Welcoming of dogs

Back patio area welcomes dogs large and small, there is a bar dog that is there most days, a large Rotti, so dogs that have an issue with other dogs might not be totally comfortable there. Large water bowl outside for all doggos.

Feb. 10, 2019

Historic site, fun for the whole family

It's kind of sad, really, how often dogs are discouraged from gardens and historic sites, but seeing the sign saying dogs welcome on leash, that was a definite surprise and a welcome one to boot.

Admission is $7, there are guided tours of the property (check with the guide to ensure that dogs are allowed in the buildings on the tour - large breeds will not always be welcome depending upon the size of the tour just for everyone's safety.)

I mean, we all know that the gold rush was centered in much of this area, from water cannons stripping hillsides to the Empire mine which dug deep into the mountain rock. But you just don't realize how extensive these digs were until you see the models and bores taken from the mountain, and then remember that all of this was mostly done before there was a single plane in the sky.

The volunteers tell me that during the summer, there's typically water dishes available around the property, but I'd encourage bringing your own bowl anyway. Don't forget doggie bags (snacks and treats, as well as something to remove any waste.)

Apr. 08, 2018

Dog Park for pretty much all dogs.

At nearly 5 acres, this is one of the larger dog parks I've ever seen. You have the main large dog area with large tub pool for Fido to cool off in and a drinking station (bring your own water in winter months when water is shut off to prevent busted pipes.) You have a secondary large dog area for isolation. There's a small dog area and a training pen as well. Then you have a large fenced wooded area which is a secondary isolation area - always ask before you bring your dog into that area if someone's already there. And to top it all off, there's even a bathroom by the parking area for Fido's owners to use (alright, fine, an outhouse restroom.)

Surfaces: Main pens are all decomposed granite and sand, benches for dog owners to use while the dogs are playing with shade. The back wooded area has several picnic benches, large tractor tire obstacles and several large sand hills for dogs to dig into. Main areas are all flat and level for full accessibility, with multiple gated entrances to keep even the most excited Fido separated if things just get too exciting. Dogs must remain on leash from parking area to the dog park.

All in all, I'd love to see almost every dog park follow this extensive design. If you find yourself in the area, Fido will love it. I drive 30 miles to get there myself.

Apr. 08, 2018

Neat place for a well behaved dog on leash

Rock House - wine tasting espresso gastro pub with wine spirits based cocktails and assorted beers with live music on the weekends nestled in the hills above Oroville near Paradise and Chico off Hwy 70 in the mountains/foothills.

Food was reasonable, the salad most impressed, and there being a water bowl (along the south side of the building next to the hose) is a good touch. Wide patio with up to 6 tables, two additional tables are in front giving you loads of options to enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner with fido.

My pooch especially enjoyed her peanut butter sandwich with a side of chips. Pet refreshment lawn near the front, bring your own bag to dispose of any waste while using it.

Only improvements I'd like to see would be a couple more water bowls in case there's more than one table of dogs there (there were on our visit), perhaps a dispenser/bags for waste and maybe a couple dog options on the menu (though the PB&J less jelly on sourdough rolls really hit the spot for our medium-large sized dog.)

If you're heading up Hwy 70 towards Quincy or looking for a good Sunday drive, well worth the time for this spot.

Apr. 03, 2018