A Guide to Dog-Friendly Truckee & Lake Tahoe

House sitting as a pet sitter in Truckee, or lucky enough to call this mountain town home? The area is famously outdoorsy, and with its proximity to both the Sierra Nevada mountain range and dog-friendly Lake Tahoe, there’s plenty to see and do with a pup here. Read on to find all the best places to eat in the city, as well as hikes and beaches in and around dog-friendly Truckee.

Dog-friendly beaches around Truckee

Truckee is surrounded by dog-friendly beaches and lakes where you can splash, play, and soak up some mountain sunshine. From the sparkling shores of Lake Tahoe to pet-friendly offerings right in town, here are some of the best places to dip your paws in.

Dog-friendly beaches at Lake Tahoe

Just a short drive from Truckee, Lake Tahoe’s turquoise waters and stunning mountain views make it a must-visit. While you’ll often spot happy dogs roaming the beaches, it’s worth checking posted signs at each entrance to be sure your furry friend is officially welcome.

Patton Beach

This Lake Tahoe dog-friendly beach is far from the busier shores, and pups are welcome at the eastern end so long as they’re on a leash or under voice control. It’s a bit rocky, so bring your water shoes!

Location: Carnelian Bay, CA 96140

Lake Forest Beach

Four-legged friends are also free to romp and splash around near the Lake Forest boat ramp. Visitors also find well-behaved dogs exploring the wider beach area without issue – it’s a great spot for a quick dip or a game of fetch.

Location: 2550 Lake Forest Rd, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Dog-friendly beaches in Truckee

If you’d rather stay close to town, Truckee itself has several spots where you and your pup can enjoy the water without making the drive to Tahoe.

Donner Lake

Just minutes from downtown Truckee, Donner Lake has no less than 37 public piers – though not all are dog-friendly. The designated dog area is on the east end of Shoreline Park, and has plenty of shade, grassy areas, and picnic spots.

Location: 14551 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Prosser Reservoir

For peace and quiet away from the crowds, pack a picnic and head to Prosser Reservoir. It’s clean, calm, and surrounded by miles of shoreline ideal for fetch, swimming, or just lounging.

Location: California 96161

Boca Reservoir

This manmade lake has rocky beaches that are ideal for splashing in with your four-legged adventure buddy, and views that don’t disappoint.

Location: California 96161

Truckee River Regional Park

You’ll find pet-friendly trails, picnic spots, and water access all along the Truckee River. One of the best places to explore with your dog is the Truckee River Legacy Trail, which has a few sandy river beaches along the way.

Location: 10500 Brockway Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Dog-friendly Truckee restaurants

After a day of hiking, swimming, and exploring the great outdoors, you and your four-legged friend are bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are a number of dog-friendly restaurants in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and the surrounding area – here are some of our favorites.

Moody’s Bistro, Bar & Beats

Head to Moody’s to enjoy the “quintessential Truckee experience” – craft cocktails, farm-to-table dishes, and live music. There are plenty of outdoor tables, where furry friends are welcome.

Location: 10007 Bridge St, Truckee, CA 96161

Alibi Ale Works - Truckee Public House

This public house is open seven days a week, and serves upscale pub fare paired with a rotating lineup of beers, ciders, and wines. Pups are allowed on leash in the outdoor beer garden (weather permitting), though they’ll have to sit this one out if you head inside.

Location: 10069 Bridge St, Truckee, CA 96161

Old Town Tap

Craving pizza and a pint? Old Town Tap delivers with wood-fired pizzas, shareable plates, and a fantastic selection of beer and wine on tap – and they’ve got a spacious dog-friendly patio.

Location: 10164 Donner Pass Rd #1, Truckee, CA 96161

Donner Creek Brewing

Pups and their people get a warm welcome at this friendly brewery, which specializes in small-batch craft beers and grilled cheese paninis. The dog-friendly courtyard is complete with water bowls, and small dogs are even allowed inside.

Location: 11448 Deerfield Dr, Truckee, CA 96161

Tahoe Waterman’s Landing

A short drive from Truckee, this lakeside spot is one of the most popular dog-friendly cafes in Lake Tahoe. Grab a coffee, a beer, or a healthy snack on the patio, then rent kayaks or SUPs and paddle out from the dog-friendly beach right next door.

Location: 5166 N Lake Blvd, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140

Spindleshanks Tahoe Restaurant

Start your day with a sweet or savory breakfast, come for sandwiches at lunch, or at dinner time, find specials like the rack of lamb or pork chops on the menu. Dine on the dog-friendly patio while your pup enjoys a refreshing water bowl and a front-row seat.

Location: 400 Brassie Ave, Kings Beach, CA 96143

Tahoe National Brewing Company

People come together to share food and drinks at this unpretentious brewery, where dishes are made from scratch and beer is brewed right behind the bar. Pups are welcome on the outdoor patio so long as they’re leashed.

Location: 850 N Lake Blvd #21, Tahoe City, CA 96145

Lake Tahoe

Dog-friendly hikes in Truckee and Tahoe

If you and your pup love hitting the trails, you’ll be pleased to hear that this mountain town and its Lake Tahoe neighbors offer some of the best hiking in the Sierra. From riverside strolls to forested climbs, here are a few spots to stretch those legs.

Tahoe National Forest

Truckee sits right on the edge of the Tahoe National Forest, meaning most local trails are open to dogs. Popular trails include the Sawtooth Trail, known for its panoramic views of the Truckee River Canyon, and the Donner Rim Trail, which circles Donner Lake.

Leashed pooch pals are welcome throughout the forest, and most trails are multi-use, so you may share the path with mountain bikers or horseback riders. Bring plenty of water and check a Tahoe National Forest trail map before heading out – some areas have seasonal restrictions or rougher terrain.

Sawtooth trailhead: 11614-, 11632 06 Fire Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Donner Rim trailhead: Truckee, CA 96161

Donner Memorial State Park

Dogs are allowed on most trails in this historic park, as long as they’re on a six-foot leash. Try the Lakeside Interpretive Trail for an easy walk with views of the water, or venture along the Zig Zag Trail and nearby fire roads for a bit more variety. You can also wander stretches of Donner Lake’s shoreline – just keep in mind that China Cove Beach is off-limits to dogs.

Location: 12593 Donner Pass Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Coldstream Canyon Trail

This 3.6-mile trail follows Cold Creek through a broad valley dotted with ponds and aspens, eventually opening up to views of the surrounding mountains.

Location: Cold Stream Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Martis Valley Trail

This 10-mile loop is relatively flat and well-maintained, and offers panoramic views of Castle Peak and the Sierra Crest.

Location: 8V47+X5, Truckee, CA 96161

Palisades Tahoe to Tahoe City

This paved route connects the base of Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) with Tahoe City along the Truckee River. The full route is 14 miles, but you can easily shorten it by turning around at one of the trailheads along Highway 89. Expect mountain views, river access points for water-loving pups, and plenty of shade in summer.

Location: Olympic Valley, CA 96146

Inner city trails

Truckee’s network of paved paths offers over 25 miles of dog-friendly terrain great for walking, jogging, or biking with your pup. Most trails have waste stations and trash bins, and over 20 miles are plowed in winter, so you can enjoy a snow-free walk in the colder months.

Truckee River Legacy Trail

This is a smooth, riverside route that connects Downtown Truckee to the Glenshire neighborhood. It’s 9.5 miles round-trip, but you can hop on or off at multiple points, including East River Street and Truckee River Regional Park.

Location: Glenshire Dr, Truckee, CA 96161

Trout Creek Trail

This three-mile trail takes you from Downtown Truckee through groves of pine and aspen.

Location: Northwoods Blvd, Truckee, CA 96161

Ridgeline Nature Loop

This one-mile gravel trail is designed for all abilities, including strollers and mobility devices.

Location: 12092 Northwoods Blvd, Truckee, CA 96161