Better together

butter, avocado oil, and green tea! It has vitamins A and E for sun protection.

When it comes to Butte County, there's no shortage of places to take your pets—leisurely walks around Lower Bidwell Park, hikes in Upper Bidwell Park (especially toward Monkey Face), and the Mendocino National Forest Chico Seed Farm—often referred to as the Tree Farm— are all wonderful places to let your pets stretch their legs. Kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the Oroville Forebay with your pup at the helm is a great way to let them see the world and get further out into the water than they might be able to on their own. If you're looking for the perfect photoshoot, check out Table Mountain Ecological Preserve. It's a great hike, and the colors all but guarantee incredible photos of your furry friend. After working off all those calories, reward them with dinner on one of the local dogfriendly patios, like Parkside Tap House,

Northern California is home to some of the best rides in America. Once you leave Chico, and head into the mountains, you’ll find paradise on wheels. Take a trip east on Highway 32, lean into some curves while you enjoy views of Mount Lassen, then arrive at the pristine Lake Almanor. Don’t forget to stop at the Bambi Inn when you pass through Butte Meadows. This is a perfect ride for those hot summer days when you are looking to escape the heat in the valley.

This next ride is perfect for those spring and fall rides. You’ll head out of Chico on Highway 32 west towards Orland, keep going straight onto Newville Road, and follow signs for Elk Creek. This time of year, the sweeping hills are bright green, and the air is crisp and cool. Ride along the rolling hills until you make it to Nancy’s, a quaint little restaurant where all the locals hang out. Once you’ve finished lunch, ride through Willows and on back to Chico.

Our final ride is a bit longer, but we promise it’s worth the trip. Do your best to keep your eyes on the road for this ride, because the views of the national forest are quite distracting. Head south to Nevada City; from there, you will take Highway 49 til the road ends. Turn left on Highway 89, and begin to ride deeper into the Plumas National Forest. At this point, the views will be unmatched. Nothing but smooth roads, fresh air, and nature all the way back down Highway 70.

We’ve only dipped our toe into the rides in Northern California. Stop by and see us at Sierra Steel Harley Davidson for more recommendations!