What we’re about
For dog lovers who are ready to go "BEYOND THE SIDEWALK" with our best friends. Our main goal is to actually spend quality time with our pups doing fun things, instead of just hurrying through the daily grind of walking around the neighborhood.
You don't need to own a dog, but you'll have to tolerate ours. There are usually other "dogless" hikers/paddlers. We stop often to water the dogs, take pictures, and play in creeks/rivers/lakes.
Usually, we have 2-3 events/week, year round.
When it's cold, we hike. Usually, we hike 6-15 miles/week in cool weather.
When it's hot, we kayak. Some easy lake paddles, some 10 mile river trips.
When it's nice weather, we camp. Campouts will include kayaking/hiking.
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In 2025, after 12 yrs of free membership, we have found it necessary to establish a $15/year membership fee. There is a 30 day free trial, but after that you will need to pay the dues to attend/participate in our events.
YOU MUST BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND EVENT. You'll need to answer our membership questions, pay the dues (after 30 day trial), RSVP like other members do, and abide by our rules if you want to hang out with us.
Leave the negative talk about family or politics at home, just bring a sense of humor and enjoy the day.
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IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR A POWER HIKING/PADDLING GROUP, THIS IS NOT IT!
The pace of our hikes/paddles is more relaxed, and our groups are smaller. We take our "goof off" time seriously, especially if there's a puddle, creek, lake or river around. If you're in a hurry to burn up the trail, you won't like our group.
You do have to be reasonably fit for most of our hikes, which average 3-6 miles long.
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WE HAVE RULES & WE ENFORCE THEM! BE SURE TO READ THEM. It's no fun having to correct people on the trail. Please just read them.
Keeps our dogs and people safe and happy. By joining our group, you acknowledge that you have read these rules and agree to abide by them. You obviously hike at your own risk and are responsible for your own safety and your dog's safety.
If you don't like these rules...or think they don't apply to you...you should not join our group!
NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES, 6' max
NO INTACT MALE DOGS....THIS IS NOT OPEN FOR DISCUSSION.
KEEP YOUR SHOTS UP TO DATE. We do not check this.
Please use tick preventative on your dogs, for their safety. Trails are often wooded.
Bring water for your dog....this is important, even if you don't think so.
Stay to the right on the trail, just like driving a car. We don't own the trails.
Arrive a bit early and be ready to go, we hit the trail/launch at the scheduled time.
Please leave the political or negative talk at home, no one wants to hear it.
PACE OF HIKE is set by event hosts. New members, do not take over and lead the pack.
If your dog is mean or aggressive, you will be asked to leave.
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REQUIRED FOR MEMBERSHIP:
• A picture that clearly shows either you or your dog...prefer one of your dog!
• A real name for you and your dog
• Your dog's name, breed and age.
IF YOU DO NOT SUPPLY THESE THINGS, YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL BE DENIED.
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Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Simpson Lake Full Moon PaddleSimpson Lake in Valley Park at the beach entrance. , Valley Park, MO
HOSTED BY STL COUNTY. CALL 314-615-8822 TO REGISTER. There is also a link below, but calling is easiest way.
You can bring your own kayak or rent a canoe from them. Good for beginners, dogs and "greenies". There are only a few of these each year, and some get rained out.
WE'RE MEETING AT THE BEACH THIS TIME.
BE SURE YOUR DOGS ARE LEASHED AT ALL TIMES WHEN ON LAND, UNTIL THEY GET IN THE KAYAK .
THE COST IS $8 TO BRING YOUR OWN BOAT. You can also rent a canoe, but you have to reserve. This includes hot dogs and marshmallows afterwards. If you rent a canoe, they have 2 time slots: 7-8:30 and 8:30 to 10:00. Moon usually comes out around 9:00, but it does change each month.
Rental doesn't exactly coordinate with our BYOBoat people. We usually launch around 7:00 and stay out until 9:00 or 9:30 with our own boats.
YOU MUST REGISTER, EVEN YOU HAVE YOUR OWN BOAT. The fee helps supplement the County's cost and helps keep these events happening. Everyone is responsible for their own registration. Your RSVP here does not get you registered.
Here is the link:
[Catalog - Saint Louis County Parks and Recreation (civicrec.com)](https://mo-stlouiscounty.civicrec.com/MO/st-louis-county-mo/catalog/index/3a91e7f0f3ca19d8f80be22890b12a1c?filter=c2VhcmNoPSZsb2NhdGlvbiU1QjMxMjMzJTVEPTE=)
A fun evening of just doing mostly nothing, sitting out on the lake waiting for the full moon to come up. You can pretty much do whatever you want. We will go around the lake probably. Some of us will go up the creek (2 miles), some just stay in the lake. You won't have time for the creek if you rent.- Meet at the beach, not boat launch ramp.
- Bring headlamp or lantern....you'll be deflating after dark.
- Bring bug spray. Bugs aren't bad on the lake, but they are when you're packing up to go home.
- Dogs must be on leash when on land!
Please pay the $8, even if you have your own kayak, so they will keep doing these. Last year, they let us pay on site, but then they can't plan for food....so please don't eat the hotdogs if you don't register in advance. Thanks
- CAMPING AND KAYAKING AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS.LAKE OF THE OZARKS STATE PARK CAMPGROUND, Brumley, MO
I think we can snag some campsites here. I found one in Sept 2023 for my very first outing with Wanda the Skamper Camper. Awesome campground. Some of the sites back to the lake. About 2.5 hr drive from West County.
I have booked site #137 from Thurs through Sunday. Going to watch for a better site, as people cancel when the time gets closer. But there are still a couple of electric sites available. I would like one on the lake, but okay with the one I got.
Those who know me know that I like my peace & quiet at campouts. I know I'm the official "host', but hopefully someone else can be the social coordinator. My campsite is not the gathering spot for everyone. Sorry if that offends anyone, but please respect the privacy of my campsite.
We don't usually have potluck dinners, just because our group is smaller than some others. We'll find a gathering spot and let everyone know what campsite is hosting the party at night. Depending on temps, bonfires may or may not happen. We went in June with 100+ heat index, and no one really wanted to site around a warm firepit.
HERE IS THE LINK TO RESERVE A SITE.
Camping Reservation System | Missouri State Parks
We can launch from the beach, shown in picture above. There is a concrete ramp. This picture was right next to my campsite. There is also a general store there. No need to shuttle!
We can also do a hike/walk to the castle at HA HA TONKA. It's a paved trail, short and small inclines. The castle is awesome. There's a spring on the trail and lots of other places to hike. Depends on temps in July.
COMMUNICATE, PLEASE!
State your campsite, the days you're staying and if you have camper or tent. Also, if you plan to kayak.We'll tweek the details as needed as we go along.
