Galena Falls Loop Hike

I am always excited to find some hiking that is not as busy as other Tahoe classics. Often these trails are in the same areas as their more famous counterparts, and offer a similar, but different experience to hikers.

Mount Rose does offer some fantastic views, being one of the highest peaks in Tahoe. Access to the Mount Rose trailhead is convenient to both Reno and Tahoe, at the summit of Highway 431 between Incline Village and Reno. The bad news is that the hike to the summit ends in a steep climb to 10,780 feet. The last few miles of the hike look like a moonscape, with very limited flora and fauna. The weather can also be unforgiving, with frequent wind and thunderstorms. We have encountered snow storms every month of the year at the summit of Mount Rose.

The Galena Falls loop offers a good alternative, with nice variations in flora and quite a bit of fauna too. The weather is also a bit more tame that the summit of Rose. The trailhead is the same as the summit hike, leaving from just behind the restrooms at the 431 summit parking lot. The trail rises gently above Tahoe Meadows and offers a wide assortment of wildflowers.

After the initial climb, the trail meanders up and down over the next 2 miles to Galena Falls. There is a lot of cool decomposed granite features along the way. It’s also easy to find evidence of numerous winter avalanches in the area. Galena Falls is not huge; it’s more of a cascade that is roughly 70 feet at most. This year, the flow is a bit meager, due to the dry nature of last winter. There’s still plenty of water for a cool shower and water play.

The ability to create a loop is a recent thing. The Tahoe Rim Trail now passes by Galena Falls. Although it is possible to scramble directly to the top of the falls, you create a real danger for the many kids and families at the base of the falls. The TRT zig-zags to the top of the falls to the left. It’s the steepest section of the hike. Save your lunch for the top of the falls. there’s a natural little bench near the top. This is one of my absolute favorite lunch spots in the Sierra.

From the top of the falls, there’s a bit of a climb into Relay Meadows, and then the trail once again is a gently rolling easy hike. It looks daunting as you curve around and view Relay Peak and the southern ridge. Suddenly, you’ll go around the corner and find a very low saddle to exit the basin. At this saddle you will find the dirt road that allows  vehicle access to the telecommunications equipment at Relay Peak. Keep left to begin the descent back toward Tahoe Meadows.

Frog Pond will be on your right. It’s a delightful place to let your dog swim or let kids discover tadpoles. If you spend anytime in the meadow, you will see many different forms of butterflies and dragon flies. I have taken a couple of kids groups here this summer. They love Frog Pond and so does Rossi, our golden retriever.

Some people have written off this hike because the next section is technically a vehicle maintenance road, not a trail. That said, it’s one of the lead crowded trails in Tahoe. I have hiked this section several days without seeing another person. As you proceed south, there are some stunning views of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Meadows and Carson Valley.

About two miles down the road, you’ll find a spur trail to the left. Follow this trail for 6/10 of a mile to return to the 431 Summit Trailhead. I have heard varying reports on the length of this loop. Some say it is as short as 6 miles, I find I have normally done closer to 7.5 miles with side excursions and diversions.

We’re gearing up for a trip to Mount Hood next weekend – we’ll have another report on skiing soon. Flying over the Sierra crest yesterday revealed a very brown scene in the Sierra this summer….