A Local Favorite Near Northlake

To begin the hike, cross Highway 28, walk towards the Tunnel Creek Station along Tunnel Creek Road and climb the short paved road/driveway. After a few hundred yards you will reach a flat, sandy trail that stretches for about a 1/4 mi above Highway 28 until you reach the official trailhead shown on the right. From here it is a fairly steep uphill climb for about a mile along a dirt path under shaded pine trees. The next mile+ of the trail is the most enjoyable of the hike offering a windy, sandy trail along the East shore with unobstructed views of the Lake Tahoe and the beautiful shores below. The mostly flat and clear trail also make it perfect for trail running if you want an extra workout. Towards the end of this portion of the trail it enters a shaded, wooded area which leads away from the Lake and continues on to the Flume Trail and is where most hikers turn around. The Tunnel Creek Trail is also an excellent location to catch sunset views over the ridges across the Lake during evening hikes.

Photo: ayeshamus