Crystal clear days that begin cool, and soon warm up, make for perfect fall days that are surrounding us in Tahoe. Aspens, Cottonwoods, and imported Maple Trees are sporting brilliant colors. The cool mornings bring thoughts of winter, although the forecast according to my weather guru is not promising for the immediate future.
Let’s take advantage of the beautiful fall weather and get on the lake for late morning paddle boarding and kayaking. It is perfect weather for hiking or hitting a golf ball and off course biking.
A couple of weeks ago we took a hike to a view point, overlooking Frog Lake, which is now in the hands of the Truckee Donner Land Trust. This lake was a private estate for many years and is now being opened to the public. The Land Trust is constructing small huts that will be used as overnight lodging for backcountry skiers.
I believe they will be installed this month and perhaps available this winter by reservation. The hike to Frog Lake overlook is not easy, as it is a pretty good uphill walk. We parked at the Donner Summit Rest Area located just before the exist to Boreal. The rest area was closed do to Covid. Although I have parked at this spot many times to hike in the area, if may not be legal to park for too long. Thus, parking can be found at the Pacific Crest Trail parking area on the south side of the Freeway or just off the Boreal exist.
The trail that you follow to gain access to the ridge that is to the east of Castle Peak which allows you to look down onto Frog Lake is actually known as the Warren Lake Trail. We followed the trail from the east side of the rest stop parking area which runs into a couple of intersections along the way. Look for a trail sign that indicates the Warren Lake Trail that will head north. You are on the Pacific Crest Trail for awhile and the Donner Rim Trail (which turns west toward the Hole In the Ground Trail) one direction and Summit Lake the other direction.
You can look up the Frog Lake Overlook Trail at https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/frog-lake-overlook-trail. The trail is approximately 7 miles round trip with about a 1,400 foot elevation gain. You can continue on to Warren Lake which is about another 3.5 miles further. Warren Lake would be about 14 miles round trip. This hike is considered strenuous, but worth the effort.
Real Estate in the area continues to be very active with inventory remaining low. If you happen to be seeking a home in the Bear Creek Subdivision then you may want to consider this listing. It is near the pond with 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms and garage. The house is in very good, move-in condition. Asking $1,200,000. Here’s the link.
Attached are a few photos taken from the Frog Lake Lookout, as well as recent photo along the Sagehen Trail and one taken while paddle boarding along the east shore from Sand Harbor.
Enjoy Your Day
Andy
