Best Family Friendly Hikes in the North Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area

North Lake Tahoe and Truckee are well known for their amazing hiking trails and tall peaks. If you are looking for a great way to get into the woods with your family, I have compiled a list of my favorite family hiking trails, all approved by my 2, 8 and 10 year old grandchildren! 

If your kids are older and more seasoned hikers check out the Best Peaks to hike around the lake. And the best Alpine Lakes to Jump in.

 

Squaw Creek Falls and Shirley Canyon

There are several beautiful falls along Squaw Creek that slide along the huge granite boulders at the base of tram face and up Shirley Canyon. These falls are all accessible from Shirly Lake Trail which starts in the back-parking lot of Squaw Valley behind the Olympic Village Inn Resort. The hike is moderately steep but open and easy for young hikers to manage. Hike up to the top falls and it is a quick 2 miles round trip. Hike to the Lake and it is a 6 mile round trip. Hike all the way to the Tram and it is 5 miles one way and a free Tram ride down. But the last 2 miles of the hike are up hill and exposed as well as being at 8,000ft so keep that in mind with the age and abilities of your kids. For more information click HERE.

Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm

This gorgeous waterfall and hike is located in iconic Emerald Bay. The falls are visible from the parking area at Emerald Bay but a small hike will reward you with views of both the upper and lower falls as well as Vikingsholm and Emerald Bay. It is an easy to moderate hike down a dirt road to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm. Then a quick walk to Lower Eagle Falls with drops in two large cascades of 60 and 90 feet. Then from the picnic area, continue a quarter of a mile up to see the Upper Eagle Falls.

The beach at Emerald Bay is great for a family swim and a tour of the historic Vikingsholm is a must for children who are old enough to appreciate some history!

 

 

Blackwood Canyon

Blackwood Canyon is located on Tahoe’s West shore just south of Sunnyside at Hurricane Bay. The best hiking trail for kids is located at the bridge that crosses Blackwood Creek, about 2 miles up Barker Pass Rd. from Highway 89. This trail is an out and back (3.5 miles round trip) that follows the creek down to the Tahoe Pines neighborhood. It is relatively flat and accessible and there is a ‘secret’ gnome garden where locals have stashed garden gnomes, trolls, and other fun items for you to discover with your kids. 

Take highway 89 south past Sunnyside. Turn right at Barker Pass Rd and follow the road about 2 miles till it forks. Turn left and cross Blackwood creek. Park on the other side of the bridge. Parking is limited along the side of the road. The trail is located on the southeast side of the bridge. Follow the trail east down Blackwood Creek till you reach the Tahoe Pines neighborhood (about 1.75 mi) and then turn back. Look to the south side of the trail as you near the neighborhood and you may spot the gnomes!

 

 

 

Paige Meadows

Located on Tahoe’s West shore, Paige Meadows is a fantastic place to take in spring wildflowers or the fall colors. The Meadow offers several access points and trail options for a short easy stroll for the whole family. You may even spot some deer grazing in the meadows. The Meadows can either be accessed via the Tahoe Park Heights neighborhood in Sunnyside. The trail is a level loop through the Meadow on both dirt and boardwalk trails.

Off highway 89 turn onto Pine Ave. then turn right on Tahoe Park Heights, then right on Big Pine Ave. and then left on Silvertip Ave. Parking is available at the end of Silvertip. Follow the fire road to the meadow. For more information click HERE.

 

Sagehen Creek Trail

This scenic trail is located north of Truckee along Hwy 89 and Stampede Reservoir. The trail follows Sagehen Creek for2.5 miles with beautiful aspens, willows, and pine forest. The fall colors along this trail are spectacular as are the wildflowers in the spring and early summer. The trail ends at Stampede Reservoir in a beautiful open meadow. The loop is an easy 5.3 mile trail with little to no elevation gain and is very accessible for all ages.

Take Hwy 89 North from Truckee and pull off at Sagehen Creek bridge. There is a small dirt parking lot on the right of Hwy 89 and the trail starts next to the bridge and follows the creek to the reservoir. For more information click HERE.

 

 

Summit Lake

Summit Lake is a short 4-mile round trip hike along a relatively flat section of the PCT. The lake is nestled into the tall granite peaks and wooded forests of the Donner pass region. The lake is quiet and sees few visitors and is great for a family day at an alpine lake without a long hike!

The Summit Lake trail is 1.5 miles long. It begins at I-80 Westbound Rest Area, Section 8 and ends at Summit Lake, Section 4. For more information click HERE.