National Forest · CA

Dogs in Mendocino National Forest

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

The Mendocino is one of the few California forests with no paved road crossing it, a rugged block of Coast Range ridges and two wilderness areas. Leash rules ease off once you leave developed sites.

Dogs must be leashed in developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails. In the general forest and in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel and Snow Mountain wilderness areas they may be under voice control. Keep the leash to six feet where required and bury waste in the backcountry.

Where dogs are allowed

Dogs must be leashed in developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails. In the general forest and in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel and Snow Mountain wilderness areas they may be under voice control. Keep the leash to six feet where required and bury waste in the backcountry.

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 Mendocino National Forest?

The Mendocino is one of the few California forests with no paved road crossing it, a rugged block of Coast Range ridges and two wilderness areas. Leash rules ease off once you leave developed sites. Dogs must be leashed in developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails. In the general forest and in the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel and Snow Mountain wilderness areas they may be under voice control. Keep the leash to six feet where required and bury waste in the backcountry.

What is the leash rule at Mendocino 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 service animals allowed at Mendocino National Forest?

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