Archive for the ‘Summer Recreation’ Category
By Michelle Portesi
Situated off the main road at the south end of Fallen Leaf Lake is the trail to the old Glen Alpine Springs Resort. A vacation destination of a bygone era, still standing today are several buildings designed by the famous San Francisco Architect Bernard Maybeck (1862-1957) designer of the San Francisco Palace of Fine Art. While some buildings are already boarded up for the winter and therefor more difficult to appreciate their beauty, what is unusual about these buildings is their great expanses of glass windows supported by metal frames and stone buttresses.
One of the buildings at Glen Alpine Springs. This one is boarded up for winter, but you can still take a peak inside.
Building without the snow covers.
I was hoping to get some shots of fantastic fall color as the drive in has massive stands of aspen, but as our drought has taken its toll on our fall color display this year, I’m hoping for that massive El Nino to show up to remedy the situation for next year. Still, the drive in was lovely as the one lane road meandered past gorgeous high country horse pastures and the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake. This is a seasonal lake, as the road isn’t plowed once the snow flies, and the intimate, limited development of the area reminded my friend and me of the movie ‘On Golden Pond’. In fact, so much so, we both said it simultaneously!
Boat docks at Fallen Leaf Lake
Once you near the south end of the lake, the road splits, and the sign to Glen Alpine Springs is clearly marked. A ways up you will find a parking lot and the beginning of the trail head. While not a long trail, much of it is on an incline and the ‘road’ such as it is, is very rocky. Be warned. This is no trail for flip-flops. Hiking boots are strongly suggested.
The trail does flatten out in areas through heavily forested glens, passing streams, and even a waterfall that still has water this late in the season, and it’s all worth it. Once you stumble onto the remains of Glen Alpine Springs Resort, you’ll have plenty to explore. The resort, once the site of supposedly health inducing natural soda springs, the gazebo still houses the terminus of the small, brackish, iron filled bubbly water. No, I don’t recommend drinking it!
Trail to Glen Alpine Springs
Dining Hall at Glen Alpine Springs.
Interior of the Dining Hall
From there, you can continue along the trail to many back country lakes. We didn’t realize it at the time, but there is another falls to the left of the parking area. Next time…
Hike it now, as the road around Fallen Leaf supposedly closes at the end of October.
If you are driving to your destination along the west shore, be sure to stop at PDQ Market in Tahoma along the way for some awesome sandwiches to take on your hike. My favorite is the pesto bread with roast beef and pepperchinis.
For more information and history about Glen Alpine Springs, go here:
www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/glen-alpine-fallssprings-trail
laketahoe.com/content/glen-alpine-springs-resort
Dining Hall at Glen Alpine Springs
Fall colors at Glen Alpine Springs
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THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
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By Tim Hauserman
For a number of years I was perfectly content to get my “be out on a lake” fix via kayak. You get a nice workout, while enjoying the quiet beauty of paddling along one of our gorgeous mountain lakes. I saw a lot of paddleboarders, but when I tried it I felt tippy and my feet hurt, so I went back to my bulky but still manageable one person kayak.
Then, it seemed that paddleboarders were everywhere, and if I wanted to play with friends I better get one. I went out a few times on borrowed boards, began to get the hang of it, and dove in and purchased one. While I’m still a bit timid and feel off balance, I love the feel of the board. I love the stroke of powering your way through the water which is similar to paddling a canoe. I love that the boards are lighter and easier to maneuver then kayaks, and I especially love being able to look down through the crystal clear Lake Tahoe and Donner Lake water to the bottom of the lake. It feels like flying.
The key for me to having fun paddleboarding is to consider the conditions before going out. You want glassy calm waters and as few boat wakes as possible. Which is why, I’ve been having so much fun this fall. If you get out in the morning mid-week you often can paddle for an hour without getting assaulted by a monster boat wake.
So what do you do when you have the time to get out but the wind has come up or the lake is full of boat wakes? The solution is obvious. Kayak. Each tool has it’s place in your quiver of Tahoe toys. Now you just have to find room for it all in your garage.
Where to Go:
Lake Tahoe: Similar to a kayak, it is best not to have to carry your board too far. Here are three public choices on Tahoe’s North and West Shore that give you that opportunity:
Waterman’s Landing at Carnelian Bay: In addition to easy access, they rent boards, give lessons, and have food and restrooms.
William Kent Campground Beach: Next to Sunnyside. A very short walk…IF you can get one of the prized parking spots that are also coveted by Sunnyside patrons or employees.
Hurricane Bay: Four miles south of Tahoe City, just park along the road walk 100 feet and you are on your way.
Donner Lake: Pick your public pier or access point along the lake’s North Shore.
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
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By Michelle Portesi
Sunset at Donner Lake. Photo by Michelle Portesi
Let’s face it, the big blue, Lake Tahoe, tends to get most of the attention and press during our busy summer months. But right here in Truckee is Donner Lake, chock full of fun things to do in a much less busy environment.
I’ve lived here off and on for years, and what’s nice about the area is that when crazy holiday weekends descend, I don’t have to venture very far for food and fun. Instead of fighting the crowds, I can hoof it to most anything I might want to do, including finding basic sustenance.
THINGS TO DO AT DONNER LAKE:
Take a bike ride. The bike trails are well defined along Donner Pass Road and goes most of the way around the lake. You can continue on through the campgrounds at Donner Memorial State Park to get back to Donner Pass Road.
Go Fishing! There is a dedicated fishing pier and handicapped ramp about half way down Donner Pass Road along the lake. Or try your luck off of the many public piers. Make sure to pick up your California fishing license online.
Have a picnic. Near the Fishing pier is a picnic area right on the lake complete with picnic tables and grills. Picnic areas are also available at Donner Memorial State Park. Plan ahead and come early, these spots fill up fast.
Go for a swim. Dunking oneself in Donner Lake during blistering hot days is a given, but many have been the evenings when the temperature doesn’t drop with the sun and my place still feels like a stuffy broiler. On those occasions, nothing is more refreshing than donning my bathing attire and taking a moonlight dip.
Kayaking at an inlet at Donner Lake. Photo by Michelle Portesi
Rent a kayak or paddle board at Donner Memorial State Park. The water in the mornings at Donner Lake are often a crystal clear glass calm. It’s the perfect time to ply the waters without fighting the waves whipped up by the winds, or even jet skis and boats.
Go for a boat ride. Donner Lake’s Marina is one of the few areas still deep enough in the Lake Tahoe basin despite the drought to launch your boat. Or you can call ahead to rent a pontoon boat ride.
Go Camping. Donner Memorial Park’s campground is right near the lake and features pleasant campsites, bathrooms and actual showers! The campground also hosts many campground events during the summer. Visit www.parks.ca.gov for more info.
Coldstream Canyon. Photo by Michelle Portesi
Go for a Hike. You can take a leisurely hike on the trails throughout Donner Memorial State Park, or for a little more effort, Coldstream Canyon starts at the east end of Donner Lake Campgound. Follow the creek over easy to moderate terrain to back country ponds and environmental reclamation sites. See Go Take a Hike # 4 for more info on this hike. yourfriendinhighplaces.net/2014/08/19/
Sunset over Donner Lake. Photo by Michelle Portesi
Get Yourself Some History. The new memorial museum at Donner State Park has reopened with new exhibits about the area’s history.
Just Hang Out. Read a book, sunbath, play fetch with your dog, have a glass of wine, watch the sun set. There are a wealth of public piers all along the north side of Donner Lake along Donner Pass Road just perfect for doing absolutely nothing.
If you’re a resident of Tahoe Donner, you can laze away the summer days at the Tahoe Donner Beach. There’s a snack bar and rental concessions for kayaks and paddle boats.
Dock at Tahoe Donner Beach area. Photo by Michelle Portesi
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Don’t want to venture into town for food and/or a few items? Then you’ll be grateful for these businesses:
STICKS MARKET. Located about a mile from Donner Memorial Park is Sticks Market, featuring fresh made deli sandwiches, espresso drinks and a generous selection of wines, beer and other beverages along with the usual basic staples. They even have a fairly decent array of meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables if you just need a few items and don’t want to fight the crowds in town for them. For a small little market, they pack in quite a bit.
DONNER LAKE KITCHEN. Known for serving breakfast and lunch, now during the summer, they are open Saturday evenings too. They will be featuring ‘Oysters on the Deck’ from 2-8 pm and also serving dinner, including steaks, burgers and sandwiches from 4-8 pm.
You’ll always find plenty to do at Donner Lake!
THINK OF ME, LYNN RICHARDSON, FOR ALL OF YOUR LAKE TAHOE AND TRUCKEE REAL ESTATE NEEDS!
www.lynnrichardson.net
Share this: Lynn Richardson, Your Friend in High Places
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