Dog friendly backpacking near San Francisco Bay Area?

[Nick Larsen]

Well, the wife's pregnant, but I'd still like to have a hiking partner this spring/summer. Now that the dog's almost 2, I'd like to start taking her backpacking.

Are there any parks near the SF bay area that allow dogs? Only has to be 1 or 2 nights. I would like to get away for a weekend here or there.
I checked Big Basin, Point Reyes, and Henry Coe. Am I missing any? Does a dog friendly park even exist?

We'll probably do plenty of car camping with the wife, but I don't want my backpacking gear to go unused all year.

She loves camping BTW:

[Nick Larsen]

AWWWW. WTF?! Sorry! Mods, please get rid of one of these.

My first post gave me a network error, so I double checked that it didn't post by opening a new window and visiting the forum. Wasn't there, so I re-wrote the thread and posted it. Now all of a sudden there are two of them! SORRY!

[Nico .]

I'm not too familar with the bay area, but generally dogs can hike in lots of National Forests, including Los Padres (Big Sur area).

[Andrew F]

My wife and I occasionally dog sit for a friend and try to take the dog backpacking when we do. The only semi-local option I know about is Big Sur/Ventana Wilderness. If you are willing to drive a little further during the season, the 2nd closest option is probably Emigrant Wilderness. Dogs are not allowed off paved trails in state parks in California or in national parks.

[Mary D]

"Dogs are not allowed off paved trails in state parks in California or in national parks."

I've found California (which I visit a couple times per year because I have family there) to be an extremely dog-unfriendly state!

[Jason G]

Emmigrant and Desolation wilderness are both dog friendly and great places to hike. Little more of a drive though..

[Nick Larsen]

I'll have to check out Big Sur then. I've never been there.

Yeah, I figured I could always go to the Sierras. It's hard to justify going all that way though, and not car camp so I can bring the whole family.

I guess if I get any backpacking in this year, it'll probably be solo :(

[David Carbiener]

I take my dog often to the Trinity Alps. I don't know if that's too far north for you, but I and the dog love this area.

[Nick Larsen]

Yeah, at that distance, I might as well just go to the Sierra.
Thanks for the suggestion though, I'm gonna put it on my list of places to go. Looks nice.

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