Tahoe Travel 101: What are the best day hikes at North Lake Tahoe?

June 12, 5:38 PMSF Lake Tahoe Travel ExaminerElizabeth Sedway

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As the tempatures begin to warm, thoughts turn to warm weather activities at Lake Tahoe.  Wonderful hiking trails abound all around the area.  This article features 3 one day hikes, in the North Lake Tahoe area, suggested by the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a local non-profit specializing in hiking and, more specifically, in the development and maintenance of the Tahoe Rim Trail.  The only real necessities for a day hike are good wallking shoes, and a bottle of water.  You might want to take a pack with some snacks, a camera, and a few first aid items, just to be prepared.  You can bring your cell phone along, but don't be surprised if you can't get a signal along the way.  Above 7,000 feet, you're likely to encounter snow until mid-summer, so dress, and otherwise proceed, accordingly.

The first hike The interpretive loop at Tahoe Meadows.  This is classified, by Tahoe Rim Trail, as an "Easy" hike.  It is mostly flat and about 1 mile round trip.  The fun part about a hiking loop is that you never see the same place twice.  The trailhead is at about 8700 feet just below the summitt of Mount Rose highway.  You'll park in a paved parking lot, located on the south side of Mount Rose highway.  The parking lot has public restrooms.  This loop can be accessed from the Tahoe Meadows trailhead, which is on the south side of highway 431 (the Mt. Rose highway).  After the snowmelt the interpretive trail is suitable for all users, including those in wheelchairs. This is a good hike for families with younger children; you can even use a jogging stroller.  The trail is off limits to mountain bikers.  Tahoe Rim Trail Association, describes the hike as, " A relatively flat loop trail, where you can explore open meadow terrain, flowing streams, and a lodgepole pine forest. Additionally there are informative signs along the way which will educate you on a wide range of topics, including wildflowers, animal life, forest fires and the Washoe Indians for whom this area is very sacred.  The signs also having wonderful pictures. There are exceptional wildflower displays in early summer, however this area is beautiful all year round."
 

Also departing from the the Tahoe Meadows, is the Mt. Rose loop trail.   TRTA classifies this hike as "medium" in difficulty.  The hike is 5 - 6 mile round trip loop.  The hike has some sleep climbs; the altitude levels during this hike, range from 8900 ft. to 9420 ft.  The beautiful alpine views on this hike include a waterfall.  If you're thinking about taking children, this trail is best for older children.  A seven or eight year old that is used to hiking would be challenged by this trail.
Location : This loop can be accessed from the trailhead, which is on the north side of highway 431 (the Mt. Rose highway) at the summit.  This loop is for hikers and equestrians only. Part of the loop is in wilderness land, for this reason mountain bikes are not allowed.  Soon after coming upon the waterfall on this hike, the trail splits.  Keep an eye out for Tahoe Rim Trail signs.,  You will rap around to the left and eventually come upon an old forest service road. Follow this dirt road down the hill, as you continue to enjoy the views of the lake. Upon arriving at highway 431 there is a connector trail that will bring you back to your car, parked in the paved parking lot at the summit.  This parking lot also has public restrooms.
 

The hike from Brockway (hwy 267) to Watson Lake is classified by TRTA as "Hard".  If you're hiking as a family, you might choose to turn around and hike back to the car at some point, rather than hiking all the way to Watson Lake.  The hike is 13.4 miles round trip, and changes in elevation from 7000 ft. to 7760 ft.  The Brockway trailhead is on highway 267 about 0.5 miles south of the Brockway Summit.  This trail is open to all, mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians are welcome.  It is a nice bike ride, but also demanding.  TRTA points out, "The first 4.5 miles are gentle ups and downs through white fir and Jeffrey pine forest. In this section you will cross several forest service roads, specifically FSR 73 commonly known as the Fiberboard Freeway; make sure you are rejoining the actual trail after each of these junctions. After 4.5 miles there is a short 90 yard spur trail on your left hand side which takes you to a large rock pile that offers spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. During the next 2.2 miles you will be heading gently up through beautiful wildflower meadows and forested areas. After passing several seep streams you will arrive at Watson Lake."  To make this a shorter hike, drive one car to Watson Lake, and drive to the trailhead to begin your hike.

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