Now that we are at the peak of summer, it’s time to get out and enjoy the Sierra sunshine before the snow flies! At Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate, we always enjoy every opportunity to explore our ‘backyard’ with our family and furry friends by our side.
One of our favorite ways to experience the grandeur of one of the greatest places to live on the planet is on a picnic trek along the trails in Truckee/Tahoe. There are few experiences like a picnic with your loved ones that can match a day hiking under the crisp and clear skies strolling through our expansive forests wrapped with gorgeous and glorious sites along the way.
After you have taken in the mountains and streams that guided you on your way, head to one of the local ice cream shops noted below, and always feel free to stop in at Elder Group Tahoe Real Estate for more local’s insight.
Last week there was a fun and informative article in the Sierra Sun that offered some super spots for a summer picnic. Below you will find a few of their choices, as well as ours, for you to explore.
Tahoe Rim Trail – Perfect Picnic Spots
All along the Tahoe Rim Trail there are almost endless spots to stop and savor your summer picnic. Although some are a bit of a drive from Truckee, they are worth the time it takes to get there:
Brockway Summit East Trailhead
With wildflowers at the peak of the season, this is one of the many locations to see the best of Mother Nature. Make plans to walk along the interpretive boardwalk trail which will lead you to a high elevation meadow. Then sit back and enjoy a picnic within this picturesque mountain setting. Dogs are welcome along the trails, on leash.
Prosser Lake View Trail/via Donner Camp
If someone in your party would prefer to read a book while others head out into the High Sierra, this is a perfect place to please them all. The Prosser Lake View Trail starts at the Camp area and wanders about 2.4 miles
Start with a morning stroll along the lake to enjoy the peace and quiet of one of the region’s most popular and protected parks. Throughout the day, there is plenty to do and see. Be sure to save time to see all the exhibits and check out the tour schedule as well. Their hosts provide an exceptionally educational and easy trek throughout the park.
Another icon of the Sierra is the famous Rainbow Bridge at the top of Donner Summit. We found a great blog at CaliforniaThroughMyLens.com that fully captures the views and history that are all a part of this adventure that awaits you and yours.
This adventure ties in the Little Truckee River immediately below Davis Creek –
another nice spot to settle in! With 25 miles of shoreline, we are sure you will find several places to plop down and pop up a picnic. For those who love to fish, Stampede Reservoir is a very popular spot to fish for kokanee salmon, rainbow, brook, brown and lake (mackinaw) trout.
This one is for the avid hikers who choose to find something a little off the beaten path. It’s about a three-hour round-trip trek and is rated as a ‘moderate’ hike that’s also a popular path for trail running and mountain biking as well.
Pack The Perfect Summer Picnic with Locally Sourced F&B
We always do our best to support our local businesses and encourage you to do the same. Below you will find a few of our favorite establishments that have locally sourced goods to complement a perfect summer picnic.
For the finest hand-crafted breads in the West, seek out some of the tastiest sourdough products at one of the many local retailers in Truckee/Tahoe. For a full list of stores that are proud to sell their products, visit TruckeeSourdoughCo.com.
While traveling along Donner Pass Road you can’t miss “Jerky Junction” which is home to the on-site outlet for Tahoe Truckee Jerky. See their selection in the bright red caboose where you will find classic beef jerky and their expanded line of venison, elk, buffalo, Ahi and Salmon jerky. If you can’t stop in, click into their site for a full selection of their fine faire.
Morgan’s Lobster Shack & Seafood
Just ask any local where to go for the freshest seafood in Truckee / Tahoe and you will be directed to Morgan’s on River Street in Truckee. Most of the menu items can be ordered ahead and prepared for your upcoming picnic. The menu changes with the season so check in often.
For the best selection of wines and beverages to add to your picnic pack or basket, head to Lakeview Wines and Spirits. Throughout the store you can find local blends from the foothills of the Sierra to fine wines from around the world. Not sure what goes best with what your picnic plans may be? Just ask. The owners and their staff will be sure to guide you in the right direction.
Make A Difference, Support Your Sierra Trails
After you have experienced the splendid sights of the High Sierra, our family at Elder Group encourages you to learn more about the Truckee Trails Foundation, and donate if you so choose. Their mission is to build, maintain and advocate for a world-class network trails and bike paths “for health, sustainability and prosperity.”
No matter where your adventure may lead you, please do your best to protect our environment by ‘packing it in and packing it out.’
I Scream, You Scream, It’s Time for Ice Cream!
Nothing tastes better than a cold and creamy ice cream cone to celebrate summer! When it’s time to top off your adventures, stop in at one of these two locations in Truckee.
P.S. There homemade Salted Caramel and Spooner Strawberry ice creams are two of our favorites!
Donner Lake Shop
12:00 – 9:00 pm
Trailer at Tahoe Dave’s Downtown Truckee
5:00 – 9:00 PM
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