Herb’s favorite trail run

Paige Meadows is an extremely beautiful series of loops that wind through and around the five meadows that make up the area. Spring and early summer the meadows are graced with abundant wildflowers and lush green grass. Fall is equally spectacular, the grasses have turned gold and the surrounding aspens glow bright red, orange and yellow.

It is an easy hike for families with kids and dogs. Trail runners will especially appreciate these trails. When you are in the meadows the trails are flat, when you are on the sections that loop the perimeter of the meadows you’ll have fun as the trail rolls and winds through the forest.

If you are a mountain biker please stay on the trails and if you can keep to the trails around the meadows, avoiding the meadows the locals will thank you. The meadows are very grassy and wet; unfortunately mountain bikes leave deep ruts in these trails.

There are several places that you can access the trails to the meadows. I usually drive to the top of Talmont, park at a dead end street and catch the trailhead from there. If you head out early keep your eyes peeled for bears in the far meadows. I’ve seen them more than once. They don’t present a big threat but it is important to give them their space and keep your dog from harassing them.

For locals this is a favorite before or after work daily hike or run. It’s quick, easy and a great way to fit in some exercise for the body and some rest and peace for the mind.

Directions to Talmont trailhead:

From the stoplight in Tahoe City take hwy 89 south toward Sunnyside. Just before descending to Sunnyside take a right on to Pine Street, then take the first right and head up the hill. When the lake comes into view on the left take a right and then the first left on to Silver Tip. Drive to the end of the road, park and start out on the dirt road. After a few yards you will come to a clearing, head left down the dirt road, in about a quarter of a mile on your right you will see two short forest service posts at the start of a single track, follow that trail to the first meadow.

Treas’ favorite Tahoe Hike

Moderate 9 mile hike round trip

Car shuttle 5.5 miles one way

This is a must do classic Tahoe hike. Most hikers start at D.L. Bliss and leave a shuttle car at the parking lot above Emerald Bay making it a one way hike. I usually do a roundtrip hike making sure I have afforded enough time for a nice long swim and lunch break at this unique bay.

There are sections of the trail that are on the cliff’s edge high above Lake Tahoe. The view looking straight down at the lake’s clear blue water are spectacular but be sure to look up at the treetops, you might spot an eagle perched atop a gnarled pine. I once spent an hour observing a mama eagle giving flying lessons to her nest of young eaglets. It was a rare treat and one I will never forget.

Once you arrive at the bay check out Vikingsholm, a beautiful home built in 1928-1929, you will marvel at the Scandinavian architecture. Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed spots in California. The blue waters and the island with its picturesque stone tea house make for great keepsake photos of your visit to Lake Tahoe.

As with most state parks there is a fee required to enter the park. The ranger at the entrance station will direct you down the hill to the trailhead parking lot just above Calawee Cove. If you choose to do a car shuttle, leaving a vehicle at the Vikingsholm parking lot above Emerald Bay, be prepared for a steep hike up a paved trail to your car.

HINT: As with any hike on the west shore be sure to stop at the PDQ Market in Tahoma and pick up one of their killer sandwiches. My fav is turkey on a cheese jalapeno roll with pepper jack and sweet and spicy mustard, whatever you pick be prepared to share, these babies are enormous.