Banning State Park

Is your doggo ready for their next adventure? Then load them into the car and make your way over to Banning State Park. This gorgeous parcel of land surrounds the Kettle River and it’s just waiting to be explored by your furry BFF!

The Kettle River is known far and wide for its pawsome rapids. Five sets of rapids that range from Class III to Class IV attract both local and visiting rafters, canoers, and kayakers. The park also has woofderful opportunities for rock climbing. But your pupster most likely would prefer a nice land based excursion. So it’s a good thing this park has furrific hiking trails!

If your pup wants a bit of history mixed in with their hike, follow the Quarry Loop Trail. It’s just under two miles and runs past a 130 year old sandstone quarry. It also passes the Hell’s Gate Rapids, so your pup can catch a glimpse of some of the brave boaters. For a longer hike, hop on Wolf Creek Trail. This four miler takes you through an upland forest and ends up at a 20 foot waterfall. Sounds puptastic! There are also other trails to explore like Skunk Cabbage Trail, Trillium Trail, and High Bluff Trail. Just remember to bring plenty of water along to keep you and your pup hydrated. Have clean-up bags on hand too, and always pick up after your dog.

Banning State Park has a variety of campsites. Here you will find wooded sites in a campground, electric sites, and a few canoe sites right on the banks of Kettle River. Showers and modern restrooms are also available. If you and your pup are just staying for the day, enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the picnic areas. If you are lucky, you’ll get a table next to the river where the scenery just can’t be beat.  

No bones about it, your pupster will go mutts over Banning State Park!