Automated Software Engineering - ASE'97

12th IEEE International Conference

Hiking Lake Tahoe

So ... ready to shed that pocket protector and go hit the trail? A word of caution. Autumn is a transition period at Lake Tahoe. There is often too much snow for alpine hiking, but not enough snow for skiing (yet). As this is being written (Oct 10), it is snowing heavily around Lake Tahoe and they're expecting a foot or more. Two weeks from now it could be warm, sunny, and dry, or it could be freezing with 3 feet of snow on the ground. The walks and hikes suggested below are at relatively low elevation to minimize cold, wet feet. One thing is for certain: if you hike up high (8000 ft) you will encounter snow, possibly significant snow.

1) Emerald Bay, Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake. Emerald bay is a stunning bay on the west side of Lake Tahoe, about 2/3 of the way down the west side. To get there, drive west along Hwy 28 to Tahoe City, then south on Hwy 89 to Emerald Bay (obvious). At the end of the bay there is a small parking lot where a trail heads west to Eagle Falls (1/2 mile), and on to Eagle Lake (1 mile). This is a short easy walk that can be done by anyone in almost any weather. Driving time 30-45 minutes.

2) Lake Genevieve. This is a moderate hike that takes you to a beautiful lake in the northern edge of Desolation Wilderness. To get there, drive west along Hwy 28 to Tahoe City, then south on Hwy 89 to the small town of Meeks Bay, Just before crossing a bridge, there is a dirt parking lot on the right. The Tahoe-Yosemite trail starts here and heads west up the valley. The first two miles are relatively flat and easy. After that, the trail climbs steadily west and south to beautiful Lake Genevieve (4 miles). Driving time 20-30 minutes.

3) Spooner Lake to Marlette Lake. A moderate hike that leads up a long beatiful valley filled with aspen trees, culminating in a pass that overlooks Marlette Lake. (Shorter walks around Spooner Lake are also possible.) To get there, drive east and south on Hwy 28 towards Spooner Summit (at the junction with US Hwy 50.) About 1/2 mile before the junction there is a left turn in to Spooner Lake State Park. From the parking lot, walk along the forest service road heading north. It crosses a meadow area below the Spooner Lake Dam, and then begins a gentle but steady climb up Snow Valley to a pass (4 miles). From the top of the pass you can descend to the shores of Marlette Lake (1/2 mile). This route is a favorite of x-country skiers in the winter, and mountain bikers in the summer. You might still encounter some mountain bikers. Driving time 15-20 minutes.

Courtesy of:

David E. Smith                   Tel:   650/604-4383
Computational Sciences Division  Fax:   650/604-3594
Nasa Ames Research Center        Email: de2smith@ptolemy.arc.nasa.gov
M/S 269-2, Bldg 269, Rm 243      
Moffett Field, CA 94035-1000