Maya hiking the Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail. Photo by Dave Kendrick.
Lace up your hiking boots, load your pup into the car and get a grip on your leash: you’ll need it when you see how excited she’ll become upon encountering a multitude of new sights and smells in dog-friendly
Mendocino County. The weather is near-perfect both along the coast, as well as inland. Remember to bring plenty of water, snacks and as always, Leave Only Paw Prints™.
If you are heading up Hwy. 101 just north of Ukiah, you will find the
Shakota trail, a three-mile (round trip six miles) mostly shaded walk that follows the western shore of Lake Mendocino. The trail can be accessed from both the north or the south. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Along the coast on Hwy. 1, the
Noyo Headlands Coastal Trail, both north and south sections, is a great option for exercising yourself and your pup while soaking up the views. The northern trail can be accessed on the west side of Elm Street at Noyo Headlands State Park, while the southern trail is accessed to the west of Cypress Street. It’s a five-mile jaunt with parking available on both ends.