Hiking or Biking Tahoe's Flume Trail is Must See

The Flume Trail, originating at either Spooner lake or Incline Village is a stunning trail with transformative views. The trail involves little climbing (1100 if shuttled from Spooner Lake, and around 2000 if ridden from Incline Village, and Marlette lake is included.) But the climbing does occur at 7000' in elevation, so be forewarned, there is less oxygen here than you may be used to. The trail itself is fairly easy for anyone in decent physical condition. There is nothing technical about the trail, as it is both wide and largely flat. The hike a bike sections over old rockfalls are short. For hikers, all you need is strong lungs and no fear of heights.

There are two ways to access the flume trail. The shortest is directly from Incline Village at the rim of Lake Tahoe. From here you merely walk up the three mile dirt Tunnel Chute Road, which starts at the old Ponderosa Ranch (yes the one from the TV show). The hike to the trail is short but steep, climbing 1600'. For those riding mountain bikes, the road is often comprised of a deep powdery dust that can make climbing more difficult than normal, and may result into a prolonged hike-a-bike. If you prefer not to climb the three miles, bike shuttles are available during the summer months, with a start point at Spooner Lake. This route has 1100' of climbing and will take you around the picturesque Marlette Lake. This route is 13.5 miles in length. Marlette lake, from either direction is a pristine high mountain lake, and is well worth seeing in its own right.

Once past the lake, the Flume trail begins in earnest and soon the huge expanse of Lake Tahoe is laid out like a flat shimmering sapphire. It begins by peeking here an there through tall stands of pine, and then as the trail begins to skirt the high ridge, it meets you with impressive impact. The trail itself is white and the pines are a shockingly dark against the blue of the lake and the paleness of the trail.

Approached from either direction, the trail itself is the star of the show. It is only four and a half miles long, but the point here is not to rush. Take your time, pose for photos, enjoy the cool lake breeze, and stunning views.

For those interested in history, there are signs along the trail and Martlette lake explaining the history of the trail. The trail was built at the end of the 19th century not to move people but to move timber over the mountains and to Virginia City home of the famous Comstock Lode. As you ride or hike the trail you can see pieces of the old flume that once carried the logs along the rim of the lake.

The breathtaking scenery of this trail cannot be oversold. If you have ever wanted to hike or ride on a trail that is beyond compare, then the Flume Trail will not disappoint.