Top Adventures in Soda Springs
Hike to the Top of Andesite Peak
From the trail map sign, follow the dirt path straight, following signs for the cross-country skiing route, not snowmobiling. Continue until you see a trail marker. You'll veer left to head over to the Hole in the Ground trail. Once you see anothe...
5 miles
1000 ft gain
Challenging Ride on the North Shore
After parking on the shoulder on the Boreal Ridge Exit start spot, ride to where the pavement turns to dirt and take a left up the hill. Keep straight at the first intersection which is in the first 100 yards. The dirt road meanders up the hill wi...
Summit Castle Peak
The trailhead is very easy to access as it is just off Highway 80 at the Boreal Mountain exit. When taking the exit, take a turn to the North, rather than to Boreal on the South side of the Highway.
On busy summer weekends this trailhead can get q...
6 miles
1800 ft gain
Snowshoe to the Peter Grubb Hut
The Peter Grubb Hut is located below Castle Peak in Round Valley, 3 miles north of the Castle Peak trailhead near I-80. Overnight parking is available at the California Sno-Park at the Boreal-Castle Peak exit on I-80. Park on the frontage road eas...
8 miles
Backpacking to Warren Lake (2 Days)
The first 1.6 miles along the Pacifc Crest Trail is the same route to Summit Lake Trail. When you see the fork for Warren Lake and Summit Lake, head to the left. Although the Summit Lake trail looks easier, which it is, don't let that detour you. ...
Hike to the Peter Benson Hut
Drive to the top of Donner Summit via the Old Hwy 40 and park at the Donner Summit PCT trailhead, just past the Sugar Bowl Academy Building. Begin hiking up-hill through a somewhat forested area for about 2 miles. Shortly after you pass the trail ...
11.6 miles
1800 ft gain
Hike Mount Judah
The Mount Judah Loop Trail is perfect for all skill levels. The trails are great for hiking, trail running and snowshoeing. In the spring and summer, wildflowers are abundant. Snow patches can exist until late August or September so be prepared wi...
5.1 miles
1141 ft gain
Swim at Long Lake near Truckee
The story goes that twenty or so years ago, long before the advent of the Royal Gorge Cross-Country Ski Area, some local Truckee boys decided to put a couple rope swings up on Long Lake near Soda Springs, CA, and they remain there to this day.Long...
1.5 miles
100 ft gain
Hike the Truckee Tunnels
To get here, drive along Donner Pass Rd. There is a turnoff about 100 yards away from the Donner Summit Bridge where you can park. The hike begins at a plaque for the China Wall- a large retaining wall built by Chinese railroad workers. Hike up t...
Backpack the Palisades Creek Trail
After driving out to Kidd Lakes and parking at the trailhead, you take off through some easy forest hiking past Cascade Lakes and Long Lake. Pay attention to the cairns marking the trail as you traverse across a large granite section with Devils P...
15 miles
2200 ft gain
Hike or MTB on your way back to SF from Tahoe
A perfect Sunday hike on your way back from a weekend at Lake Tahoe. Exit I-80 at Donner Lake and take the dirt road on the north side of I-80 to a large parking lot. A mild climb followed by a set of tougher switchbacks leads you to great views...
Sunset Swim
In the northwest corner of Donner Lake, there are public docks run by the Truckee Donner Recreation & Parks district. It's free to lay out your towels and hang out, but there is a fee for launching boats on the ramp. Come over in the late afte...
Nearby camping, hotels, and more
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Emigrant Gap, California
Big Bend Group (Yuba River)
Overview Big Bend Group Campground is located 19 miles west of Truckee, California in the Tahoe National Forest at an elevation of 5,700 feet. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and hiking op... -
Truckee, California
Granite Flat (California)
Overview Granite Flat Campground is located between the Truckee River and Highway 89, just one mile from Truckee and a short distance from Tahoe City. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and hi... -
Truckee, California
Goose Meadows
Overview Goose Meadow Campground is located along the Truckee River adjacent to Highway 89, about half-way between Tahoe City and Truckee. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing and hiking opportu... -
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Lakeside (Truckee)
Overview Lakeside Campground is located on the picturesque Prosser Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest, just 10 minutes north of Truckee. Visitors enjoy the area for its boating, canoeing, fishi... -
Unnamed Road
Woodcamp Campground
Overview Woodcamp Campground is located on the scenic Jackson Meadow Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. Its location, part of the Woodcamp Recreation Area, provides a great base camp for a wi... -
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Fir Top Campground
Overview Fir Top Campground is located alongside the scenic Jackson Meadow Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. The location, part of the Woodcamp Recreation Area, makes a great base camp for ...
