Dogs at Henry Cowell
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park allows dogs, but only in a few places: picnic areas, campsites, paved roads, and four routes, the Meadow Trail, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Powder Mill Fire Road. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and never left alone. They are not allowed on the Redwood Grove Loop Trail, on any other trail or fire road, or anywhere in the Fall Creek Unit. Service animals are the exception.
Dog Rules at a Glance
Where Your Dog Can Go
California State Parks lists exactly where dogs are allowed:
- Picnic areas in the day-use area
- Campsites in the campground
- Paved roads (the camping page)
- Meadow Trail — from the entrance road along the meadow to the Nature Store
- Pipeline Road — paved and closed to cars, 3.3 miles from the day-use area uphill to Graham Hill Road; shared with bikes
- Graham Hill Trail
- Powder Mill Fire Road — from the campground; shared with bikes
The best dog walk for most visitors is the Meadow Trail plus the flat lower section of Pipeline Road near the day-use area. Pipeline gets steep above Rincon Fire Road.
Where Dogs Are Not Allowed
- The Redwood Grove Loop Trail. The old-growth grove, the park's main attraction, is off limits to dogs.
- The Fall Creek Unit, entirely, even on a leash.
- Every other trail and fire road, including the River Trail, Eagle Creek and Pine trails to the Observation Deck, Rincon and Ridge fire roads, and the Ox Trail to the Garden of Eden.
The brochure is explicit that, except for service animals, dogs are not permitted on other trails, fire roads or in Fall Creek.
Leash and Care Rules
- Leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.
- Never leave a dog unattended, in camp or in a car.
- At night, keep your dog in a tent or vehicle.
Camping With a Dog
Dogs are welcome at the campground under the same leash rules. From camp, you can walk them on the paved roads, Powder Mill Fire Road, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and the Meadow Trail. The walk from the campground down to the grove uses Eagle Creek Trail, which is not a dog route.
Planning Around the Rules
If seeing the old-growth grove is the point of your trip, bring someone to take turns, or leave the dog at home. California State Parks links a Santa Cruz County brochure, "Where Can I Take My Dog?", from the park page for other dog-friendly places in the county.
Hazards for Dogs
Ticks, poison oak, rattlesnakes and mountain lions are all on the park's warning list. Check your dog for ticks after a walk. On the river, the current runs fast in winter and spring.
Good For / Maybe Skip If
Good for: a leashed stroll along the meadow and river, a picnic, and camping with a dog.
Maybe skip if: you want to hike the redwoods with your dog. The grove and almost every trail are closed to dogs, and Fall Creek bans them completely.
Dogs at Henry Cowell FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park?
Yes, in limited places: picnic areas, campsites, paved roads, the Meadow Trail, Pipeline Road, Graham Hill Trail and Powder Mill Fire Road, on a leash of 6 feet or less. Not on other trails or in the Fall Creek Unit.
Can dogs go on the Redwood Grove Loop Trail?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the old-growth Redwood Grove Loop Trail. Service animals are the exception.
Are dogs allowed at Fall Creek?
No. Dogs are not allowed anywhere in the Fall Creek Unit, even on a leash.
Can you camp with a dog at Henry Cowell?
Yes. Keep the dog on a 6-foot leash, in a tent or vehicle at night, and never leave it unattended.