Capsule Customs Travel

We enjoyed a long weekend at PlumpJack Inn in Olympic Valley, Friday to Monday (in May). Our timing fell just before Memorial Day, finding us caught in a limbo between winter’s reluctant departure and the anticipated arrival of summer.

The weather being a high of 68 and an abundance of sunshine caught us pleasantly off guard. Our expectations of colder temperatures left me opting to leave sunscreen behind. A decision I regretted as I found myself with my first sunburn of the season. The higher altitude took this Jersey Girl by surprise with its intense sun.

This climate created such a unique experience when hiking in shorts and a t-shirt. We encountered pockets of lingering snow through the terrain. Each step revealed a blend of seasons from packed snow to streams of melted water. Truly magnificent and a special time of the year.

One notable perk when visiting during this transitional period was the tranquil emptiness of Olympic Valley. The few amount of skiers and snowboarders savored their final runs of the season. However, this transitional phase also had its drawbacks, with several facilities such as PlumpJack’s restaurant, parking/bathroom facilities for Eagle Falls, and tours for Vikingsholm remaining closed during our stay.

We originally flew into Reno and rented a car from airport. Our highlights from this trip include:

• Truckee Town
• Tahoe City
• Shirley Canyon Trailhead
• Emerald Bay (Eagle Falls, Eagle Lake, Vikingsholm)
• Eagle Rock Obseration Point
• Google Map Link

Friday – Truckee Town:

En route to Olympic Valley, we made a pit stop at Truckee, a charming historic downtown with quaint shops and loads of restaurants. We enjoyed a delicious meal Jax at the Tracks. A morning or just an afternoon would be ideal to explore the town. Noteworthy establishments to check out: Tahoe Oil and Spice, 1882 Bar and Grill, Moody’s Bistro, Wagon Train Coffee Shop, Craft and Logic Taproom, and Sweets Handmade Candies. You can make this a full day if you partner it with a hike at Donner Pass, lake, or summit.

Tahoe City: Tahoe National Brewing Company:

Our cousins held their rehearsal dinner for the bridal party and after it doubled as a welcome party for those who had flown in. The venue offered a view of the lake with its outdoor patio, providing a backdrop for mingling and enjoying the evening with family. The venue had a full bar going beyond the craft beer. They offered homemade ginger beer and seltzers for non-alcoholic options. A beautiful evening to spark the wedding celebrations to come.

Saturday: Day of Wedding

Hike – Shirley Canyon Trailhead:

This was an extra hike that was conveniently located within walking distance of our hotel. However, navigating to the trail google maps mislead us. It put us on the wrong side of the river and told us crossing the river would take one minute. However with the full stream of raging water, that path was impossible. Note to self: bypass the confusion by heading directly to the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram and following Shirley Canyon Road until reaching the trailhead.

Despite the snowy terrain and hard to spot path markers, we eagerly explored the trail, mesmerized by the view. Our original plan to reach Shirley Lake proved difficult with the amount of snow. With the wedding festivities looming, we erred on the side of caution and opted not to push our luck (we turned around).

While our hike may not have unfolded as planned, I can only imagine the trail’s beauty during the bloom of wildflowers. I appreciate the accessibilities of this hike along with the numerous other trails and bike routes to explore. Making the possibilities for outdoor adventure endless.

Wedding at High Camp:

The wedding festivities were held at High Camp, a venue accessed via the Palisades Tahoe Aerial Tram. The smooth 10 minute ride provided aerial views to all, including my mom, who typically struggles with motion sickness. The ceremony took place outside with the mountain views behind the bride and groom. As the evening transitioned into the reception, guests gathered inside The Terrace Restaurant and Bar, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the mountain views. Surrounded by the beauty of the landscape, we celebrated the newlyweds.

Sunday: Emerald Bay

Parking at Emerald Bay can be a challenge even with several options, so make sure to get there early or be patient while waiting. The state park for Emerald Bay Lookout offers parking at $10 for the day or $3 for one hour. The Eagle Falls Trailhead has a parking lot for $5 which is closed until Memorial Day. Bonus, holders of the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass can enjoy free parking at the Eagle Falls lot. There is roadside parking, but it is extremely limited.

Hike – Eagle Falls – Desolation Wilderness

Day hikes at Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake – Desolation Wilderness do require a permit year round. They can be obtained from the Ranger Station or reserved online and is free. The ranger station and bathroom facilities are open starting Memorial Day.

Eagle Falls is one of the most popular short hikes in Lake Tahoe at a 2 mile round trip to the Eagle Lake. During our hike, remnants of snow lingered on the trail, along with lots of running water from melted snow. I highly recommend wearing waterproof sneakers or hiking boots during this time of year. Despite the weather conditions, this trail remains family-friendly and pet-friendly, offering a manageable level of difficulty. My 64-year-old mother, embarking on her first hike, found it to be a rewarding experience. Witnessing her conquer the trail, bright yellow pocketbook in tow, was a heartwarming moment.

The trail starts with a series of rock steps leading up to a bridge with a captivating view of one of the initial waterfalls. Even for those opting not to venture all the way to the lake, this segment of the hike alone offers its own allure.

Arriving at Eagle Lake the path opens up to view the lake and mountain range behind. We sat on the rocks enjoying the view, observing local birdlife, and a well deserved snack.

A hidden gem I didn’t discover until we were home, is the hike around the lake. At some point you can enjoy the view of the mountain reflected in the water for a truly picturesque moment. Be sure to include this into your plans.

Emerald Bay – Vikingsholm:

One option for accessing Vikingsholm is via the Emerald Bay Lookout parking lot. The path to Vikingsholm is paved but quite steep, so it’s important to heed the warning signs and consider your physical health before the trek. There will be no rides out once you start the descent, so come prepared.

The mile-long path leads you down to Vikingsholm and provides access to the beach. While tours of Vikingsholm are available after Memorial Day for $18 per adult, even without the tour, the exterior of the historic site is a sight to behold. As you gaze out towards Fannette Island, you’ll spot the remnants of the Tea House, adding to the scenery.

During the day, visitors can kayak or paddle-board out to Fannette Island, adding an extra layer of exploration to their Emerald Bay experience. Whether you opt for a guided tour or simply soak in the beauty from afar, Vikingsholm and its surroundings offer a captivating glimpse into Lake Tahoe’s rich history and natural splendor.

Monday: Eagle Rock and Flight Home

This .7-mile out and back trail may be short, but offers a view unlike any other. The terrain is on the dusty side with no snow in sight. The final section requires a bit of scrambling to get to the top. Navigating this terrain you find your own path to the summit. If you’re looking for a quick outdoor adventure, this trail definitely delivers. This is a stress free hike that we squeezed in before our flight back home.

Breakfast at Fire Sign Cafe:

At the recommendation of a store owner in Olympic Valley, we decided to try out a local favorite brunch spot. Thankfully, her tip proved invaluable, as we were able to get a table without the usual lengthy wait for this popular spot. Every dish we tried was absolutely delicious. The board featuring homemade baked goods caught my eye with the blueberry coffee cake.

Bookstore: Grassroots, Reno

If you can’t resist a book store, this independent bookstore is where you need to go. On top of their inside selection they host an outside sale, where everything is priced at $1 or less. And if you happen to visit on a Sunday, you’re in for a treat—you can fill a bag for just $5. This is a perfect way to restock your reading supply, especially if you need new books for your flight home. Make sure to leave extra room in your carry on a for a new book or two.

Lake Tahoe is undeniably a destination that beckons for repeat visits offering year round adventures with the changing of the seasons. I’ll admit, I wasn’t entirely certain what to expect with our stay, but I’m glad we made the decision to go, even for the short time we had. It’s clear that Lake Tahoe has left a lasting impression on me and I’m already looking forward to future plans. Until then, the memories created on this trip will fuel the desire to return.