National Recreation Area includes oodles of trails to explore with your dog. Check out the Smith River Trail Guide from our friends at the Smith River Trail Alliance to find the perfect woodsy and riverfront trails for you and your pup to explore.

For a more social setting, check out Crescent City’s off-leash fenced dog park. “Dog Town” is in a section of Beachfront Park off Front Street across from SeaQuake Brewing. There is an area for large dogs as well as small ones. After the pup party, leash up and walk over to the B Street Pier to admire the Pacific Ocean.

And Paul Bunyan Loves Dogs, Too

Take your dog anywhere you like within the Trees of Mystery — except for along the Redwood Canopy Trail. This fun nature attraction celebrates the beauty and inspiration of the redwood forests in Klamath, California — only a short drive from Crescent City. A giant talking Paul Bunyan greets you, and may remind you that you don’t have to leave Fido in the car. Leashed dogs are permitted in all areas including trails, gift shop and the SkyTrail tram rides. How often do you get the chance to glide 1,500 feet up in a gondola with your fur friend for a beautiful ocean vista?