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.
********************************
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.
*********************************
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.
***********************************
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.
*************************************
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.
.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- KAYAKING ON THE RIVER, Route 66 Park to Valley ParkRoute 66 State Park, Eureka, MO
This is our long one, 13 miles.
Not really hard, but a couple of fun spots. We usually pick up some current here, until we hit Castlewood. Then, the last 3 miles is dead water with no current.
You need some paddling muscles for this, it should not be your first float. It's a long one and there are stretches where you have to paddle. You'll be tired when we finish.
We will pass a bunch of our favorite hiking trails. Glencoe (the fun little rapids that we always see from our Al Foster hike), Al Foster Trail, and then lunch at Sherman Beach. Then on past the lower Chubb Trail, and Castlewood. We always attract a lot of attention from all of the hikers. A very fun paddle.
You need an upgraded kayak. No Intex greenies and no foldables.
Fine for dogs, nothing dangerous here.
Lots of beaches until the last 3 miles.Bring lots of water, lunch for you and your dog, sturdy water shoes, and whatever else you bring to the beach. Make sure you have ALL of your gear (paddle, skeg, PFDs). If you forget something, you get to go back home.
COMMENT BELOW, IF YOU HAVE A HARDSHELL OR INFLATABLE, IF YOU'RE BRINGING A DOG AND SIZE OF DOG.
You all need to carry Tear Aid type B (patches) on these floats....just in case. Available on Amazon for about $12. We've never needed it, but everyone should always have these aboard. I carry a pump, but you're expected to have your own patches.
You know the program. DOGS AND HUMANS must wear PFD at all times when on the water. It's a long day, bring water and snacks.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
I've shown Route 66 State Park as the location. Be there at 9:00 and be unloaded and ready to shuttle by 9:30. If you're late, you'll miss the shuttle. It's a pretty easy shuttle.
TO GET TO ROUTE 66 BOAT LAUNCH PARKING LOT (from 270/141) :
Take Hwy 44 to Hwy 109 and exit highway. Turn left at stoplight onto 109 and go back under the highway. Then left again BACK ONTO 44 heading back east towards 270. Take the first exit, WILLIAMS ROAD, and go about 1000' to left on South Outer Road. (There is a sign for Route 66 Park here) Follow Outer Roadf about 1 mile to stopsign. Turn right at stopsign to boat ramp parking lot. Do not go back under the highway.
We will meet at Eureka/Route 66 boat launch ramp, the put in point, about 9:00. Offload your kayak and gear. A couple of us will stay there to guard our stuff and inflate the kayaks. Almost everyone will jump in their cars by 9:30 and drive back to Valley Park ramp by Simpson Lake. Drop as many cars as possible and squeeze into a couple of cars and head back to put-in.
It will just be people and dogs, your stuff will be in Eureka.
DO NOT BE LATE, or you're screwed. If you miss the shuttle or forget your paddle/skeg/PFD/gear, you'll have to just go back home. Shuttling is an art on these river floats. Always a little hectic until we hit the water.
Here is the link for Valley Park ramp, in case you need it:
Meramec Landing (Valley Park) | Missouri Department of Conservation (mo.gov)A couple of people will have to take the shuttle drivers back to their cars when we finish. Most of you will have your cars at take out and can go home.
