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Wander Truckee Pines: Activities Guide

Natalie profile picture Natalie•Aug 30, 2024

Discover Truckee: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Escapades 

Photo courtesy of Visit Truckee-Tahoe

Situated amidst the Sierra Nevada mountains of Northern California, Truckee is a charming mountain town perfect for year-round outdoor adventures. Whether you're into skiing, hiking, biking, or rock climbing, Truckee has something for everyone. We've curated a list of the top activities in the area—keep reading for all the details!

Tributary Whitewater Tours - Truckee River Outpost (Guided Rafting Trips)

Photo courtesy of Tributary Whitewater Tours

Photo courtesy of Tributary Whitewater Tours

Distance from Wander: 10+ miles (distance depends on activity)

Location: 10068 Hirschdale Rd, Truckee, CA 96161

Hours: 8AM-5PM (Tour times vary)

Phone: (530) 626-7385

Website: https://whitewatertours.com/river-rafting/truckee-river/ 

Whitewater rafting on the Truckee River near Lake Tahoe offers thrilling adventures through stunning mountain scenery and craggy cliffs. This popular summertime activity is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, with two rafting sections available: the Boca run and Verdi run, depending on seasonal river flows. Experience the ecological and recreational significance of this 121-mile waterway, originating from Lake Tahoe and winding through Nevada to Pyramid Lake.

Half-Day Coastal Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour

Photo courtesy of Vista Trail Bikes

Explore the gorgeous East Shore Trail on a self-guided electric bike tour. You're free to go on your own pace and make stops as you please.

The trails ends at Sand Harbor, a popular area for swimming and boating so don't forget to bring your swimming gear for a fun day outside! Tip: the trail is open to service dogs too.

Note that this experience requires riders to be 18 and above.

Sunset Wine & Cheese Emerald Bay Boat Charter

Photo courtesy of Tahoe by Design

If you wish to avoid the crowds and want something a little more private, you can charter a boat just for your group. This experience comes with complementary white wine and a selection of cheese, fruit, and crackers.

And the best part of it all is that you enjoy the lake's natural scenery during sunset, making it the perfect activity for special occasions. You can bring up to 6 guests with you in this activity.

Take note that you'd have to drive to the other side of the lake to get to this activity.

Truckee River: Boca to Floriston Run

Photo courtesy of Tahoe Whitewater Tours

If you're a thrill seeker, then embark on this 4.5-hour whitewater rafting tour down the Truckee River. Rapids range from easy to moderate, making it a great experience for first-time rafters and kids (minimum 7 years old).

This experience is offered in the morning and afternoon so feel free to select a slot that suits you! Don't forget to wear quick-drying clothes and bring some extras too because you're sure to get wet. Note that this experience is available seasonally.

Emerald Bay State Park

  • Distance from Wander Truckee Pines: 36 miles

  • Location: 138 Emerald Bay Rd

  • Website: parks.ca.gov

Emerald Bay is the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe scenery. The park features hiking trails and waterfall views. Entrance to the park is free, and you can tour the 1920s Scandinavian mansion, Vikingsholm for $10.

Lake Tahoe Adventure Company

  • Distance from Wander Truckee Pines: 12.6 miles

  • Location: Tahoe Vista Recreation Area 7010 N. Lake Blvd. Tahoe Vista, CA 96148

  • Phone: (530) 913-9212

  • Website: tahoeadventurecompany.com

Tahoe Adventure Company offers a wide range of outdoor activities in the scenic Lake Tahoe area, including stand-up paddle board and kayak rentals/tours, snowshoe excursions, mountain biking, rock climbing, and backpacking courses. Whether you're exploring the serene waters of Tahoe on a kayak or paddleboard, embarking on a thrilling mountain bike ride, or enjoying a peaceful snowshoe trek under the stars, there's an adventure suited for every outdoor enthusiast. Their diverse offerings cater to all skill levels and guarantee an unforgettable experience in one of California's most breathtaking landscapes.

Full Access Tahoe

Full Access Tahoe offers UTV trips and off-road driver training in the Truckee-Tahoe area. Self-guided tours to Mt. Siegel, Genoa Peak, and more are available.

Sand Harbour Beach

  • Distance from Wander Truckee Pines: 21.8 miles

  • Location: Sand Harbor Beach, NV

  • Website: parks.nv.gov

The area offers 55 acres of paradise – expansive sandy beaches, rocky coves, and panoramic views of the east shoreline. Swimmers and scuba divers enjoy the interesting rock formations, gently sloping beaches, and Lake Tahoe’s trademark crystal clear water.

Incline Village Championship Golf Course

  • Distance from Wander Truckee Pines: 17.9 miles

  • Location: 955 Fairway Boulevard Incline Village, NV

  • Phone: (866) 925-4653/ (775) 832 1146

  • Website: yourtahoeplace.com/golf-incline

Incline Village has two world-class championship golf courses that are known for their spectacular views of Lake Tahoe and challenging greens. Visit their website to see updated operating hours.

King’s Beach State Park

King’s Beach State Park is the largest public beach on the North Shore. It offers nearly 700 ft of shoreline and watersport rentals available from North Tahoe Watersports. Dogs are permitted at Dog Beach, east of the main park.

Northstar Cross Country, Telemark, and Snowshoe Center

Explore 35 kilometers of scenic trails that are perfect for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, fat tire biking and more. Check out the website for rental and lessons rates.

Northstar California Resort

Photo courtesy of Northstar California Resort

Photo courtesy of Northstar California Resort

Distance from Wander: 5.8 miles

Location: 5001 Northstar Dr, Truckee, CA 96161

Hours: Vary seasonally 

Phone: (800) 466-6784

Website: https://www.northstarcalifornia.com/ 

Located in North Lake Tahoe, Northstar California is a premier year-round destination offering 16 lifts and 93 ski trails spread over 2,480 acres during the winter season. In summer, the resort transforms with scenic ski lift rides leading to hiking trails, while the challenging 18-hole Northstar California golf course awaits avid golfers. Whether you're looking to ski, hike, golf, or relax in luxury accommodations, Northstar provides an unforgettable experience surrounded by breathtaking mountain views.

Northstar Ski and Snow School

Learn how to ski with guided ski instruction on steep slopes, technical terrain, or gentle groomed runs. Check out their website for dates and rates.

Lake Tahoe Snowmobile Tour

  • Distance from Wander Truckee Pines: 8.8 miles

  • Location: Brockway Summit, CA-267, Tahoe Vista, CA

  • Phone: (530) 546-4280

  • Website: laketahoesnowmobile.com

This company specializes in tours that provide a thrilling snowmobiling adventure amidst the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. Only open during winter season.

Dynamic pricing isn’t new, especially to younger travelers. Airlines pioneered this strategy, and now vacation rentals use it to stay competitive. Wander’s dynamic pricing software optimizes your rental rates using real-time data, ensuring maximum value. From major events to cultural shifts, our tool adapts to market trends, keeping you ahead of the curve.

Whatever adventure you're up to, Wander Concierge can give you recommendations so you can have the best outdoor excursion in Lake Tahoe and beyond. Just text 737-377-3205 to get started!

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