One more time I find myself hiking in a redwood grove. This I've however I've rough the four legged pup, and according to the rules of the park system, we're resigned to the fire road. But I'm getting ahead of myself. First we have to get to the trailhead.
For this hike we had to head to the coastal range north of the San Francisco bay. From the Sacramento valley head east on interstate 80 towards Vallejo. Take the exit for highway 37 to highway 101. Once on 101 head north towards Ukiah. Head east on high way 128. The road here is quite windy, so take your time, watch your speed, and take your Dramamine.
You'll find your way to Boonville and head about 10 miles beyond. Side note there are many wineries in the area, as well as a lovely redwood campsite just past Boonville, if you choose to make a weekend out of it.
Follow the signs to Hendy Woods State Park on Philo Greenwood Road. Don't forget your state parks pass, or bring your admission fees. (12 dollars in 2012. Parking and trails are at the very back of the road.
Once you've found parking take note of the creek running up the north east side of the park, you and the pup may want to visit this after the hike. 
While many trails start at the parking lot, the dog friendly fire road is pack up the road a quarter mile or so on the right. Now, even though it is listed as a fire road it is not the typical valley version with wide sun-beaten, dry dusty expanses. This fire road is simply a wider gravel trail with ample shade and decent views of the woods and aforementioned creek.
The trail winds mostly uphill, at a leisurely pace, and there are a few offshoots that lead back into the other trails, and one even heads uphill to the entrance of a working farm.
On this day we chose to head in for a specified time and back out the way we came. The trail had no end in sight and the park map shows it at leading off the edge and on into eternity. Overall the trail is unimpressive at best, however after a weekend of wine tasting, it's a great, dog friendly way to sneak in a nice hike while making a weekend out a trip to this beautiful area.
Pros: dog friendly, shaded, lovely weekend area
Cons: limited access at park, only one trail, fire road, very long drive from Placer County - needs to be a weekend trip.
Rating: 2/5 for difficulty (minor incline), 2/5 for overall pleasantness.
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