Spring around Lake Tahoe offers beautiful scenery wherever you go. The melting snow bursts into waterfalls and the forests and meadows are popping out wildflowers. Otherwise known amongst the locals as “secret season,” spring in Truckee is truly a season not to be missed.
The best basecamp to champion your spring Truckee adventures is at the cozy Gravity Haus-Truckee Tahoe!
WATERFALL HIKES IN TRUCKEE-TAHOE
Start your trek at the top of Mountain Rose at 8700 feet and get your fill of amazing wildflowers and a waterfall with this two-for-one hike.
How to Get There
Take 267 from Truckee to 28 to 431. Driving time to the trailhead is about 40 minutes from Truckee. The trail is part of the Tahoe Rim Trail. At the Trailhead there is ample parking, a couple of restrooms and some info signage. The trailhead is around the road side of the building, you will see a large sign and one trail going straight and the other uphill to the right. Take the Mt. Rose Summit trail to the right and be met with some stunning views of Lake Tahoe right off the bat.
The Hike
The hike to the fall is about 2.5 miles but you can do the whole hike which is just over 10 miles in total. The best part of this hike? This spot is one of the only ones around the lake from where you can see Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay AND Fallen Leaf Lake at the same ıme. Fido is welcome.
Cascade Falls is located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, by Emerald Bay.
How to Get There
Take 89 south from Truckee all the way down to Emerald Bay. Turn into the “Bayview” campground. There is free day parking at the very end of the campground. If those parking spots are taken, park along the roadside of 89 and walk to the trailhead.
The Hike
The trailhead offers a large map and desolation wilderness permits. You do not have to fill in a permit if you just want to go the fall. Turn left onto the trail into the trees along the mountain and up to above breathtaking Cascade Lake. Pause for a moment to look back and take in the views of Cascade Lake and Emerald Bay and Lake Tahoe.
Along the hike, there are a few areas with some boulders and granite to maneuver so be sure to wear your best sturdy shoes!
Cascade Falls is the perfect start to a day hike on the south shore. You can go back to the trailhead, fill in the wilderness permit and start hiking towards the desolation wilderness, which offers multiple day hike opıons. Granite Lake is only 1.5 miles up the hill. Maggie’s Peak is 2.5 miles and the gateway to many other alpine lakes, like Fontanillis (which offers another waterfall), Dick’s Lake, Velma Lakes…if you are looking for a 14 or more miles day hike in total, this is it.
Bringing kids or pups?
Be aware if you bring children or your dog of the slippery granite. Keep children close and your dog on a leash.
Pro tip: The Emerald Bay area is very busy all year round, try to get here early to avoid the crowds.
Eagle Falls is located on the south shore of Lake Tahoe, by Emerald Bay.
How to Get There
Take 89 south from Truckee all the way down to Emerald Bay. The Eagle Falls Trailhead is off of 89 to the right. It has a designated Parking lot and there is a parking fee of $5.00 – cash/check only.
The Hike
The hike to the trail is only about 1 mile on a very well-maintained trail. There is a bridge that goes over the waterfall which makes it really easy to view the waterfall and to take pictures in front of the waterfall. Eagle Falls like Cascade Falls is massive in the spring, so be aware if you bring children or your dog of the slippery granite! Keep children close and your dog on a leash. Also like Cascade Falls, Eagle Falls is a perfect start to a day hike into desolation wilderness and the same lakes as described above.
Glen Alpine Falls is also located on the south shore passed Eagle and Cascade Falls.
How to Get There
Take Highway 89 south from Truckee all the way down to Emerald Bay and past to Fallen Leaf Lake Road. Turn right onto Fallen Leak Lake Road, watch for bicyclists and other cars on this narrow, one-lane road.
The “Hike”
There is no hiking at all necessary to reach this water fall. You can get up very close to the falls, and feel the cascade coming right at you.
Glen Alpine Falls is the gateway to the famous Glen Alpine hiking trail which connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail can be used to access Mt. Tallac and desolation wilderness (fill in a permit at the trailhead). Lake Aloha is accessible from here and would make for a 11.75 mile day hike – definitely consider it as this hike is voted one of the best hikes in the Tahoe area! To get to the trailhead continue on Fallen Leaf Lake Road until you see the Glen Alpine trailhead sign and turn left. Trailhead parking is across from Lily Lake. Dogs are allowed!
John Muir described this area, “From no other valley, as far as I know, may excursions be made in a single day to so many peaks, wild gardens, glacier lakes, glacier meadows and alpine groves, cascades, etc.”
WILDFLOWER HIKES IN TRUCKEE-TAHOE
Castle Peak is located on the Donner Summit. At a high elevation, this area receives tons of snow during the winter and keeps the snow until late spring. Due to all the snow and major water runoff, the Castle Peak area offers wildflowers that look like they’re straight out of Alice’s Wonderland.
How to Get There
To get to the trailhead head onto Highway 80 west and take the Boreal Ridge/Castle Peak exit. Turn left towards Boreal and left again towards the Boreal Inn. Pass the Boreal Inn and proceed to the u-shaped PCT parking lot.
The Hike
This hike is strenuous as you are hiking from 7200’ to 8600’ over eight miles. Definitely plan for this hike to take you between 4- 6 hours. The first part of the trail takes you through thick forest along some granite and some mud ponds. Always stay on the PCT.
Pro tips: Along the way you can take the eastbound trail about 1½ miles to Summit Lake; this is a pleasant detour and if you have time, Summit Lake is worth seeing. Also, there are even more wildflowers behind Castle Peak if you feel like venturing further. Dogs allowed.
The best time to visit this trail is March through October, so even if you miss “secret season,” you’re still in for a treat.
How to Get There
The Sagehen Creek Trail is located on Highway 89, 6.8 miles north of Truckee. There is a dirt parking area on the East side just past the bridge over Sagehen Creek. There are no faciliıes at the trailhead and the trail is not marked, but it is clearly visible on the northeast side of Sagehen Creek.
The Hike
This hike is known for its ample amounts of beautiful wildflowers. From the trailhead, the path heads downstream through a forest of pines, aspens, firs,, cedars and junipers. About two miles in you reach a clearing and a small rivulet, which you cross to reach a meadow that borders Stampede Reservoir. The trail soon disappears, but your destination the lake’s edge, should be within view, and you can amble the rest of the way there. This is an out and back hike, and our favorite part is that dogs allowed.
Sold on secret season? Run, don’t walk to book your stay at Cedar House!
