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Spooner to Marlette Lake

View this trail on the brand new LocalHikes.com

Highlights:

Beautiful hike past meadows of wildflowers and Aspen groves.
Near:Incline Village, NV
Scenery:
Distance:9.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1200 ft
Hike Time:4.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Fire road/pavement
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: The trail to Marlette Lake begins in the Spooner Lake parking lot and follows the North Canyon trail, a well maintained dirt road used by hikers and mountain bikers alike. A large meadow of wildfilowers is located at the beginning of the trail, with Aspen groves in ample view as you head further north. The Aspen are particularly beautiful in October when the golden leaves reach full color. The highlight of the hike is beauty of Marlette Lake. A great spot for lunch before heading back.
Trailhead: From Carson City take US50 west for 10 miles over Spooner Summit to the junction of NV28. Turn on to NV28 towards Incline Village. The trail starts at the parking lot of Spooner Lake. There is a $5 Day Use Fee per vehicle. (Lat:39.10715 Lon:-119.91592)
Trail Guides for Spooner to Marlette Lake:
Lingering in Tahoes Wild Gardens
by Julie Stauffer Carville (Mountain Gypsy Press)

Best Seasons: Fall,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses,
Ranger Contact: Spooner Park Ranger is Bill Champion: Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park; 775-831-0494
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Dick Vogt, who has posted  1 other hike on this site
Trail Reviews  Submit your own review
Reviewed by fc on 7/9/2012
catch and release

Reviewed by Emily on 9/13/2010
We ran this trail, and it was great for that - not too steep going up and the trail was mostly dirt. A lot of trails in the area are rocky and can trip you up, this one was not. There were even a few places along the way for our dog to get water, which is rare this late in the season. While the trail was great and Marlette Lake was beautiful, Nevada raised the prices for parking at Spooner Lake to a ridiculous $10 per car. The NV Parks website lists the price as $5, but we had to pay $10 when we arrived. The fee was $8 for vehicles with NV plates. I'm happy to pay reasonable day fees, but will find other places to go because of the price.

Reviewed by Maria on 7/6/2010
A good long workout type of hike. It took us 2 hours to go from Spooner parking lot to Marlett lake. Most of the hike was up hill - we took the fireroad trail. PLEASE be aware that in the summer time - there are mosquitos on the path, in a particular area for about 30 minutes along side of creek after about the first hour. everyone got bitteb. bikers and hikers alike. Need to spray your body beforehand with OFF bug repellant or something similar. Once at the lake, it was beautiful. You can stop there have lunch and hang out or continue to the Flume train - about 1 more hour. Enjoy

Reviewed by IM on 9/27/2007
I am not an avid hiker nor have I really mountain biked but this trail would be suitable for someone who is. I went on a whim with a group and I found this hike moderately difficult. I love the outdoors especially outdoor adventures and the hike was beautiful! This time of year is gorgeous to go on a hike or a bike ride. The payoff at the end--Marlette Lake is a sight to be seen. We took the trail to the lake and took the road on the way back. The trail is designated to hikers only and it is definitely a workout. We took the road back which was easier but this is shared by bikers. If going on this hike, be prepared for the terrain and distance. Take your time, take the scene in and keep a good pace.

Reviewed by CJ on 5/31/2007
I've been hiking mostly in SF Bay Area, so finding a trail in Tahoe is new. I'd like to avoid crowd and bikers because I'm a hiker and don't want to get run over. I've been to this trail twice. The way out to Marlette is moderately difficult because of the steady up-hill. The trees were less dense than I'd expected compared to costal areas, but that's probably due to elevation and rain. I was surprised by the wealth of history along the trail. The view is great! Avoid hiking here in heat or snow. We saw some snow during the Memorial weekend. By the way, the fee is up to $6 now, but the ranger was very helpful.

Reviewed by monte on 5/20/2007
this hike is among my favorite I have ever done. I am primarily a runner and I hike/run this trail regularly in the summer and usually combine it with a run on the flume trail too. there is so much history in the area, like the giant pile of logs close to the fish hatchery site that has been untouched since the 1870's because two stubborn loggers/timber buyers couldn't get together on a price for the pile of logs. I guess the seller never heard "something is better than nothing". I guess the principal was worth more than money to him. When you hike this trail, use the the newer upper, single track trail as it is quieter and no bikes.......

Reviewed by actionreaction on 8/21/2006
A new separate trail keeps hikers away from the mountain bikers. Hiking is *strenuous* - so be prepared with lots of water - but worth it. The lake is gorgeous and so peaceful/quiet. Dogs are allowed off leash and catch & release fishing at the lake from July - September. It's now $6 to get in. http://www.actionreaction.net

Reviewed by Viewer on 4/6/2006
great bike trips


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Washoe County Hiking, Washoe County Trails, Washoe County Hikes


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