Located above Lake Tahoe’s east shore lies Marlette Lake. Surrounded by thick conifers and aspen groves, this area is stunning in the summer—and it’s even more gorgeous in the fall. The Marlette Lake Trail is a 5-mile hike between Spooner and Marlette Lakes and is, by far, the best hikeable lake in Nevada that becomes even more breathtaking in the fall. Take a look.
Marlette Lake Trail begins just north of Spooner Lake.
Ken Lund/Flickr
In the first three miles, the trail climbs 1,500 feet to Marlette Saddle; the trail’s high point at 8,200 feet. The path itself is an actual road that is off limits to public travel.
Jan Fedak/AllTrails
Groves of conifers and aspens are prevalent here, and they are particularly stunning in the autumn as the leaves change.
jcookfisher/Flickr
Keep an eye out for old logging cabins and other ruins along the way.
Travel Nevada/Flickr
The half-mile descent takes hikers to the south end of the gorgeous Marlette Lake.
Jack Hebert/Flickr
Even though the Marlette Lake Trail ends here, hikers can explore this stunning lake further.
sxl/Flickr
Marlette Lake was dammed in the 1800s to provide lumber and water to the then-booming Virginia City. Remnants of the old flume remain along the Flume Trail that begins at Marlette Lake and travels north toward Incline Village.
sxl/Flickr
The views of both lakes, Lake Tahoe, and the Sierra Nevadas are truly jaw-dropping.
Jeff Moser/Flickr
In addition to a wonderful hike, mountain bike enthusiasts enjoy this trail as well, so keep an eye out. All-terrain strollers are also welcome along this path.
Jeff Moser/Flickr
You can access the trail head where Route 28 and Highway 50 meet, or park at Spooner Lake Park and pay the $10 day fee.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Jan Fedak/AllTrails
jcookfisher/Flickr
Travel Nevada/Flickr
Jack Hebert/Flickr
sxl/Flickr
Jeff Moser/Flickr
Have you taken this gorgeous hikeable lake trail? Please share your experiences below.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
