Trail Blazers: Oakland Dog Hiker’s Group

Michelle with her German Shorthaired Pointer rescues Mason and Elliot.

A little over two years ago, Michelle Heathman founded the Oakland Dog Hiker’s Group with the intention of exploring the over 100,000 acres of open space parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Since 2008, the group had blossomed into an active dog community that not only explores the gorgeous pet-friendly East Bay trails but also parts of the Sierras and San Francisco.

Michelle and her group remain steadfast to staying park user-friendly. Supportive members, knowledgeable trail leaders and a fun mix of outdoor activities all make this meet-up group worth checking out!

What’s the best part of hiking with a group of dogs owners?
Speaking as a dog lover, my favorite part is sharing the trail with a group of happy dogs. The dogs are a source of entertainment - especially since they are in their most natural and relaxed state of mind when on the trails.

Our human membership is quite friendly as well. Some have never hiked before joining our group, but over time they become relatively active hikers. Many members are often motivated by their dogs to get out of the house and on to the trails. Overall, we enjoy hiking together because it provides a safe environment and because many of us have been actively exploring the trails for so long that we have some level of expertise when it comes to pet-friendly hikes in and around the Bay Area.

Over the years, we’ve formed many close friendships. It is a network that extends from the trails to our everyday life.


Hiking through redwoods - Michelle with her 13 year old rescue Elliot.

Can you tell us about your upcoming summer trip with the group?
Last year some members ventured beyond the SF Bay Area and enjoyed great camping and hiking trips together. So far we have at least 3 summer trips planned with different groups. There are a few Sierra camping trips planned. We’re also trying out a dog inclusive weekend at a pet friendly Inn in the Sierras - most of our hike leaders will be attending.

Is there an etiquette to trail hiking with dogs?
All our hikes are planned and hosted by volunteers. We advocate for responsible trail use, responsible park use and responsible dog handling. Good dog and dog walker manners are encouraged and reinforced by our members. Some members are trail use advocates, park volunteers - even dog trainers. Our hikes are kept to a small size to ensure manageability and safety. We pick up after our dogs, are respectful of all types of trail users (human and animal), and keep our dogs under control. East Bay dog owners have more open space off leash access than any residents in the Bay Area. It’s important that we protect this privilege and not jeopardize it in any way.

Dog-sitting shares, resource referral exchanges as well as camping trips - sounds like you do more than just hike together. What’s it like to a part of this group?
It’s like being part of a family or a network of friends that you can really count on. As you mention, some of us exchange dog sitting duties and ride shares when we have our hikes. We’ve also helped each other when searching for a lost dog and others have helped with rescue transports or made emergency vet deliveries for another member. There are members who have supported each other through pet illnesses or the sad but inevitable death of dog. Last year our group had a very successful drive for shelter supplies to underfunded rural shelters. We love to support rescue organizations. Many of our members have rescue dogs, which have benefited greatly from the social aspect of our group gatherings. 

So I guess you could say, in many ways, we do a lot more things than just hike together.


Enjoying the views on the East Bay trails. 

What’s your all-time favorite hiking trail?
That’s tough because we have our local trails, the Sierras, West Marin and Sonoma Coast. My personal favorite is probably the shoreline at Crissy Field, but each hike leader would probably provide a different answer. Locally Tilden, Redwood, and Chabot Parks are amazing. In Contra Costa Las Trampas, Sunol, and Shell Ridge are beautiful.

Do you have a favorite resource site for people who want to hike with their dogs?
Two of my favorites are the Bay Area Hiker and East Bay Parks.

Any tips for dog owners who want to hike in groups?
Keep it small and manageable. Imagine coming around a corner as a rider on a horse and encountering ten happy energetic dogs. Dog owners are often naïve about how well trained their dogs are. Remember dogs are more challenged with so many outside distractions. Practice recall with your pet. Be sensitive to your dogs energy level or size when the group includes both large and small dogs. Lastly, carry [dog waste] bags and use them!

Most importantly make sure to bring your sense of humor and have fun! Every hike is an opportunity to meet a new hiking partner.