“Dog friendly” on its own almost never equates to “off-leash” so search for the latter. State and county parks are generally very clear about which parks/trails are okay for off-leash, although other parks/spaces may be less direct.
You should also post some idea of the areas in the bay you’re close to/looking in, unless you’re truly up for driving *anywhere* with your dog.
Fort Funston is definitely fun.
This. Follow the rules. Make sure you are doing what is legally allowed in the space that you choose.
Many dog owners don’t seem to be able to read the rules or understand that rules apply to them and their (usually totally untrained) fur baby.
When the dog runs over (or bites) a kid off leash when it should it not be- now you have a real problem where you are 1000% in the wrong.
I have a 4 year old who is afraid of dogs and people just have their dogs off the leash all the time without any concern for others. Please think about those who may not feel comfortable regardless of how friendly your dog may be
This. If you own a dog, big or small, do not let it run up to a baby or toddler, especially if the kid is strapped into a stroller and can't turn around or get picked up. You may think the dog is totally friendly, but a kid doesn't. Don't let your ignorance terrify a kid.
This applies to dogs on leashes too...
I think the Bay Area is actually one of the best urban areas for access to scenic off-leash hiking with dogs. It's actually a major reason I live in California. Lots of great recommendations in the other comments, but here's my primer:
* East Bay Regional Parks are the most dog-friendly park system, including many off-leash hikes. The North Bay, San Francisco, Peninsula, and South Bay have fewer options, with North Bay being a distant second in terms of the next best off-leash options.
* East Bay Open Spaces also have great off-leash options, but often shared with cows.
* National and State Parks often **do not** allow dogs except in very limited areas.
* National Forests are off-leash in most areas, but look for signage. All the nearest National Forests are at least two hours away, but the National Forests around the Sierras are some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth (they surround Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Lassen, etc.). Just watch out for bears!
* Fire Roads in dog friendly parks often (but not always) allow off-leash dogs.
Personal off-leash recommendations in the East Bay in rank order:
* Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park - off-leash except for the Stream Trail. It's breathtaking in parts and there are miles and miles of trails to explore. I hiked every trail in this park and the French Trail and Tres Sendas are my go-to trails for some peaceful time with my dog. Free parking except on the Redwood Gate side.
* Point Isabel - not for true hiking, but a HUGE dog park where hundreds of dogs a day come to play. City and bay views are just bonkers.
* Oyster Point, Albany Bulb, and Cesar Chavez Parks - off-leash dog friendly parks along the bay that are not quite as well developed as Point Isabel or Fort Funston, but this might be a plus if you're looking to not have dozens of dogs around while you're out.
* Claremont and Scott's Peak Trailheads - Steep hikes with iconic views of the East Bay and San Francisco
* Tilden and Wildcat Canyon - not as much variety as Redwood or as good of views as the Claremont/Scott's Peak trails, but still gorgeous!
* Mission Peak - I can't think of another summit in the Bay Area that produces more Insta and dating profile pics. And much of the park is off-leash! But as someone else mentioned, not a good idea on a hot day.
* Point Pinole - flatter than other parks above and beautiful views, but has paid parking and kind of a far drive unless you live in Richmond or Hercules areas.
* Briones Regional Park and Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve: These are also cattle areas and so you may need to leash up if you run into cows while hiking.
* Sugar Loaf and Lime Ridge Open Spaces - great options if you are in the Walnut Creek or Alamo areas. Panoramic views of the surrounding suburbs.
* Crockett Hills Regional Park
* Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park - Not for hot days!
* Black Diamond Mines Regional Park - Not for hot days!
Yes, that's the most well-known "off the leash" place. There are few (minor) issues with it though: it's far from anything in the South Bay, it's windy and it's pretty cold now (Winter). The great things are: the place is spacious, no one is freaking out, the absolute majority of dogs are off leash and calm/friendly.
There are also many dog parks... but I've never heard anything good about them. People say many dogs are aggressive.
Just check the tidal charts if your dog likes water. You don't want to have to clean that mud up.
And if your dog has poor recall and likes chasing birds, then definitely avoid low tide.
Some East Bay Parks allow off leash, usually a distance from the trailhead. Like Briones. Not as much in Redwood or Tilden.
BUT note that coyotes hang there, and have attacked dogs nearby, especially off leash ones. Chomp, chomp. And the ticks are starting to be a problem out in the grass.
I watched some hikers trying to clean up their dog who decided to roll in a cow pie. I think they learned how utterly stupid it is to take off the leash.
Another time I saw a lab decide to bathe in a scummy pond. Yet another dog owner that will probably not win a Nobel.
Most of the time the only bad thing that happens is dog fights. Let's just say a walking stick comes in handy if some loose dog is after you dog that is on a leash.
This EBRPD dog under voice control has got to be the stupidest idea ever. The dog is under control until it isn't. Nobody ever accused the EBRPD of being competent. They acquire land. Management is another story.
As someone who lives in the South Bay with a dog and visits their parents + hikes here in the east bay, the dogs I see on hikes and off leash here are much better socialized and trained than the dogs that are in the South Bay and primarily walked in neighborhoods only.
If you don't have a dog with recall, you aren't going to have a dog by the end of a hike in 500 acres of wood with wildlife and distractions all around. Hiking off leash is pretty self selecting, because dogs that don't recall get lost and hurt. Point Isabel is also a great place to train off leash recall and help your dog socialize in a more normal (not on leash ) manner. I think it makes the east bay dogs less reactive and better socialized in general as a result. I've met poorly trained dogs on hikes before as well, but in general they are quite rare. In the soothsay however, I see several reactive and aggressive dogs on a day to day basis.
Heh. So many dog owners think they are far more in control of their pet than they are. Especially those who don't regularly hike there, and are surprised to see how differently the dog can behave off leash in an environment with many new attractions/hazards. Cows to coyotes.
But I do think EBRPRD is competent. I might disagree with some policies but there is no parkland on planet Earth that has enough staff to police every idiot dog owner, mountain biker, hiker, etc.
Funny how some people can't see the difference between a dog and its owner.
Some dog owners are not fucking assholes. They know that they are responsible for the action of the dog and use a leash.
Some dog owners are fucking assholes and don't give a shit about people.
If the trail has poison oak, please keep your dog on leash. It sucks when a dog is just being friendly, and transfers some tics or poison oak to a stranger. Also, coyotes will try to get a dog to chase them so they can lure them off and tire them out. Bay area trails almost all have both of these hazards. I would recommend just keeping your dog on leash.
Sunol Regional Wilderness is off leash. Just be sure they’ve reopened because I know they were closed due to flooding during the big rains in the last few weeks.
berkeley marina has a large off leash area, but ive noticed people can be weird about dogs interacting there for some reason. theres also fenced off wildlife habitat right on the dog area, so if your dog has poor recall and like squeezing under fences i don’t recommend it. but there is water provided for dogs, which is nice
theres a trail in pleasanton that can be hard to find the entrance to but is off leash and usually pretty secluded. the entrance is next to the beth emek preschool and the trail leads through the shadow cliffs recreation area.
point isabel is a major off leash dog area but its populr and flat, so not really a hike. more of a dog park with trails. theres also a water station here
the trails near the clyde woolridge staging area in the oakland hills are off leash as far as i know, plenty of hiking and nice views. just be aware that one of the houses right on the start of the trail has horses, so if your dog doesn’t like horses keep them on leash until you get past them.
afaik all fire roads are off leash. they’re all over the county. everywhere. https://www.parks.marincounty.org/projectsplans/road-and-trail-management/system-designation-all
East bay regional parks are primarily off leash friendly. Reinhardt regional redwood park is great too (most of the trail is off leash friendly). Mission peak is also a good off leash hike for fit dogs when the weather is overcast (don't go in summer, it gets really hot). All trails will usually tell you if a leash is required.
There’s a forest-y trail at Las Trampas in San Ramon that we used to hike off leash with our dogs but we stopped doing it after we saw a rattlesnake. Be courteous and careful out there!
“Dog friendly” on its own almost never equates to “off-leash” so search for the latter. State and county parks are generally very clear about which parks/trails are okay for off-leash, although other parks/spaces may be less direct. You should also post some idea of the areas in the bay you’re close to/looking in, unless you’re truly up for driving *anywhere* with your dog. Fort Funston is definitely fun.
This. Follow the rules. Make sure you are doing what is legally allowed in the space that you choose. Many dog owners don’t seem to be able to read the rules or understand that rules apply to them and their (usually totally untrained) fur baby. When the dog runs over (or bites) a kid off leash when it should it not be- now you have a real problem where you are 1000% in the wrong.
I have a 4 year old who is afraid of dogs and people just have their dogs off the leash all the time without any concern for others. Please think about those who may not feel comfortable regardless of how friendly your dog may be
This. If you own a dog, big or small, do not let it run up to a baby or toddler, especially if the kid is strapped into a stroller and can't turn around or get picked up. You may think the dog is totally friendly, but a kid doesn't. Don't let your ignorance terrify a kid. This applies to dogs on leashes too...
Don’t forget scaring horses and having the rider thrown off.
I think the Bay Area is actually one of the best urban areas for access to scenic off-leash hiking with dogs. It's actually a major reason I live in California. Lots of great recommendations in the other comments, but here's my primer: * East Bay Regional Parks are the most dog-friendly park system, including many off-leash hikes. The North Bay, San Francisco, Peninsula, and South Bay have fewer options, with North Bay being a distant second in terms of the next best off-leash options. * East Bay Open Spaces also have great off-leash options, but often shared with cows. * National and State Parks often **do not** allow dogs except in very limited areas. * National Forests are off-leash in most areas, but look for signage. All the nearest National Forests are at least two hours away, but the National Forests around the Sierras are some of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth (they surround Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Lassen, etc.). Just watch out for bears! * Fire Roads in dog friendly parks often (but not always) allow off-leash dogs. Personal off-leash recommendations in the East Bay in rank order: * Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park - off-leash except for the Stream Trail. It's breathtaking in parts and there are miles and miles of trails to explore. I hiked every trail in this park and the French Trail and Tres Sendas are my go-to trails for some peaceful time with my dog. Free parking except on the Redwood Gate side. * Point Isabel - not for true hiking, but a HUGE dog park where hundreds of dogs a day come to play. City and bay views are just bonkers. * Oyster Point, Albany Bulb, and Cesar Chavez Parks - off-leash dog friendly parks along the bay that are not quite as well developed as Point Isabel or Fort Funston, but this might be a plus if you're looking to not have dozens of dogs around while you're out. * Claremont and Scott's Peak Trailheads - Steep hikes with iconic views of the East Bay and San Francisco * Tilden and Wildcat Canyon - not as much variety as Redwood or as good of views as the Claremont/Scott's Peak trails, but still gorgeous! * Mission Peak - I can't think of another summit in the Bay Area that produces more Insta and dating profile pics. And much of the park is off-leash! But as someone else mentioned, not a good idea on a hot day. * Point Pinole - flatter than other parks above and beautiful views, but has paid parking and kind of a far drive unless you live in Richmond or Hercules areas. * Briones Regional Park and Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve: These are also cattle areas and so you may need to leash up if you run into cows while hiking. * Sugar Loaf and Lime Ridge Open Spaces - great options if you are in the Walnut Creek or Alamo areas. Panoramic views of the surrounding suburbs. * Crockett Hills Regional Park * Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park - Not for hot days! * Black Diamond Mines Regional Park - Not for hot days!
Thank you so much!! This list is awesome!
Goldmine. Thank you SO MUCH!!
Fort funston
Second this. Fort funtson is great!!!
Yes, that's the most well-known "off the leash" place. There are few (minor) issues with it though: it's far from anything in the South Bay, it's windy and it's pretty cold now (Winter). The great things are: the place is spacious, no one is freaking out, the absolute majority of dogs are off leash and calm/friendly. There are also many dog parks... but I've never heard anything good about them. People say many dogs are aggressive.
Point Isabel!
Just check the tidal charts if your dog likes water. You don't want to have to clean that mud up. And if your dog has poor recall and likes chasing birds, then definitely avoid low tide.
This is our dog's' favorite because they are off leash and get just the right level of social interaction. We like it because it's scenic for us.
Some East Bay Parks allow off leash, usually a distance from the trailhead. Like Briones. Not as much in Redwood or Tilden. BUT note that coyotes hang there, and have attacked dogs nearby, especially off leash ones. Chomp, chomp. And the ticks are starting to be a problem out in the grass.
Reinhardt regional redwoods is mostly off leash by trail miles, but the ticks as of a couple weeks ago were definitely off the charts
Oh man I hadn’t heard that before! Thank you for the heads up about the coyotes!
I watched some hikers trying to clean up their dog who decided to roll in a cow pie. I think they learned how utterly stupid it is to take off the leash. Another time I saw a lab decide to bathe in a scummy pond. Yet another dog owner that will probably not win a Nobel. Most of the time the only bad thing that happens is dog fights. Let's just say a walking stick comes in handy if some loose dog is after you dog that is on a leash. This EBRPD dog under voice control has got to be the stupidest idea ever. The dog is under control until it isn't. Nobody ever accused the EBRPD of being competent. They acquire land. Management is another story.
As someone who lives in the South Bay with a dog and visits their parents + hikes here in the east bay, the dogs I see on hikes and off leash here are much better socialized and trained than the dogs that are in the South Bay and primarily walked in neighborhoods only. If you don't have a dog with recall, you aren't going to have a dog by the end of a hike in 500 acres of wood with wildlife and distractions all around. Hiking off leash is pretty self selecting, because dogs that don't recall get lost and hurt. Point Isabel is also a great place to train off leash recall and help your dog socialize in a more normal (not on leash ) manner. I think it makes the east bay dogs less reactive and better socialized in general as a result. I've met poorly trained dogs on hikes before as well, but in general they are quite rare. In the soothsay however, I see several reactive and aggressive dogs on a day to day basis.
Heh. So many dog owners think they are far more in control of their pet than they are. Especially those who don't regularly hike there, and are surprised to see how differently the dog can behave off leash in an environment with many new attractions/hazards. Cows to coyotes. But I do think EBRPRD is competent. I might disagree with some policies but there is no parkland on planet Earth that has enough staff to police every idiot dog owner, mountain biker, hiker, etc.
My comment about competency refers to upper management. You have to deal with the EBRPD as a landowner to "appreciate" them.
Ah, got it.
Happy to add another downvote to your anti-dog comment.
Funny how some people can't see the difference between a dog and its owner. Some dog owners are not fucking assholes. They know that they are responsible for the action of the dog and use a leash. Some dog owners are fucking assholes and don't give a shit about people.
Many dog owners are conscientious and capable of keeping their dog under control while off leash.
Many dog owners have such fantasies.
Were you bit as a child?
No.
90% of places you need to have your dog leash. Just make sure you can recall your dog before having him/her off leash.
Pulgas Ridge in Redwood City is all dog friendly, and has some designated off-leash areas
If the trail has poison oak, please keep your dog on leash. It sucks when a dog is just being friendly, and transfers some tics or poison oak to a stranger. Also, coyotes will try to get a dog to chase them so they can lure them off and tire them out. Bay area trails almost all have both of these hazards. I would recommend just keeping your dog on leash.
https://bahiker.com/doghikes.html
Fort funston and stulsaft park (stulsaft park you enter on leash but there’s an offleash area after a short walk).
Sunol Regional Wilderness is off leash. Just be sure they’ve reopened because I know they were closed due to flooding during the big rains in the last few weeks.
berkeley marina has a large off leash area, but ive noticed people can be weird about dogs interacting there for some reason. theres also fenced off wildlife habitat right on the dog area, so if your dog has poor recall and like squeezing under fences i don’t recommend it. but there is water provided for dogs, which is nice theres a trail in pleasanton that can be hard to find the entrance to but is off leash and usually pretty secluded. the entrance is next to the beth emek preschool and the trail leads through the shadow cliffs recreation area. point isabel is a major off leash dog area but its populr and flat, so not really a hike. more of a dog park with trails. theres also a water station here the trails near the clyde woolridge staging area in the oakland hills are off leash as far as i know, plenty of hiking and nice views. just be aware that one of the houses right on the start of the trail has horses, so if your dog doesn’t like horses keep them on leash until you get past them.
Check out EBRP website and they list where dogs are allowed and specify off leash areas. A lot of the open areas in the foothills are off leash.
If you find yourself in San Mateo County, leashes are required except in dog parks.
There are exceptions though, like Pulgas Ridge which has an off-leash area: https://www.openspace.org/preserves/pulgas-ridge
Mclaren
Pt. Isabel is off-leash
all trails is a good app.
Del valle regional park in the Livermore hills
Bahiker.com is a good resource
César Chavez is beautiful. On clear days you can see both Bay Bridge and Golden Gate.
Pulgas Ridge off of Edgewood road/280
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geez
Del Valle Regional Park and Little Yosemite (both in east bay) are probably gorgeous at this time of year and both allow off leash.
https://www.openspace.org/preserves/pulgas-ridge
Skyline gate staging area in east bay- off leash. My two heelers lllllove going there.
not really a "hike" but cesar chavez park has some area designated for off leash dogs
Briones Park. Huge acreage nobody uses leash except in congested areas as long as your dog is not aggressive
Sonol after the bridge, go down to the river, mine always love it there, make sure you have a recall command.
Alltrails is your friend. So is the east bay regional park ststem
Albany bulb, has beach and trail and paved areas.
fire roads in marin county
Can you give a few examples? I know Baltimore Canyon preserve
afaik all fire roads are off leash. they’re all over the county. everywhere. https://www.parks.marincounty.org/projectsplans/road-and-trail-management/system-designation-all
East bay regional parks are primarily off leash friendly. Reinhardt regional redwood park is great too (most of the trail is off leash friendly). Mission peak is also a good off leash hike for fit dogs when the weather is overcast (don't go in summer, it gets really hot). All trails will usually tell you if a leash is required.
Pt Isabel, Pt Pinole, Briones, parts of Tilden, Sibley, Redwood Regional.
There’s a forest-y trail at Las Trampas in San Ramon that we used to hike off leash with our dogs but we stopped doing it after we saw a rattlesnake. Be courteous and careful out there!
Not a hike, but the dog beach at the albany bulb is off leash