Story & photos by Tim Hauserman ·
The trail along the Truckee River is one of the region’s most scenic. ·
North Tahoe is blessed with an extensive network of bike trails. Whether you are spinning along the Truckee River or riding next to the lakeshore, the trails are easy to ride and a great way to get around. Here’s a quick primer on the trails that travel along the North Shore and follow the Truckee River to Olympic Valley. Keep your eyes peeled for the next rendition, which will focus on the 10-mile trail that winds along the West Shore.
The Tahoe City Transit Center/64 Acres is a popular spot for rafters to launch for the journey down the Truckee River.
North Shore through Tahoe City
Start at the Tahoe City Transit Center/64 Acres area and you can either follow Highway 28 or take the Lakeside Trail to the other edge of town.
The Lakeside Trail tucks behind the Truckee River Dam and then winds its way to Commons Beach. Adjacent to the dam, you can explore the Gatekeeper’s Museum or stop by the Tahoe City Visitors Center. Commons Beach has a sandy beach, lawn area and playground, and is the site of popular Sunday afternoon concerts in the summer. From Commons, the trail follows the lakeshore past overhanging cliffs and a number of restaurants and businesses, to the Tahoe State Park camping area and the start of the main North Shore bike trail.
The Lakeside Trail is quite beautiful, but it can be a busy place, and with a slew of “Walk Bike” signs, it is better suited to walkers then bikers. If you want to make good time, ride through town on Highway 28, keeping a sharp eye on the parked cars, as car doors have a nasty tendency to open at the wrong time.
From the eastern edge of town, the North Shore bike trail follows Highway 28 for 3 miles to the top of Dollar Hill. About a mile east of town, you can take an alternative route at Lake Forest Road, which rolls through the little community of Lake Forest passing several beachside parks and the luscious treats at Sugar Pine Cakery. The last mile is a steady climb to the top of Dollar Hill, where the trail currently ends at the entrance to Dollar Point.
Riding a mountain bike? You can cross the highway here and make your way to the extensive network of dirt trails that are part of the Tahoe Cross Country Ski Area in the winter. Tahoe Cross County has a summer operation, as well, renting bikes and providing food service to thirsty riders.
Enjoy the views along the Truckee River, including the crowds of rafters and kayakers enjoying the day on the water.
Truckee River Canyon
The bike trail from Tahoe City to Olympic Valley along the Truckee River is the crown jewel of the area bike trails. For the first 5 miles you stay just a hop, skip and a jump from the river. There are plenty of spots to pull over and ponder the rushing water, take a dip or watch the spectacle of the rafters floating by. Cross Highway 89 at the entrance to Olympic Valley, and follow the bike trail past the Squaw Valley Park with restrooms and water for several miles to the Village of Squaw Valley and the Squaw Valley ski area at the edge of the mountain. If you need to get from Squaw to Tahoe in the summer, there is no reason not to travel by bike.
While the Truckee riverside trail is a beaut, in the middle of the summer in the middle of the day it also can be a bit of a zoo. Plan accordingly.
Be especially careful riding through the rafting exit area near River Ranch. It is often crowded with people who are carrying large rafts and not looking where they are going. To add to the adventure, some have figured out a way to use liquids to alter their consciousness on the way down stream.
Take the time to enjoy the views along the Truckee River or jump in to cool off.
Bike trail etiquette
Walk on the left side. Ride on the right.
Groups must stay in one lane.
Pay attention. A bike trail is like a road, but for bikes instead of cars.
When a rider says “On your left,” his or she means move to your right, they are passing on your left.
Rafters, look in both directions before crossing the bike path.
When you are no longer moving, get off the trail.
Avoid the crowds. The Truckee River trail is busiest between 10 a.m. an 4 p.m.
Lead, follow or get out of the way.
