Waddle Ranch Hike:
Waddle Ranch Preserve, in the heart of the Martis Valley, is one of the Land Trust’s proudest conservation victories and a place where humans have lived for thousands of years. Close to the heart of Truckee, it is a local’s favorite.
Date: Friday, June 10th
Meeting Place: From SR 267, enter Northstar Ski Resort at the light. At the immediate roundabout turn right into Parking Lot 1. Look for someone in an orange vest.
Time: Arrive at 8:45 a.m. Decide on car pool situation. Tour leaves at 9:00 a.m.
Attendees with five passenger, high clearance vehicles (or Subarus) could kindly help the group out by planning to be in the main carpool to bring people to the site. A Trails & Vistas and Land Trust person will both have carpool vehicles, thus giving us two with a 10-person capacity.
Distance, Difficulty and Duration: Easy. Ends at 2:30pm.
Description: The caravan will depart to a locked gate on the north side of Martis Valley. We need to take care turning in here as cars will be coming down SR267. Two people with orange vests will help traffic flow. From here, we’ll meander through Martis Valley and into lovely yellow pine forests. Our termination point is 2.6 miles in at Lake Ella where we will park to hike (see map), bird, take in the quiet scenery at a viewpoint, and see what art surprises are in store for us. You’ll also learn about this $23 million conservation victory and the history of the valley.
THERE ARE NO RESTROOM FACILITIES AT THIS LOCATION.
Bring: Hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, bug spray, lunch or snacks, and plenty of water. Nice to have: camera, field books, cell phone and hiking poles. Be prepared for some sun exposure, some shady trails and possibly some mud and mosquitoes this year! Sorry, no dogs.
Tour Guides: Nancy Lopez, Trails & Vistas, 530-448-3440; K.V. Van Lom, Truckee Donner Land Trust, 530-448-0491.