Marlette Lake

Located high above Lake Tahoe, Marlette Lake is the picture of alpine lake beauty. Tall pines grow to the edge of the lake’s crystal waters, which reflect the rich, blue hues of the sky.

The lake is an extremely popular mountain-biking and hiking destination. In the 1970s, the dirt road leading to the lake and the path of an old box flume, which runs to Incline Village, was developed into one of the region’s first official mountain bike trails–the famous Lake Tahoe Flume Trail.

Bikers, however, aren’t the only folks welcome to visit Marlette. The main trail leading to the lake is also popular with day hikers.

Recently, we decided to hike the Marlette Lake Trail, which we accessed at Spooner Lake, part of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. After parking in one of the lots at the park (which is about ten miles west of Carson City via U.S. 50 and State Route 28), we easily found the signs leading to the trail.

The trail was fairly level for the first half-mile on North Canyon Road as we walked beside a picturesque meadow and into a forest of firs and pines. Within a short time, we passed a wooden park service cabin (to the left) and began climbing into the aspens.

Along the way, we crossed several small creeks, which made the road muddy in places as well as lots of beautiful wildflowers. The hike was moderately steep, mostly pleasant and largely shaded as we continued to climb higher (the 4.6 mile-long trail took us from 6,950 feet to 8,157 feet).

At the halfway point, we reached a fork in the road. To the right, we could hike about a mile (almost straight up the side of the mountain) to Snow Valley Peak, part of the Lake Tahoe Rim Trail. To the left was the path to Marlette Lake.

Since our destination was Marlette, we stuck to the main trail. Soon, we were walking parallel to a large meadow, which led to the bottom of a fairly steep incline that served as the final obstacle to reaching Marlette.

Mountain bikers know this final hill because of its steepness–and we saw many walking their bikes to the top. While it was only about a quarter of a mile or so long, the hill seemed much longer when we were climbing it.

At the top, we were rewarded with our first glimpses of marvelous Marlette Lake, which is another half-mile downhill. The walk to the lake through the trees was remarkably quick.

At lake level, we found plenty of spots for picnicking as well as places to just sit and enjoy the magnificent scenery.

While we weren’t going to be riding the Flume Trail, which begins at Marlette Lake, we saw a handful of bikers head to the trailhead at the southern end of the lake. They crossed a small bridge and began the descent on the narrow trail leading down to Incline Village.

It looked like fun.—-Richard Moreno

Heading up Jumbo Grade

Checking out rocks in Jumbo Creek

Marvelous views abound on Jumbo Grade

The last remnants of the Jumbo mines

The mining camp of Jumbo never quite lived up to its name. Optimistic prospectors hoped it would produce enormous wealth but it proved to be a pretty small producer of gold and silver ore.

In fact, these days, the real riches found on the road to the former camp are in the marvelous views of the surrounding region. The site of Jumbo is located two miles east of State Route 428 (East Lake Blvd.), above New Washoe City, via a rugged dirt road marked Jumbo Grade.

Jumbo was founded on the Ophir Grade between Washoe Valley and Virginia City in about 1907. For a few years, a small community of miners managed to eke out a living working the area’s mines. By 1921, however, any valuable ore had run out and Jumbo disappeared like so many other Nevada mining camps.

While Jumbo has an admittedly brief life, the drive or hike to the former mining community is worthwhile because of the views. Jumbo Grade Road, also known as Ophir Grade, rises above Washoe Valley and climbs deep into the Virginia Range before dropping into Virginia City.

During our recent hike along the grade, we found that the first half-mile is paved, as the road passes several newer houses. We came upon a dirt parking area that serves as the trailhead for hikers, bikers, ATVers and others heading up the grade.

After ditching our car, we began the trek uphill on a dirt road that parallels Jumbo Creek. About a mile and a half from the start of the road, the dirt track crisscrosses the creek, which is lined with thick vegetation.

At about the two-mile point, the road becomes rockier and, at one spot, we were forced to cross the creek, which has carved a fairly deep channel.

We continued on the trail, stopping to pick up interesting rocks and to admire the creek, which has a fair amount of water this year. About another half-mile or so we spotted mining tailing piles on the surrounding hillsides.

A bit farther, you can spot the large foundations of a mill site. Two large chalky-gray hunks of concrete and scattered pieces of metal and wood are just about all that remain of the Jumbo mines.

From here, the views, looking west to Washoe Valley, are spectacular. Slide Mountain stands high, directly across the valley, and you can catch glimpses of the sun dancing on the surface of Washoe Lake.

The road winds around the summit and at the six and a half-mile point, you can see the community of Gold Hill below, with the taller buildings of Virginia City peeking over the mountains to the north.

From there, the road skirts a large open pit mine that has long been abandoned before gradually descending to meet Nevada Route 341 at the Virginia City-Gold Hill boundary.

While the total mileage has been only eight miles, it seems a world away.—Richard Moreno

Pioneer Monument at Donner Memorial State Park

Nature Trail

Murphy Cabin site

During a recent drive through the Sierra Nevada range on Interstate 80, I found myself thinking about the Donner Party tragedy, which occurred a century and a half ago.

Most folks know the basic facts: in April 1846, George and Jacob Donner, along with family and friends, set out from Illinois for California. Eventually 20 wagons and 89 people became part of the group.

The party set out in early November to cross the Sierra Nevada but became snowbound near the lake now named for them, which is just west of Truckee. Several efforts to cross the mountains failed and the party was trapped for months with little food.

When the first rescuers finally reached the Donner Party in late February, they found half-starved survivors and the remains of several people who had died from starvation. They also found evidence of cannibalism.

The last survivor wasn’t removed from the camp until April of 1847, almost exactly one year after the party had set out with such promise and optimism. Only 47 of the original 89 members survived the ordeal.

With that in mind, I decided to stop at the Donner Memorial State Park near Truckee. The park encompasses several former sites of structures used by members of the Donner Party, including the Breen and Murphy cabins.

The first thing you see at the park is the towering Pioneer Monument, located on the former site of the Breen cabin. The massive bronze sculpture was built between 1901 and 1918 to honor those who made the arduous journey on the California Trail.

The monument also provides some idea of the enormous difficulty faced by the Donner group. The base of the monument is 22-feet high, which represents the depth of the snow during the winter of 1846-47.

Adjacent to the monument is the Emigrant Trail Museum, which serves as a visitor center for the park. There, you can view a 26-minute video about the Donner Party and view displays about the history of the region.

A developed Nature Trail begins south of the museum and leads into the surrounding forest. In addition to winding through flora and fauna, the trail leads to the former site of the Murphy cabin.

The cabin was built against a large boulder, which formed the western side of the building.
It was a crude structure, about 25-feet long and 18-feet wide, with a dirt floor. Sixteen members of the Donner Party lived in the cabin for several months.

Just east of the trail is scenic Donner Creek, which is swollen from recent rains.

The park, operated by the California Department of Parks & Recreation, is open year-round and offers a variety of activities including cross country ski and snowshoe trails, both particularly popular at this time of year.

The park and museum are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the museum there is a $3 admission charge for adults, $1 for children. Cross country skiers and snow-shoers can obtain a day use park permit for $6. For more information, call 530-582-7892.—-Richard Moreno

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which operated between 1869 and 1950, played an integral part in Nevada’s mining history.

While the best place to view Virginia & Truckee railroad equipment is at the State Railroad Museum in Carson City, it is possible to find other remnants of the historic rail line, which stretched between Reno and Virginia City.

For instance, at the north end of Washoe Valley it is still possible to uncover the remains of two train trestles, located about 12 miles south of Reno via U.S. 395.

Unlike present-day U.S. 395, which passes over a hill at the north end of Washoe Valley, the Virginia & Truckee route traveled through a narrow canyon that bridged Washoe Valley and Pleasant Valley, the next valley to the north.

The entrance to the canyon is near the community of Washoe City, of which not much remains.

About a quarter mile from U.S. 395, we headed into the canyon and found the first trestle. The thick vertical wooden beams still spanned a small seasonal creek and rested upon a sandstone and slate foundation. No rails or ties remained on the trestle, but we could see that the railroad bed continued north into the canyon.

The canyon itself was intriguing. The walls were pocked and rough like bad facial skin. Walking through the narrow passage, the only sound we heard was the wind, which at times seemed to mimic a train whistle.

Another 500 yards or so was a second trestle. This bridge was more complete than the other, boasting a handful of vertical beams and horizontal ties. Along the banks of the creek that snakes down the middle of the canyon we could still make out the intricate stonework of the foundations. The bed continued through the canyon but quickly became impassable. From here, however, we could see the remnants of several other bridges located deeper into the canyon.

Scattered about the canyon were a handful of loose rail ties. After the railroad ceased operating, most of the rails were removed and sold. In many places, the rail bed was difficult to follow because of the thick growth of sagebrush, weeds, and grass.

The original V & T began carrying freight, gold and silver ore and passengers in 1869. The railroad was built to service the fabulously rich Comstock mines, taking ore to distant refineries and mills.

The V & T’s route eventually stretched from Virginia City, through the winding Carson River corridor, to Carson City and north to Reno. Later, a spur line was added to Minden and Gardnerville.

By the 1870s and 1880s, the V & T became informally known as the richest railroad in the world because of the enormous mineral wealth it carried out of Virginia City.

By 1938, however, Virginia City had long ceased to produce a sufficient quantity or quality of ore and the V & T line was discontinued from Virginia City to Carson City. The tracks were removed the following year.

In 1950, the V & T made a last run from Carson City to Reno and the remaining tracks were removed.

Still, despite the neglect and ravages of time, there is something special about seeing the trestles and reliving, if only in your mind, the glory days of the railroad that was once the richest in the world.—Richard Moreno

The Virginia & Truckee Railroad, which operated between 1869 and 1950, played an integral part in Nevada’s mining history.While the best place to view Virginia & Truckee railroad equipment is at the State Railroad Museum in Carson City, it is possible to find other remnants of the historic rail line, which stretched between Reno and Virginia City.For instance, at the north end of Washoe Valley it is still possible to uncover the remains of two train trestles, located about 12 miles south of Reno via U.S. 395.Unlike present-day U.S. 395, which passes over a hill at the north end of Washoe Valley, the Virginia & Truckee route traveled through a narrow canyon that bridged Washoe Valley and Pleasant Valley, the next valley to the north.The entrance to the canyon is near the community of Washoe City, of which not much remains.About a quarter mile from U.S. 395, we headed into the canyon and found the first trestle. The thick vertical wooden beams still spanned a small seasonal creek and rested upon a sandstone and slate foundation. No rails or ties remained on the trestle, but we could see that the railroad bed continued north into the canyon.The canyon itself was intriguing. The walls were pocked and rough like bad facial skin. Walking through the narrow passage, the only sound we heard was the wind, which at times seemed to mimic a train whistle.Another 500 yards or so was a second trestle. This bridge was more complete than the other, boasting a handful of vertical beams and horizontal ties. Along the banks of the creek that snakes down the middle of the canyon we could still make out the intricate stonework of the foundations. The bed continued through the canyon but quickly became impassable. From here, however, we could see the remnants of several other bridges located deeper into the canyon.Scattered about the canyon were a handful of loose rail ties. After the railroad ceased operating, most of the rails were removed and sold. In many places, the rail bed was difficult to follow because of the thick growth of sagebrush, weeds, and grass.The original V & T began carrying freight, gold and silver ore and passengers in 1869. The railroad was built to service the fabulously rich Comstock mines, taking ore to distant refineries and mills.The V & T’s route eventually stretched from Virginia City, through the winding Carson River corridor, to Carson City and north to Reno. Later, a spur line was added to Minden and Gardnerville.By the 1870s and 1880s, the V & T became informally known as the richest railroad in the world because of the enormous mineral wealth it carried out of Virginia City.By 1938, however, Virginia City had long ceased to produce a sufficient quantity or quality of ore and the V & T line was discontinued from Virginia City to Carson City. The tracks were removed the following year.In 1950, the V & T made a last run from Carson City to Reno and the remaining tracks were removed.Still, despite the neglect and ravages of time, there is something special about seeing the trestles and reliving, if only in your mind, the glory days of the railroad that was once the richest in the world.—Richard Moreno

The grave at Deadman’s Creek Trail.

Hiking Washoe Lake’s Deadman’s Creek Trail.

Marvelous views can be found along the trail.

At the top, a gazebo looks out over Washoe Lake.

There is a grave at Deadman’s Creek Trail near Washoe Lake, located about 15 miles south of Reno. I’m not sure if anyone is buried there–or who it is–but there is a small wooden cross, flowers, and cards marking the site.

But the grave isn’t why anyone would want to visit Deadman’s Creek Trail, part of Washoe Lake State Park. The reason to seek out this easily overlooked trail is because it passes through a peaceful, little oasis of vegetation that borders a spring-fed creek before leading to a gazebo that offers some of the best views of the area.

Located directly east of the main entrance to Washoe Lake State Park, which is 10 miles north of Carson City, the trail doesn’t seem part of the state park because it’s on the other side of East Lake Boulevard from the rest of the park.

The trailhead, which is marked with a wooden sign, can be found adjacent to a small, paved parking lot. After passing the mysterious gravesite, the trail winds through the bitterbrush and sagebrush for a few feet before crossing a small wooden bridge.

From there, it meanders uphill alongside a ribbon of thick vegetation that includes cattails, various grasses and shrubs. If you look closely, you can see evidence of a fire that damaged much of this riparian area in 1999.

Fortunately, nature has a way of rebounding so much of the native foliage has returned. While not particularly large, this refuge is home to a number of migrating birds and nesting species, according to the Lahontan Audubon Society.

Birds that have been sited in the area include long-eared and great horned owls, Cooper’s Hawks, Black-billed Magpies, Lazuli Buntings, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, wrens and sparrows. During our recent visit, we weren’t knowledgeable enough to know the names of the birds but heard and saw plenty hopping through the brush.

The sounds, however, are perhaps the most pleasurable aspects of the hike. The calm gurgling of the spring-fed creek, the faint chirping of the birds, the buzzing of bees and wasps and the rustling of unseen things bring the nature area to life.

The trail parallels the creek and vegetation for about a quarter mile before beginning a steep climb above the growth. As you continue onward, it’s best to periodically look back, toward the lake, to enjoy the marvelous views.

The path, which is never particularly well marked, zigzags up the hill. In several places, wooden steps have been built into the hillside to assist you during the climb and to show you where the trail is in case you’ve wandered off of it.

If you look to the east, you can see the rising hills of the Virginia Range. Brown and somewhat barren, particularly at this time of year, the range is crisscrossed by several dirt roads and trails–popular with off road vehicle riders.

To the west is Washoe Lake, a remnant of a prehistoric inland sea that once covered much of Nevada. In the distance, you can see the majestic Sierra Nevada range including Slide Mountain.

The trail continues to climb before reaching the crest of a hill. It ends at a picturesque wooden gazebo that overlooks the lake and Washoe Valley. This is a great spot to stand for a moment, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy the views. Then, it’s back on the trail for the return walk to the car.

Since the entire hike is only about a mile roundtrip, the Deadman’s Creek Trail is a fine, short, easy day hike that can be done in less than an hour.

For more information contact Washoe Lake State Park, 4855 East Lake Blvd., Carson City, NV 89704, 775-687-4319, parks.nv.gov–Richard Moreno

This past Friday was Nevada Day, a day when we celebrate our statehood. What better way to honor our state than to appreciate its natural beauty?! I (with 6 month old fetus in tow in my belly) went with a friend, who had her 16 month old daughter in a backpack. We tried out the Galena Creek Trail (to access, take Mt. Rose Highway to Callahan, turn South, and follow Callahan until it dead ends).

This trail had a nice, gradual slope, was was perfect for both of us, considering the “loads” we were bearing. The Fall leaves were amazing, and the weather was perfect — not too hot, and not too cold.

This really is one of the best times to hike in the Reno-Tahoe area. Come see for yourself!

(Modjeska Falls)

(Assembly Hall at Glen Alpine Springs)

In Nevada, where water is such a precious commodity, it is always a special treat to stumble on a waterfall–even if it’s just over the border in California.

Two of the more accessible and scenic waterfalls in this region are Big Falls, also known as Lower Glen Alpine Falls, and Modjeska Falls, which is also called Upper Glen Alpine Falls.

Both of these falls are part of the Glen Alpine Creek system, a snow melt and spring-fed stream that flows into Fallen Leaf Lake and eventually into Lake Tahoe via Taylor Creek.

Fallen Leaf Lake is a picturesque body of water that rivals Lake Tahoe in beauty. In fact, if not for a fluke of nature, namely a small stretch of land that separates Fallen Leaf from Tahoe, the area could easily have been another Emerald Bay.

Fallen Leaf Lake is located five miles west of Highway 89, immediately north of Camp Richardson on Lake Tahoe’s southwest shore. A marked and paved road is located directly across the highway from the entrance to the U.S. Forest Service Visitors Center and Tallac Historic Site.

The U.S. Forest also operates a developed camping area at the northeast end of Fallen Leaf Lake. The entrance to the 206-unit campground, which is open from May to October, is located about a quarter of a mile north of Fallen Leaf Lake Road, off Highway 89.

The drive from the highway to the lake is pleasant, passing through large pine trees. About three miles from the turn-off, you travel by a lovely aspen grove and open meadow, both of which are spectacular in the fall, when the aspen leaves have turned gold.

The road narrows as it reaches the east end of the lake and, after passing into a residential area, you catch your first glimpse of the lake. As you drive, you can see incredible scenery, including Cathedral Peak at the southern shoulder of Mount Tallac, which rises over the lake, its 9,785-foot crown reflected in the lake’s crystal waters.

I think it is the mirror effect of Fallen Leaf Lake that makes the view so remarkable. Rather than enclosing the lake, the reflection of the surrounding mountains seems to enlarge the scene.

While much of the lake is private property, you can continue to drive to the lake’s west end where, in the summer months, Fallen Leaf Lodge offers accommodations and a marina. In the winter, the lodge is closed but you can park and enjoy the marvelous views.

About a half mile from the end of the road, which comes to a dead end, you can turn west on another narrow, paved road, lined by large log railings.

This road leads to Lily Lake, a trailhead for hiking into the Desolation Wilderness and to the pair of waterfalls. Frankly, even if Fallen Leaf Lake didn’t exist, the waterfalls would be worth a visit. The joyous, rolling waves of falling water are an impressive and unexpected sight.

The first waterfall you reach, before arriving at Lily Lake, is aptly named Big Falls, a 75-foot spill that cascades over rock slabs that resemble steps.

While the falls aren’t nearly as large as 500-foot Horsetail Falls, located at the south end of the Desolation Wilderness and visible from Highway 50 near Twin Bridges, they are, nonetheless, impressive and beautiful.

You can park off the road here and hike down to the base of the waterfall. From the top, the view of the rapidly cascading water as it falls down the lush canyon is noteworthy. Across the creek, you can also see private homes owned by people fortunate enough to be able to look out on the waterfall any time they want.

The road continues west, paralleling Glen Alpine Creek, for another mile or so to Lily Lake. Opposite the creek, parallel to the road, is a jumbled mountainside of loose boulders and stones, wonderful for casual rock hopping.

A concrete bridge marks the end of the driving portion of the road. On the north side of the bridge, you can park and hike a short distance to Lily Lake, a small but photogenic lake literally cupped in the mountains.

The main Glen Alpine Trail leads northwest from here into the Desolation Wilderness and onto Glen Alpine Springs, an historic mineral spring resort, located about a mile west.

An easy half-mile walk from Big Falls is Modjeska Falls, a smaller but equally scenic spillway. Here, you’ll find picturesque craggy cliffs surrounding a robust 30-foot waterfall. A trail leads to the base of the falls.

Modjeska Falls is named after Madame Helena Modjeska, a famous Polish actress of the late 19th century who performed at Glen Alpine Springs in 1885. Those who attended the show were so taken with her performance that they named the nearby falls in her honor.

Continuing past Modjeska Falls, it’s only another half-mile or so to Glen Alpine Springs. Nathan Gilmore discovered the namesake mineral springs, originally called Soda Springs, here in 1863.
In 1884, Gilmore developed a renowned resort, which included a 16-room hotel, around the restorative powers of the springs. He also began bottling and selling the spring’s water.

A fire destroyed most of the original buildings in 1921 but the resort was rebuilt two years later using designs by famed architect Bernard Maybeck, who also designed San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts.

Maybeck and his family summered at Glen Alpine Springs, so he was willing to help rebuild the resort following the fire. Between 1921 and 1929, he prepared plans for some ten buildings; four of which were actually built and remain in use today.

The Maybeck buildings include the Assembly Hall, the Kitchen building, a Dining Hall and the Bubblestone Cabin, an experimental concrete building that is considered one-of-a-kind. The buildings are noteworthy because of their extensive use of native materials, particularly local stone.

Glen Alpine Springs Resort closed in the 1960s and was acquired by the U.S. Forest Service in the 1970s. Today, a non-profit organization manages the property and helps to preserve the buildings.

For more information about Glen Alpine Springs, contact the Historical Preservation of Glen Alpine Springs, Inc., P.O. Box 694, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, 707-996-6354, gasprings.org–Richard Moreno

Despite boasting a picturesque creek, beautiful trees and some spectacular views, Galena Creek Park is often overlooked by both locals and visitors to the Reno-Tahoe area.

Encompassing 440 acres, the park, which is operated by Washoe County, is a great spot to spend a day enjoying nature at its finest–without having to drive very far from Reno.

Galena Creek Park is located off the Mount Rose Highway (State Route 431), about six miles west of U.S. 395.

Washoe County acquired the land for the park in 1931. Named for a mining town that once existed a few miles to the east, the area was originally part of the Galena mining district.

The word, “galena,” derives from the type of lead sulfide rock that was found with the gold mined in the district.

Later, the town of Galena (off what today is Callahan Ranch Road) became an important lumber center, boasting 11 sawmills by 1863, as well as stores, hotels, a court, school, homes and, of course, saloons.

Disastrous fires in 1865 and 1867 destroyed the town, which was abandoned after the second conflagration.

Ironically, floods have had more to do with shaping the face of the Galena area. Over the years, snow melts in late winter and early spring or flash floods in late summer produced “wet mantle” flood, (sometimes as high as 10-feet) which are sheets of water pouring down the mountainside.

The result of such floods can be seen in the mounds of rocks and boulders found scattered around the park.

With its groves of White Fir and Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines, the park is a wooded sanctuary that rises from a high desert, sagebrush vegetation zone to the more heavily wooded alpine environment.

At the lower elevations, there are shrubs like Bitterbrush, Manzanita and clumps of twisted Mountain Mahogany. Animal life includes a wide variety of birds, such as jays and hawks, as well as an occasional black bear and mountain lion (although both are rarely seen).

The park also encompasses several beautiful creeks, including its namesake, Galena Creek. The easiest and most accessible hike is the Bitterbrush Trail, which stretches from the north picnic area (the first turn-off into the park when driving west from Reno or Carson City) to the south picnic area.

The trail wanders about a quarter of a mile through the pines before reaching the sturdy wooden bridge that spans Galena Creek. This is a particularly beautiful place to observe the rapidly rushing water tumbling over the smooth rocks.

North of the Galena Creek Bridge is a Nature Trail that winds up the hillside to a variety of local flora and fauna. An informational brochure available at the park describes the rich natural history of the area and points out native plants, including tobacco brush, willows, manzanita and mistletoe.

Visitors often wonder about the huge concrete blocks supported rusted metal boxes that can be seen along the trail. These are actually old camping stoves placed there in the 1940s when the girl scouts had a camp there. The campers would put charcoal into the box and heat pots and pans on top.

More challenging hiking can be found on the Jones Creek-White’s Creek Loop Trail (9.2 miles roundtrip) and the Black’s Canyon Trail. Both are considerably more challenging than the lower trails but offer some of the best views found in the park.

The Jones Creek-White Creek Trail, which can take six to eight hours to complete, winds all the way up the side of the mountain and ends at Church’s Pond.

The Galena Creek Park, is open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with more limited hours during the rest of the year. There is no use fee at the park.

Additionally, the park has 68 individual picnic sites, available on a first-come, first-serve basis, as well as two group picnic areas, which can be reserved in advance. No woodcutting or private campfires are permitted.

A couple of years ago, the county restored an historic stone building at the park’s south entrance. Known as the Galena Creek Park Stone House, it contains a visitor center filled with historic photos and displays describing the history of the area as well as the geology, plant and animal life. It is open from 12 noon to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information call 775-849-2511 or go to www.washoecountyparks.com

-Richard Moreno

On Sunday, the hubby and I decided that we wanted to hike to a lake. In the Sierras, the only problem with that plan is choosing what hiking trail and which lake you want to go to.

We settled on a hike to Marlette Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the Sierras. (Side note: during a complete brain lapse, the hubby asked, “what is the largest alpine lake in the Sierras?” Well, duh, that would be LAKE TAHOE!)

Anyway, we packed up all three of our dogs and drove to the trail head at Spooner Lake off of Highway 50. We parked at Spooner, and then began the 5 mile hike to Marlette Lake.

The trail was really wide and sandy, making for a nice hiking surface. It was easy rolling hills for about 4 miles, but let me tell you, that fifth mile was a pretty challenging hill! By the time we made it to the lake, it was around 5:00 pm, and I was hot and ready for a dip in Marlette Lake.

I hadn’t seen anyone on the trail for quite a while, and since the only way to reach Marlette Lake is via hiking or mountain biking, there was no one there.

Or so I thought.

I had brought my swim suit, but in a truly Adventurous moment, I decided that I was going to be one with nature and go au natural.

As I was standing on the shore of the lake, baring my lily white body to the wilderness, the hubby asks, “What are you doing?!”

“I’m skinny dipping!” I proudly proclaimed.

“Didn’t you see those people over there?” he asked. He has a history of yanking my leg, so I didn’t believe him until I looked over my shoulder and saw a man and his son rounding the corner.

Let me tell you, I have NEVER gotten in a lake as fast as I did that day, since the water was the quickest way for me to regain my modesty.

We swam around for a while with our labs, and luckily, there were no other people around when it was time for me to get out and change back into my hiking apparal.

It was a ten mile hike round trip, and the entire outing took about four hours. I highly recommend the hike to Marlette Lake. Just take it from me — skinny dipping is not advised!

Pictures from our outing (and no, there aren’t any of me skinny dipping!) are below.

Me and the dogs at the start of our hike:

This is Marlette Lake:

This is me after the skinny dipping fiasco:

This is the hubby playing with our dog, Tucker in the lake:

And this is the sunset we saw on the drive home: