National Forest · CA

Dogs in Lassen National Forest

Can I bring my dog, and on which trails?
Dog-friendly

Dogs are welcome across Lassen National Forest, the 1.2-million-acre Crossroads of California where the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, and the Great Basin meet. Popular spots like Eagle Lake and Subway Cave draw dog owners.

Keep your dog leashed in developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On general forest land and most trails there is no statewide leash law, but your dog must stay under control at all times.

Where dogs are allowed

Keep your dog leashed in developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On general forest land and most trails there is no statewide leash law, but your dog must stay under control at all times.

Where dogs are not allowed

Designated swim areas and swim beaches typically do not allow pets.

Seasonal closures

Most forest roads are not plowed in winter and many are closed, so access to some trailheads is limited in the colder months.

Leash rule

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Service animals

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.

Official source
U.S. Forest Service
View the Forest Service page →
Last verified 2026-07-09
Designation
National Forest

Common questions

Can I bring my dog to Lassen National Forest?

Dogs are welcome across Lassen National Forest, the 1.2-million-acre Crossroads of California where the Sierra Nevada, the Cascades, and the Great Basin meet. Popular spots like Eagle Lake and Subway Cave draw dog owners. Keep your dog leashed in developed areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On general forest land and most trails there is no statewide leash law, but your dog must stay under control at all times.

What is the leash rule at Lassen National Forest?

A 6-foot leash is required in developed recreation areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and trailheads. On the general forest and most trails there is no leash law, but your dog must be under control at all times.

Are there seasonal closures for dogs at Lassen National Forest?

Most forest roads are not plowed in winter and many are closed, so access to some trailheads is limited in the colder months.

Where are dogs not allowed at Lassen National Forest?

Designated swim areas and swim beaches typically do not allow pets.

Are service animals allowed at Lassen National Forest?

Service animals are allowed where pets are not, under the ADA. A leash is still required.