Tahoe Meadows
From the base of the Mt. Rose Highway or from Highway 28 on northeast shore of Lake Tahoe, it’s a 15 minute drive to Tahoe Meadows. Much of this beautiful alpine meadow is sacred ground of the Washoe Tribe but there are several trails for visitors to enjoy. At the north end of the meadow, you’ll find off-road parking, bathrooms and the trail head for the 1.3 mile whole access trail loop that is both wheelchair and stroller friendly. The trail meanders across boardwalks, through grasses, granite and pines, circling a small meadow. For access to the larger meadow, follow the Tahoe Rim Trail that parallels the highway from the parking area to tiny Ophir Creek in the meadow below. Turn left on the trail at the creek and follow it until you see a sign post asking hikers to please go no further. In the past, foot-created trails have damaged the fragile environment that needs to be left alone and restored. The Carson Ranger District is in the process of building a loop trail that will take hikers along the woods at the meadow’s edge and back to the highway. There is wide shoulder parking along the highway and two sets of new steps to access the trail along Ophir Creek. Dogs are welcome here and you may see many happy canines romping off leash.

Chimney Beach/Hidden Beach/Whale Beach
Three small secluded beaches on the northeast shore of Lake Tahoe are special places loved by locals and are dog friendly too. The beaches and the trail above them can be accessed from a parking area along Highway 28 about 9 miles south of Incline Village. From the parking lot it’s an easy stroll along a fire road with several trails pealing off that follow the shoreline above the lake or descend to the beaches below. First timers should be aware that these beaches are clothing optional and you may encounter an occasional person “au natural.” If you wish to avoid this, simply follow the trail above the beaches to enjoy the beauty of cedars, pines, granite boulders and stunning lake views of Lake Tahoe. Make a loop if you like by following the shoreline trail and returning to the parking area along the fire road. If you walk to the farthest point, Whale Beach, the entire round trip is less than 4 miles.

Spooner Lake/ North Canyon
Near the junction of Highway 28 and Highway 50, Spooner Lake is a major trail head for the Tahoe Rim Trail. The 2.5 mile trail around the lake is one of the loveliest flat hikes in any season and especially in the fall when aspens are in full color. This is an interpretative trail with many signs that identify wildlife and history of the area during the Comstock logging era. Another easy walk through aspen groves begins from the parking area and continues for a mile along a fire road into North Canyon. This is the beginning of the famous Flume Trail, which ascends to Marlette Lake and beyond. To stay within the bounds of easy hiking, you can walk to where the road begins to climb and the foot trail to Marlette Lake begins. The trail to Marlette is a gradual and continuous uphill for 4 more miles. If the fall colors in the canyon are spectacular they become even more so as you climb. Hearty hikers may wish to continue, but remember that you have to come back and the hike to Marlette is close to 10 miles round trip.

Truckee River bike and walking trail
This popular paved path is an 8 mile round trip along the Truckee River from Tahoe City to the River Ranch Resort at the entrance road to Alpine Meadows. The path begins from a large parking area along Highway 89 just south of where Highway 28 meets Highway 89. The path is crowded in summer but fall is a perfect time for even the youngest bike riders or slow walkers to take their time, stopping along the way to rest by the river. After the Alpine Meadows road, the path continues along the river until it parallels Highway 89 and ends at the road entering Squaw Valley. From there, the ride continues a short distance up Squaw Valley Road to the Squaw Creek turnoff. Cross the road at this point and pick up the bike path along the open meadow to the Village at Squaw. This spectacular ride has breathtaking meadow and mountain views of the Squaw Valley ski area. Round trip from Tahoe City to the Village is about 15 miles and you can extend your day with a stop for lunch and a walk through the shops and art galleries in Squaw Village.

Westlake bike path
Beginning in the same Tahoe City parking area, another paved bike path follows Westlake Boulevard along the west shore of Lake Tahoe to Sugar Pine Point State Park. The entire round trip is about 21 miles of mostly flat, easy peddling. The path crosses the road several times where you’re advised to stop and walk your bike, although traffic on the west shore is relatively light during the fall months. There are many opportunities for lake viewing and lunch stops, from beaches and lakeside picnic tables to the attractive Sunnyside Lodge restaurant and several small cafes in the towns of Homewood and Tahoma. The well-maintained path hugs the lake in several sections, winds through neighborhood streets and park forests, ending at the Ehrman Mansion (Pine Lodge), which was used in filming The Godfather. The Ehrman Mansion is closed for tours after September, but visitors are welcome to ride or walk through the spacious grounds that slope down to the lake.

West Washoe Valley and Washoe Lake
Back on the eastern side of the Sierras, Washoe Valley lies about 15 miles south of Mt. Rose Highway on US 395. This flat high desert valley is home to many ranches and lush grazing land dotted with contented cattle and horses. Large Washoe Lake lies on the east side of the valley and a scenic road circles the lake. Biking here is strictly on the road, but these roads are not heavily trafficked and most are wide enough to ride safely. Begin your ride from Bowers Mansion Regional Park on old US 395, which parallels the main highway at the beginning of the valley. Look for signs for the turn off on the right side and follow the road to the parking area. The park with its acres of trees, lawns, picnic areas and playgrounds is a beautiful spot to walk around before or after your ride. Ride straight south on Old US 395, or turn right on Franktown Road that winds through a lovely neighborhood of expensive ranches with beautiful trees and gardens. Franktown Road re-enters Old US 395 just before the road crosses under the highway. On the east side of the highway, ride short way toward Washoe Lake and you will come to the small Washoe Lake Park on the left. Here you’ll find parking, picnic tables and a 1 mile wetlands viewing loop trail for a leisurely walk along a boardwalk to the edge of the lake and expansive views of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. At this point, you may continue on the road for a loop ride around Washoe Lake and another picnic area a bit farther along. The entire loop is approximately 22 miles with a few hills and a short stretch of main highway toward the end. Less experienced road riders may wish to retrace the route to the Bowers Mansion. Round trip from the mansion to Washoe Lake Park is about 14 miles.

At this time of year, the bike paths and trails are practically empty and crisp, cool weather is perfect for hiking and biking. Bring the kids and the camera because the mountains, meadows and valleys are picture perfect for family adventures and lasting memories.

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