pictured: view of Lake Tahoe from the Incline Flume Trail
Are you wondering how to find the entrance to the Incline Flume Trail in Lake Tahoe? Or maybe you are looking for family friendly hikes in the Lake Tahoe area? Or, maybe you have heard about the unmarked, yet insanely beautiful Incline Flume Trail in Lake Tahoe on the Nevada side of the border? If so, then you have the right place!
We love heading to Tahoe in the fall season. There are less tourists milling around, and the weather is insanely beautiful. It really is the perfect time of year to hike. The trails are not abandoned, but they are far from crowded; this makes hiking a fun experience which is both relaxing and soul rejuvenating.
My husband read an article about the Incline Flume Trail and suggested we hike it with our kids. We are always on the hunt for new, kid friendly trails in the Lake Tahoe area, so I was on board! The trail was described as having spectacular views of Lake Tahoe, a bit of history, and a flat, family friendly trail.
pictured: entrance to the Incline Flume Trail
The Incline Flume Trail got it’s name from being an old logging flume. It has it’s historical roots in the now defunct logging industry which used to prevail in the area. The article my husband read promised a glimpse of abandoned logging buildings, and remnants of the areas logging past. Unfortunately we did not come across any markings, or structures, which alluded to the trail’s logging past. It is possible they are out there, and we didn’t go far enough down the trail to see them. We hiked for a total of three hours round trip, so roughly 1.5 hours in and out. We did stop along the way for a snack, and we also had a rock climbing break where the kids climbed some big rocks for fun.
This rock was a favorite of my son’s
The Incline Flume Trail is a great hike with kids; despite the historical aspects being difficult to find. The trail is clean and well maintained. It is mostly flat, with a few areas boasting a steep edge. If you have small children, or any children, be sure to talk to them ahead of time and warn them not to run on the trail, and to be careful when there is drop off to the side of the trail.
Steep edge of the Incline Flume Trail; be careful with kids and warn them to not run.
There are very few parts of the trail with this steep edge. The majority of the trail is flat and easy to navigate. This helps make the Incline Flume Trail popular among families, dog walkers, and bikes. Which brings me to. . .
There are a large number of dog walkers at the beginning of the trail. The farther in you hike from the parking area, the less dogs you will see. If you are afraid of dogs, like my daughter, then be prepared to meet up with several dogs on your way into the trail. People hike in pairs, and in groups, with multiple dogs; most on leashes. They are safe dogs, and the owners are responsible, so you don’t need to worry about getting bombarded; just be ready to see them.
In addition to dogs, the Incline Flume Trail is a favorite among bikers. There are small children learning to cycle as well as professional off-road bikers on this trail. Some of the bikes will move quickly, so yield to the side of the trail when they are coming your way. They always say thank you, and are cautious as well as friendly. This is a great trail which attracts polite, nice people. It is beautiful, and a great experience through and through.
The Incline Flume Trail is bit difficult to find if you are not familiar with the area. The trail is not marked, so be sure to look at your mileage counter on your car, and look for the turnout where you can park. To find the Incline Flume Trail, which is not on GPS by the way, take Tahoe Blvd/28 to Mt Rose Hwy/431. While driving on 431, you will pass the Country Club on your right, and then look for Fairview Blvd on the right, the turnout to park will be .8 miles after you pass Fairview Blvd. A few cars can park on the right, but there is ample parking in the turnout on the left; which is what I recommend you look for.
The entrance to the Incline Flume Trail will be across from the paved, large parking turnout. There isn’t a sign, but there will be other people around, so walk between the parked cars (parked in the dirt across from the paved turnout) and you will see the entrance to the trail. The trail opens up between the trees and displays a beautiful array of trees, with a view of the lake behind you. The views of the lake get better as you hike farther into the trail; so keep going!
I hope you find, and enjoy, Incline Flume Trail! This is my new favorite hiking trail in the Lake Tahoe area so I am thrilled to be able to share it with you. Get out there and enjoy our beautiful country!
Thanks for stopping by!
XOXO
Cathy
