California’s Gold Country, home to the Gold Rush in 1849, combines history, nature, authentic American West small towns, a sensational culinary scene, wine, microbreweries, and majestic scenery in a captivating way that no other California region rivals. The gold rush continues today in the form of tourism in a region encompassing a dozen cities and counties with hundreds of dog-friendly places to stay, eat and drink, hike, splash, and much, much more. Read more.
SNO many options for fun
Lola, dad Jeff and grandpa Dave, head out for the SNO-Parks.
Here's a DogTrekker secret: Stories about California SNO-Parks are among our most-read each year! There's lots to bark about when it comes to these dog-friendly, snow-covered playgrounds scattered on U.S. Forest Service lands. Read more.
All aboard for Gold Country history
Tuolumne County is the heart of California Gold Country, and to get a feel for it, you and your family will want to visit both Columbia State Historic Park Read more.
Sierra County
Historic Highway 49 in the north starts in the Sierra County town of Vinton and winds south through a mountainous region where the rivers still run free. Even during the summer high season, this county of fewer than 4,000 souls is off the beaten track for most visitors. In fall, it can feel like your own private realm. Set up basecamp in Downieville, a Gold-Rush town on the Yuba River, and prepare to be charmed. Read more.
Snouts out the window
Photo by Andrew Pons.
Fall is a great time for a scenic-drive vacation, and it would be hard to find more options than in the Shasta Cascade region, which boasts 12 designated scenic byways, each with its own intrinsic qualities. Read more.
