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COLDSTREAM CANYON - A HIDDEN GEM

3/7/2014

1 Comment

 
I've missed a lot of hikes and posts since I last posted and Clover has been bugging me to get this one done.  Since the last post we've done Prosser Creek Ford, a snowshoe on Little Truckee Summit and a few trips on some of the other hikes I've mentioned before.  I'll post about the the others when I take them again, which I'm sure I will as they are really awesome and the dogs love them!

Today we went to Coldstream Canyon, just outside Truckee which is truly a gem, read on!

The Hike:
Coldstream Canyon is just outside of Truckee and is a great hike for dogs and people alike.  There are trails that meander but there is very nice trail that parallels Coldstream Creek (which looked a lot more like a river today).  There are also a few lakes along the way that are rehabilitated gravel pits and there is a sign describing the transformation back to nature the pits are undergoing. From the parking area we headed up on the road for about a quarter mile until we got to the top of the hill.  From here there is an old road that parallels the creek and there are frequent areas where the trail is accessible from the road.  The creek will be on the left as you head up the trail.
Picture
Picture
Coldstream Creek
From here we continued along the trail and crossed the road to the sounds of Canadian Geese honking at the lake, their calls echoed across the canyon.  I was very excited and shrunk down and went into hunting mode as I tried to sneak up on them.  Alas, I couldn't wait and broke into a sprint and they flew out and landed in the lake as they all honked at me in chorus.  In my younger years I would have swum out after them but I let it pass today, the water looked cold!  From here we continued up the road to the second lake where we crossed a bridge made out of a 4x8 to check out the second lake.  We got this great picture looking towards Tinker's Knob.  Then we headed back as Daddy was tired from riding at Alpine Meadows all morning.
Picture
Rating:
Easy

Distance:
Today we went about 4 miles but the gravel road and trail continue on past the second lake and the trail actually meets up with the Pacific Crest Trail once you cross the train tracks so you can go as many miles as you desire in a tremendously beautiful and peaceful area.

Getting There:
From Truckee take Donner Pass Road towards Donner Lake (west).  At Coldstream Road take a left (where Chevron is) and follow the road for a quarter mile.  The parking area is at the end of this road and the trail heads off to the left (not the do not enter road).  Follow the road or the trail, they both parallel each other.

Atmosphere:
Well treed area with lots of large Lodge Pole Pine and Aspen.  There are some mountain bikers and the occasional four wheeler driving on the road so we generally stick the trail just above the creek.

Leash required: No (although the sign at the parking area says yes)
Water: Plentiful along the creek and at the lakes
1 Comment
Susan Adams
8/17/2015 08:04:17 am

Thank you for this blog! We've enjoyed two of your hikes in the past two days. Unspoiled, uncrowded, apparently unknown to most people. Still, we managed to collect and cart out a lot of junk. How can people carry in a full one but not carry out an empty??

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    There aren't many good sites that don't require you pay to get information on the great hikes in the Truckee area.  I'll post some and you're welcome to comment with some of your own.  I have dogs so all of my hikes will be dog friendly and I will note of any concerns or benefits from a dog perspective.  Hikes will be posted as they are taken and I will try and post pictures (if I take any).

    The Truckee area is one of the most beautiful areas in world, please respect it.  If you pack it in, pack it out!

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