Parks that say yes to dogs

Sunset, Nov, 1987

Parks that say yes (and no) to dogs

"No dogs allowed.' If you've been trying to take your dog on an outing in a Bay Area park, you've probably seen this sign more often than you care to. There are good reasons for restrictions, but there are places where your dog may roam free. Ordinances vary from one jurisdiction to another. To avoid frustration, it's important to know which rules apply where.

Wherever you go, you're responsible for your pet's behavior. Even where dogs are permitted off the leash, you can be cited for not picking up after your pet, or if it disturbs wildlife or fights with other animals. Fines can range from $15 to $50.

Where to go in the Bay Area

Here's what to expect when you go to the following parks and recreation areas.

National parks. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco. Generally, dogs must be on leashes. But in the following areas, they may run free so long as they are under voice control: Fort Funston, Ocean Beach, Lands End, West Fort Miley, East Fort Miley, Baker Beach (north beach area), Golden Gate Promenade /Crissy Field, and Parade Grounds at Fort Mason. No dogs are allowed at Aquatic Park or Alcatraz.

Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Marin Headlands. Dogs are permitted on Rodeo Beach and on designated trails, either leashed or under voice control. For a map showing which trails, call (415) 331-1540.

Point Reyes National Seashore. Dogs must be leashed and are restricted to paved roads and designated beaches. They are not allowed in buildings, camp-grounds, or on trails.

Wildlife refuges. San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Dogs are allowed only on the Tideland Trail, and must be on a leash.

State parks and beaches. It probably is not worth taking your dog to a state park. Dogs are allowed only in campsites and on paved roads and must be on a 6-foot leash. At night, they must be kept in an enclosed vehicle or tent. No dogs are permitted on Angel Island.

If you bring a dog to a state park camp-site, you pay a $1-per-night fee. Dogs brought along for day use (such as picnics) are charged 50 cents each.

Regional and district parks. East Bay Regional Park District, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. In developed areas, dogs must be leashed; in undeveloped areas, they must be under voice control. They are not allowed on swimming beaches. Some parks charge a $1 fee. For individual park regulations, call (415) 531-9300, ext. 278.

Livermore Area Recreation Park District. Dogs must be leashed.

Marin Municipal Water District. Dogs must be leashed.

Open space districts. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District. Dogs on leashes are allowed in designated areas (watch for signs) of the following preserves: Windy Hill, Portola Valley; Fremont Older, Cupertino; and Long Ridge, Saratoga.

County parks. Alameda and Contra Costa: see East Bay Regional Park District. Marin: no dogs allowed. Napa: on leash. San Francisco: on leash; voice control areas in various parks. San Mateo: no dogs allowed. Santa Clara: leashed dogs are allowed in certain parks. Solano: dogs must be leashed; you must bring proof of rabies inoculation. Sonoma: dogs allowed on leash only.

City parks. All dogs must be leashed in local parks--if they're allowed at all. Some cities require that owners carry scoopers to remove droppings.

These cities don't allow dogs in city parks: Daly City, Napa, Oakland (except for Joaquin Miller Park trails and Diamond Hiking Trail, where they are permitted on leash), Redwood City, and San Bruno.

Berkeley, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and San Leandro have specific dog-running areas. Owners must be present and may bring no more than four dogs per person.

What to bring

Things you shouldn't be without when you take your dog for an outing include a 6-foot leash, a pooper scooper, and plastic bags. And--even on cool days--don't forget water and a dish.

Photo: Roam with a view at Crissy Field beach in San Francisco: dogs get a long, leashless walk beside the Bay; owners get views of the Golden Gate and Fort Point

Photo: Sandy gets a ride to Mitchell Park's dog exercise area in Palo Alto. In the enclosure, leash comes off; owner and pet have the run of grass-covered field for playing fetch. Kibitzers can rest on bench

Photo: Leashed dogs may accompany owners on nature trails in wooded hills of Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park