Yaks on the 5 Blog

Is Dunsmuir CA Dog-Friendly?

Short answer: yes, very much so. Dunsmuir CA is one of the more dog-friendly small towns you will find anywhere in Northern California. The outdoors are front and center here, the sidewalks are wide, the parks are accessible, and locals genuinely love seeing dogs around town. If you are road-tripping on I-5 with your dog in tow, Dunsmuir is the kind of stop that makes the whole trip better.

Here is a rundown of the best dog-friendly things to do in Dunsmuir, plus where to grab a bite after a good walk.

The Sacramento River Trail

The Sacramento River Trail is the obvious starting point. This paved and unpaved trail runs along the river through the heart of town and extends into the canyon in both directions. The trail is mostly flat, easy to navigate, and offers some genuinely beautiful scenery along the Upper Sacramento River. Your dog will have the river smells, the shade of the canyon, and plenty of interesting sniffs the whole way.

Dogs are welcome on the trail on a leash. The path can get a bit rocky in sections where it leaves the pavement and drops toward the river, so be ready for that if your dog is not used to uneven terrain. The river itself is accessible at several points, and well-behaved water dogs will have a field day.

Hedge Creek Falls

Hedge Creek Falls is a short hike just north of town off I-5 at the Dunsmuir Avenue exit. The waterfall is tucked into a small grotto carved into basalt columns, and the hike down is only about 0.4 miles round trip. Dogs are welcome on leash. The shaded trail winds through ferns and moss, and the falls drop into a pool that some dogs find irresistible. It is a short outing but genuinely beautiful, and the parking area is small so getting there early in the day is smart in summer.

Downtown Dunsmuir

Downtown Dunsmuir Avenue has a small-town feel with shops, galleries, and restaurants. Dogs are welcome on the sidewalks, and you will regularly see people tied up outside shops while their owners browse inside. The town has several small green spaces where you can let your dog stretch, and locals are generally very welcoming to visitors with well-behaved dogs.

Water and a dog bowl are easy to find. Many businesses around town keep water outside for four-legged visitors, which is a small thing but says a lot about the community.

Castle Crags State Park (Short Drive)

Castle Crags State Park is about six miles south of Dunsmuir on I-5. The park is centered on dramatic granite spires that rise above the canyon, and the lower trails are accessible to leashed dogs. The Crags Trail (which leads higher to the summit area) does not allow dogs beyond the first section, but the Vista Point Trail and the area around the campground and river access are dog-friendly. It is worth the short drive if you want more trail time before heading back on the road.

After the Walk: Come See Us at Yaks on the 5

After a morning on the river trail or a hike to the falls, you are going to be hungry. Yaks on the 5 is located right in downtown Dunsmuir at 4917 Dunsmuir Ave. We are a casual, friendly spot with a menu built around made-from-scratch burgers, fresh sides, and house-made milkshakes.

While we do not have dedicated outdoor seating with dog stations, Dunsmuir has several spots along the avenue where you can tie up and grab a meal to go. A lot of our guests traveling with dogs will order at the counter and enjoy their food outside. We are always happy to accommodate travelers on road trips.

Browse our menu here before you arrive or just walk in hungry. We are at 4917 Dunsmuir Ave, and you can reach us at (530) 678-3517. Dunsmuir is worth the stop, and so is the food.

A Few Dog-Friendly Tips for Dunsmuir

• Always bring water. The trail and falls are shaded, but dogs heat up fast on warm days.
• Leash laws are enforced. Keep your dog on a 6-foot leash on trails and in public areas.
• The Sacramento River has strong currents in spring runoff. Watch your dog near the water until flows drop in summer.
• Bring a towel. Between the river trail and the falls, there is a good chance your dog is coming back wet.
• The town is small. Most shops and restaurants are not pet-friendly indoors, but the outdoor experience is excellent.

Dunsmuir CA is one of those towns that road-trippers keep coming back to. The river, the mountains, the honest food, the quiet pace. Visit us at Yaks on the 5 and see what we mean. We will be here. Come hungry.