Hike of the week: Birding in the Meadows
Birding in the Meadows
Description: The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science (TINS), the Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) and the Lahontan Audubon Society (LAS) are sponsoring this easy hike (1-2 miles) through verdant meadows. Enjoy a profusion of birds and wildflowers as the group searches for species such as Mountain Bluebird, Red-Breasted Sapsucker, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Dusky Flycatcher, and Pine Grosbeak in Tahoe’s flower-covered alpine meadows. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellant and plan to finish before lunchtime. Free, but reservations are required. This is a popular trip so please register early as space is limited.
Please register for all TRTA guided public guided hikes by visiting this link.
Page Meadows: Join us for a hike that begins at Page Meadows at 7:30am on Sunday, July 3rd or try this hike on your own! If you would like to join the TRTA, please register here.
Page Meadows is located on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe just outside of Tahoe City. The TRT runs through the heart of Page Meadows, and is lovely in all season. Currently, Page Meadows is pretty soggy from all of the snow-melt, but all of that moisture will mean beautiful wildflowers later in the summer. Page Meadows is a quiet place to enjoy birds, the rustling of aspens in the wind and view late summer wildflowers. You can access Page Meadows from the Tahoe City South Trailhead or there are a couple of other access points. If you register for this hike with the TRTA, we will provide you with driving directions to the meeting spot for this hike.
Page Meadows provides a network of trails that wind through the trees and a network of five different meadows. It is easy to get lost, so be sure to take a map. Page Meadows is a popular place to hike, mountain bike and cross country ski in the winter. Page Meadows is a delicate ecosystem, and you will notice all of the efforts that have been made by trail builders to keep people on the trail and off the meadows. Please stay on the trail when traveling through Page Meadows.
Distance / Expected Duration: 1 – 2 miles (but you can go longer and further, especially if you start at the Tahoe City South Trailhead)
Difficulty Level: Easy Moderate Difficult Strenuous Herculean
Starting Elevation: Flat in Page Meadows, but a steep uphill climb from Tahoe City
Fitness Level and/or Special Skills Necessary: Page Meadows is a great place for a family hike, and is perfect for people of ages and abilities.
Water on the Trail: We recommend carrying your own water through Page Meadows.
Trailhead/s: Tahoe City South can be accessed from Hwy 89 in Tahoe City
Directions Page Meadows:
From Incline Village / East Shore of Lake Tahoe / Carson City/ Tahoe City:
- From HWY 28 turn onto HWY 89 South in Tahoe City.
- Around 2 miles from the HWY junction turn right onto Pine Ave.
- Turn right on Tahoe Parks Heights, drive .07 miles to the top of a hill.
- You will arrive at a four-way intersection. Take the middle road, Big Pine.
- Proceed 0.25 miles to a left hand turn onto Silvertip Drive.
- Continue until the end of the road where you park. Follow a dirt road down and it leads you to the trail
Directions to the Tahoe City South Trailhead:
Parking is in the 64 Acre Parking facility in Tahoe City. There are no facilities; however the lot is two minutes from downtown Tahoe City.
From Incline Village / East Shore of Lake Tahoe / Carson City
Take 50 till hwy. 28.
Then take 28 into Tahoe City.
At the traffic light go left onto Hwy. 89 South.
Make a right 0.2 miles after traffic light into the parking area. There is a sign that says Truckee River Access. It is before you get to Granlibakken Road.
From West / South Shore
Take Hwy. 50 to Hwy. 89
Then take Hwy. 89 North toward Tahoe City.
After Granlibakken Road you will make a left into a parking area. There is a sign that says Truckee River Access. If you get to the Bridgetender and the Tahoe City stop light you have gone too far.
From Truckee / Reno / Auburn / Sacramento / San Francisco
Take Hwy 80 (east or west) to exit 185- toward Squaw Valley / Tahoe City / Lake Tahoe
Take HWY 89 South to Tahoe City.
Just before the Tahoe City traffic light make a right onto Hwy. 89 South.
Make a right 0.2 miles after traffic light into the parking area. There is a sign that says Truckee River Access. It is before you get to Granlibakken Road.
Hike smart this summer!
• Make sure you carry sufficient water and snacks.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring layers of clothing. The weather changes quickly in the Sierra.
• Wear proper footwear. Take care of your feet to prevent blisters and other foot issues.
• Tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected back.
• Carry a cell phone that you can use to call for help, if you get into trouble.
• Pack a simple first-aid kit in your pack.
• Stay within the limits of your ability and let common sense be your guide before and during your adventure.
• Leave no Trace this summer! Follow the LNT 7 principles. Care for our wild places and trails!
Trail Etiquette
• Cyclists yield to hikers and hikers and cyclists yield to equestrians
• Always travel at a safe, controlled speed and alert other trail users as you approach from behind.
• Never approach or harass wildlife or domestic animals on the trail. Please do not feet wild animals. It negative impacts their health and survival.
• Stay on the trail. It’s there for a reason!
• Please do not pick wildflowers. Let everyone enjoy them. Some wildflowers are protected by law, and you could get fined for picking them.
