Spring Hike at Prosser

Spring Hike at Prosser

After a snowy white winter and a rainy wet April, Tahoe is glowing green again.  This is quite refreshing after a few dry years.  I am having a great time getting out, breathing in the fresh clean air and seeing the beginnings of what we have in store for us this summer.  The leaves on the trees are starting to grow thick, the flowers are starting to open up, the rivers are raging with water and there are many blue bird days to be enjoyed.  

My most recent adventure was a walk out at the Donner Camp Picnic Ground.  Located just a couple miles from Truckee on HWY 89N, this is great for the whole family.  There is plenty of parking, picnic tables tucked away under the trees, bathrooms and a 1/3 mile interpretive trail.  The trail is mostly gravel and wide enough for a stroller.   Follow the path as it winds through the meadow and over the marsh on a long wooden boardwalk.  Along the way you can stop at the trailside signs to learn about the Donner Party members that spent the winter of 1846-47 trapped at this location.  This is the site of a tragedy, but also a major part of history in Truckee. 

 
When you get to about half way on the trail, just before it starts to wrap around to head back to the start, look for a small trail by the placard rock and old dead tree base.  Take this trail out to the meadow.  The trail will fade away but just look up and take all the views in, they are incredible.  If you are feeling adventurous, keep walking through the meadow to find rivers splitting in every direction, ospreys soaring in the wind, chickadees building their nests and Prosser Lake.  

For a longer option, the Emigrant Trail runs right through the parking lot.  Take it in either direction.  Head North for about 10 miles to get to Stampede Reservoir or South for about 2 miles where you will hit Prosser Reservoir.  

The trails are endless and the beauty right now is breathtaking.  Get out and explore this little known stop in Truckee.  

Katie Tyler

Realtor®

BRE 01442453

c 530 277 1012