19 minute read
Events
TheTahoeWeekly.com
GEToutside
Advertisement
the outdoors recreation events mountain life
WEST SHORE Beach Hopping by Bike
Is the West Shore the best shore? It’s been a busy summer with lots of people around, but I was dying to get some exercise that ended with a dip in the lake. ere are 23 miles of paved bike path from Dollar Hill in Tahoe City to Meeks Bay in Tahoma. I loaded my bike cruiser into my car and headed to the West Shore’s Highway 89 where the water meets the miniature pedestrian and cyclist-friendly roadway.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAYLA ANDERSON
At 1 p.m. on a weekday afternoon, I parked in Homewood armed with a towel, swimsuit, a bottle of water and suntan lotion to begin my 4.4-mile ride down to Meeks Bay Resort and back — around 9 miles total. It was a beautiful sunny day and the bike path was fairly empty; it was just me, the pine trees, owing creeks and incredible views of the lake around gentle bends and moderate inclines and declines.
Twenty minutes later, I ended up in Tahoma, a quiet town with a population of around 1,200. e biggest amenities include Tahoma Meadows Cottages and a small shopping center with a post o ce, West Shore Pizza and a tiny café/gelato shop called Where We Met that serves the best housemade gelato and Nutella lattes on this side of the lake. Its two takeout windows had a steady stream of people getting scoops of banana, lime, lemon, co ee and sweet cream- avored, cold treats. Having worked up a little bit of a sweat, I brie y relaxed outside with a $6 sweet cream and co ee combination and enjoyed the sunshine.
After scar ng down my gelato, I hopped back on my bike and kept heading south. I went up through a quiet neighborhood o McKinney Street where the bike path breaks and then dropped back down toward the lake. I was anxious to check out the newer portion of the West Shore Bike Trail to Meeks Bay. I passed Sugar Pine Point State Park and continued to the end of the trail.
Taking in the natural landscape and strikingly blue scene that’s viewable from
8
TOP: Meeks Bay Resort. LEFT: Enjoying gelato at Where We Met in Tahoma. BE;OW: Sugar Pine Point State Park.
most parts of the West Shore Bike Trail, I went through a paved hairpin turn that reminded me of a miniature version of the road that goes around Emerald Bay. I continued south. I heard laughing, splashing and echoes of general merriment. A few hundred yards later, I arrived at the place responsible for all the commotion.
At the end of the trail was Meeks Bay general store, which sells canned beer, wine, beach toys, swimsuits and random camping supplies, to the left was Wa-SheShu Grille and a half moon of sandy beach supporting emerald blue waters. People had their umbrellas set up, were playing music or out in the water on oaties and standup paddleboards. Hotel rooms and private stand-alone cabins face the lake — the seven-bedroom Kehlet Mansion comes with a private beach and is rented out for around $1,000 a night.
I jumped in the water for a quick coolo and ended up brie y swimming with a family of mergansers. Finally, I got back on my bike and headed back up the West Shore.
Around 2:30 p.m., I veered o the bike path to check out Sugar Pine Point State
Park. It’s free to get in with a bicycle, but there were plenty of parking spots available. e thing that always impresses me about Sugar Pine Point State Park isn’t the sugar pines, it’s the expansive lawn around Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, exuding that fresh cut-grass scent that matched with the tall trees and alpine lake smell — it should be turned into a Yankee candle scent.
Sugar Pine Point State Park has paved bike paths throughout the property with plenty of places to park your bike and explore the beach. e park has a public pier, a campground and a beach for day visitors.
I lazily basked in the sun on the water’s edge for a while before begrudgingly forcing myself back to my bike.
I arrived back in Homewood at 4 p.m., thinking about how next time I could park at 64-Acres Park in Tahoe City and extend my route to visit a few more beaches on the West Shore. It’s just about making the time to do it and then enjoying the ride.
Sugar Bowl announces 2020-21 plans
Sugar Bowl announced that it’s taking measures for the 2020-21 winter ski season to ensure the safety of its guests including the installation of radio-frequency (RFID) access gates at all of its primary chairlifts. The scanning gates, in combination with new self-service pick-up stations and contactless payment options, will allow for a touchless outdoor experience, according to the resort.
Sugar Bowl has also announced The 100-Day Guarantee and Daily Resort Access Assurance to provide coverage for a weather or COVID-based closure.
“If county, state or federal jurisdictions implement health-related guidelines that cause Sugar Bowl to limit daily visitation at the resort for passholders, and you decide this doesn’t work for you, we will honor a refund upon request,” the resort announced in a e-blast.
As well, the resort stated in the blast that it will provide lift-served access for at least 100 days during the upcoming season.
Other changes will include outdoor-dining only and limited indoor access for warming, along with facemask and social-distancing requirements. | sugarbowl.com
TGR showing at the drive-in Teton Gravity Research has released the trailer for its latest fi lm, “Make Believe,” which will be shown Sept. 23 at the West Wind El Rancho Drive-in in Reno, Nev., at 7:30 p.m.
“For 25 years, TGR has focused on turning Make Believe into reality, from exploring powder stashes in our backyard playground to fi rst descents on unnamed peaks, the ethos of live the dream’ has defi ned our adventures,” according to TGR.
“ ‘Make Believe’ celebrates today’s athletes who have committed to this ethos, the ones who have fallen deeply in love with the mountain life, the people who have chosen to live their lives in a particular way, from inception to reality, the ones who choose to make and believe in their dreams.”
The screening will also feature the world premiere of the new snowboard fi lm “Blank Canvas” at 9 p.m. Tickets are $30 per vehicle for two people; $10 for each additional person. Tickets available online. | tetongravity.com
Improvements underway for Upper Tyrolian
Courtesy TAMBA
A $45,000 grant from Tahoe Fund has allowed the nonprofi t Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association to begin a trail-improvement project that will reconstruct sections of the Upper Tyrolian Trail in Incline Village, Nev. The project makes critical trail connections in the Incline Village area and rehabilitates and restores old logging roads to reduce erosion and improve lake clarity. It is expected to be completed by the end of October.
In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, TAMBA’s intention is to improve the existing trail conditions and establish a dedicated mountain-bike-focused connection to the Tyrolian Downhill Trail with nearly 2 miles of sustainable single-track trail that will connect the existing Tyrolian Downhill Trail to Mount Rose Highway at Tahoe Meadows.
A new upper section of the trail will provide a trailhead with improved signage and reduce mountain-bike traffi c on the Tahoe Rim Trail. The current Tyrolian Downhill Trail will not be closed during construction, but to avoid slowing it down, TAMBA asks that riders stay off the new trail until it has been completed.
The trail project needs $15,000 in donations. Donors may contribute at the Tahoe Fund or TAMBA websites. | tahoefund.org, tamba.org
Hike for Parks
Sierra State Parks Foundation | Truckee | Aug. 19-26
Get outside and walk/run/hike/just get active to help reach a goal of 1,500 collective miles/150 hikers. $35 | facebook.com
Sierra Summer Challenge
Virtual challenge | South Lake Tahoe | Aug. 19-26
Summit the most Sierra peaks or swim in the most Sierra alpine lakes. (530) 542-4546, sierranevadaalliance.org
DASER Experiments forum online
Online | Truckee | Aug. 20
Focusing on UC Berkeley’s Sagehen Creek Field Station’s Artist Residency Program (AIR). 9-10 a.m. Free | eventbrite.com
Preschool Storytime on instagram
Nevada County Library | Truckee | Aug. 20
Get ready to read, dance, sing and play with this Storytime for preschoolers, happening live on Instagram each week. 10:30-11 a.m. Free | mynevadacounty.com
MFA IA Virtual Summer Residency
Sierra Nevada University | Incline Village | Aug. 20
Register online. 4 p.m. Free | (775) 831- 1314, eventbrite.com
Big Blue Adventure Race Series Area venues | Truckee | Aug. 21, 23
Triathlons, running, biking, swimming, adventure racing and paddling. Aug. 15 to Oct. 6. 7:30 a.m. | bigblueadventure.com
Baby Storytime on Facebook
Truckee Library | Truckee | Aug. 24
Join Miss Amy for songs, books, and early literacy tips for babies. Free | facebook.com
Lake Tahoe Summit: Resilient Tahoe (virtual)
Online | Tahoe City | Aug. 25
The theme is “Resilient Tahoe,” looking ahead to future environmental, infrastructure and economic challenges. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Free | (775) 686-5750, tahoefund.org
LEGO Challenge on Facebook Live
Truckee Library | Truckee | Aug. 25
Here a story to inspire your brick creatio with examples you can create at home.4-4:30 p.m. Free | facebook.com, mynevadacounty.com
UC Davis Summer Science Speaker Series August 20
Learn more at https://tahoe.ucdavis.edu/ events
BOAT RENTALS & FUEL DOCK
Fuel dock 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Boat Rentals 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
WEATHER PERMITTING
TAHOE CITY MARINA LAKE T A HOE • CALIFORNIA
Truckee
Homewood TA H O E C I T Y, C A
Wye Grove St. Jackpine Incline Village
TAHOE CITY MARINA LAKE TAHOE • CALIFORNIA TAHOE CITY MARINA
(530) 583-1039 · TahoeCityMarina.com
Tahoe Adventure Company Inspiring High Sierra Adventures
• Kayak & SUP Tours • Beachfront Kayak & SUP Rentals • 7010 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista • Gear Deliveries
• Mountain Bike Tours • Guided Hiking • Backpacking • Family Adventures • Multisport Tours
EXPLOSION OF COLOR TO The view south along the Pacific Crest from Andesite Peak. FOURTH OF JULY LAKE
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATHRYN REED
What goes down must come up. This can be a painful reality when the down comes in the middle of a hike. No fireworks were going off, but the drop into Fourth of July Lake was worth having to climb out 2 miles and more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
The array of flowers and their size is largely dependent on the previous winter’s snowfall. The four of us were not disappointed with the variety on July 19. Columbine, lupine, mule’s ears, daisies, Indian paintbrush, yarrow and so much more filled the terrain. Rubbing a few leaves of the mountain peppermint was a great way to cleanse my hands of the mosquito repellent.
Brenda and Roni on their way to Round Top Lake.
Stopping to take pictures made this a much longer day. No one was complaining. Flowers were growing out of granite rocks, in fields that carpeted the ground, in clusters like a bouquet and as single strands of beauty.
Water was abundant along the trail, making the landscape so verdant, especially on the climb to Round Top Lake. These creeks would be a welcome relief for four-legged hikers. All the water meant two stream crossings across logs. There could Wild Blue Flax along the trail. be more in early season.
While the hike starts near Woods Lake, the trail doesn’t actually go to that body of water. However, it doesn’t take long for it to come into view through the tall pines. A highlight of this hike was that the views were always changing, seeming to only get better around each bend. It wasn’t long before Red Lake Peak (10,061 feet) and Elephants Back (9,585 feet) were visible. Not far off the trail was a distinct waterfall reminiscent of the Glen Alpine Waterfall near Fallen Leaf Lake on the South Shore.
At first the trees provided plenty of shade, but that didn’t last. Going higher the subalpine setting turned to more expansive land with few trees.
At times part of the trek is along what was obviously an old road. A rusted frame of a vehicle that we guessed was from the 1930s is off to one side facing a stream. A structure in the water we surmised was once a bridge. Why the people didn’t turn around we don’t know. If only the trees could talk.
Fourth of July Lake in the center is about 1,000 feet deep.
Columbine, lupine, mule’s ears, daisies, Indian paintbrush, yarrow and so much more filled the terrain. … Flowers were growing out of granite rocks, in fields that carpeted the ground, in clusters like a bouquet and as single strands of beauty.
Other parts of the trail were soft dirt with a thin layer of duff; other sections were rocky, some granite stairs had to be climbed, other parts were loose scree. I was happy to have my poles, which came off the backpack for the descent into Fourth of July Lake and were used the rest of the trek.
Once through the main section of wildflowers, Round Top Peak (10,381 feet) and The Sisters (10,153 feet) came into view. There wasn’t much snow left on Round Top, but one diehard skier found enough white stuff to make a few turns between the two peaks. It’s possible to stop at Round Top Lake. The beauty was magical as the mountains reflected into the water.
We opted to continue on to our destination. Even if you don’t want to make the descent into Fourth of July Lake, keep going until you see it. It’s worth the view even from afar. An outcropping of rocks is
Fourth of July Lake is a beautiful spot for lunch.
where two people in our group waited for me and Brenda as we headed to the lake. Once at the lake we were at tree line again, with pines surrounding us. On the far side of Fourth of July a small waterfall flowed from the rocks. It would have been possible to keep hiking from there. This section is part of the TahoeYosemite Trail. We opted not to visit the national park that day.
Roundtop Lake with the reflection of the peak by the same name.
Starting from the trailhead parking lot we clocked 9.82 miles round trip. The elevation at Woods Lake Campground, which is near where we started, is 8,240 feet. Fourth of July Lake is just a bit more than 8,000 feet. The problem, so to speak, is that first we climbed to 9,433 feet before dropping down. While we didn’t bag a peak this particular day, the graphic on the GPS looked like we did a couple.
Another option from this starting point is to make a loop via Winnemucca Lake. Signs make this an easy option at the get-go or when at Round Top Lake. The nice thing about bypassing Winnemucca is that you are likely to see fewer people, especially when the wildflowers are out.
THE TRAIL
9.82 miles roundtrip | Moderate-strenuous
From South Lake Tahoe go west on Highway 50. In Meyers, take Highway 89 south. In Hope Valley, go right onto Highway 88. Turn left at the Woods Lake sign. This is 1.7 miles west of the Carson Pass Ranger District. It costs $8 to park, cash only. Dogs on leashes are welcome. n
Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more Summer Fun Activities. Always check operating schedules before visiting.
GEOCACHING
OLYMPIC VALLEY (800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com
High-tech treasure hunt on mountain using GPS to fi nd 10 caches. Free with Aerial Tram ticket; GPS rentals available. Opening TBD. TART
CRUISES
“SIERRA CLOUD” (775) 831-4386 | awsincline.com
Catamaran cruises. Daily cruises, parasailing and rentals.
“TAHOE GAL” (800) 218-2464 | tahoegal.com
Daily cruises.
DISC GOLF
DONNER SKI RANCH (530) 426-3635 | old40barandgrill.com
18-hole course. Free to play; must register at restaurant. Practice basket.
INCLINE VILLAGE (775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com
18-hole course at Incline Park at 980 Incline Way. Free. Daily dawn-dusk. TART
KIRKWOOD (209) 258-7277 | kirkwood.com
Experience disc golf at 7,800 feet with the notorious DiscWood disc golf course. The 18-hole course weaves through the trees and over mountainous terrain. Free. Scorecards and maps may be picked up at the General Store.
MARKLEEVILLE (530) 694-2140 | alpinecounty.ca.gov
Located at Turtle Rock Park Campground.
OLYMPIC VALLEY (530) 583-6985 | squawalpine.com
18-hole course at Squaw Valley’s High Camp. Disc rentals. TART
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
A mostly fl at and moderately wooded course is located at Bijou Community Park featuring 27 holes covering 8,324 feet. The course features mixed tees with varied fairways with slight elevation changes. On Al Tahoe Boulevard off Highway 50. BlueGo
TAHOE VISTA (530) 546-4212 | northtahoeparks.com
18-hole course at North Tahoe Regional Park, off National Avenue. Parking $5. Daily dawn-dusk. TART
TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
18-hole course at Truckee River Regional Park, off Brockway Road. Dogs must be on leash. Free. Daily
dawn-dusk. TART
TRUCKEE (530) 550-2225
18 holes at Sierra College Campus. Free. Daily dawn
dusk. TART
ZEPHYR COVE
The Zephyr Cove course is 18 holes covering 5,256 feet with holes of varying lengths. On Warrior Way.
BlueGo PUBLIC POOLS
INCLINE VILLAGE (775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com
25-yard, 8-lane indoor pool at Incline Recreation Center, swim lessons, aqua fi tness, 1-meter spring diving board, infl atable slide (weekends). Daily rates & memberships
available.
OLYMPIC VALLEY (800) 403-0206 | squawalpine.com
Swimming Lagoon & Spa at High Camp at Squaw Valley, free form lagoon with 50-meter lap lanes, two islands with waterfalls and native boulders. Opening TBD. TART
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE (530) 542-6056 | citiofslt.com
25-yard indoor/outdoor year-round pool. Lessons.
Opening TBD. BlueGo
TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
25-yard indoor pool with 6 lanes, 1-meter spring diving board, swim training, hydraulic lift at Tahoe-Truckee High School. Opening TBD. TART
ROCK CLIMBING WALLS
TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
Community Recreation Center offers 29’ climbing wall & 12’ bouldering wall. All ages & levels. Lessons available. Opening TBD. TART
SKATE PARKS
INCLINE VILLAGE (775) 832-1300 | inclinerecreation.com
Intermediate/advanced area with two, 5-foot tall bowls with a spine, 3-foot box and 2.5 foot bowl for beginners. Street course on top, with 8-foot fl at rail, 6-foot down rail, four stairs and a 10-foot downward ramp. Corner Hwy. 28 & Southwood. Daily dawn-dusk.
TART
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Bijou Community Park features a skateboard park on Al Tahoe Boulevard off Highway 50. BlueGo
TRUCKEE (530) 582-7720 | tdrpd.com
Truckee River Regional Park with several bowls with a spine and channel, a long rail and ledges. Knee and elbow pads and helmets required. Free. Daily dawn
10 p.m. TART
WOODWARD TAHOE (530) 426-1114 | rideboreal.com
Featuring two skateparks – The Sierra Skatepark and the Eastern Sierra Skatepark. Plus, indoor skate park inside The Bunker.
Experience Lake Tahoe
Learn to Water Ski · Wakeboard · Wakesurf Jet Ski Rentals (2019 sea-doo gti 130) & Boat Charters
(530) 525-7962 - ObexersBoat.com Obexer’s Marina - 5300 West Lake Blvd. - Homewood, CA
Shop tahoe
Ads as low as $100 per issue. E-mail anne@tahoethisweek.com PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LOCAL ADVERTISERS
530.583.5709
HISTORIAN & AUTHOR MARK MCLAUGHLIN’S NEWEST BOOK - UPDATED EDITION
Wisdom at Steve Schmier’s 530.583.5709
Order books direct at TheStormKing.com
or pick up a copy at:
• Geared for Games • Word After Word • Alice’s Mountain Market Bookshop located at Squaw Valley • Gratitude Gifts • Donner Memorial State Park • Mind Play Group presentations · In-home talks
(530) 546-5612 · mark@TheStormKing.com
