Fall 2023 Truckee Springs Update

Looking up the Truckee River from Truckee Springs.

The Truckee Donner Land Trust and Town of Truckee are making steady progress toward opening the 67-acre Truckee Springs to the public next summer, with a new stretch of the Truckee River Legacy to explore the Wild Side of Downtown.

The new stretch of the Legacy Trail through the property (part of a larger plan to connect all the way from Glenshire in the east to Donner Lake in the West) is nearly complete, and the parking area at the east end of the property has been installed. Footing for the planned pedestrian bridge is also underway, with a goal of completing the bridge next summer.

Working with the Town of Truckee, the Land Trust decided to change the bridge design to something similar to the smaller bridge crossing Martis Creek on the eastern end of the Legacy Trail when prices for the original bridge came in more than $3 million over original estimates.

A similar looking pedestrian bridge design to the planned option for Truckee Springs.

Next spring, the Town and Land Trust will be planting numerous trees and shrubs on the property around the new parking area.

The Land Trust has installed fencing around wildlife habitat in a cottonwood grove next to the river, protecting the trees, and a family of river otters observed living in the area. Another fence was built around a sensitive cultural heritage site on the property.

To better improve habitat, groundwater management, and wildfire severity, the Land Trust has begun a 12-acre forest health project, slated to be completed next year as well.

Once the paved trail is complete, Land Trust staff can begin building a earthen surface nature loop trail, including river access for people to enjoy. 

We are excited to share this property with you soon, both as open space protection in the heart of our community, and a huge step forward in the multi-decade vision of the Truckee River Legacy Trail.

Thank you for supporting this project!