Hike of the Month: Tompkins Memorial Trail — Truckee Donner Land Trust

*Looking from the Martis Valley Trail toward the Tompkins Memorial Trail.*

While we all wait for our favorite high country trails to melt out after the historic winter, now is a great time to explore Martis Valley on the Tomkins Memorial Trail.

With easy access from the new trailhead recently constructed on the southside of Highway 267, full streams, and a variety of wildflowers popping up, this is a great hike, run, or ride – right now!

*The Tomkins Memorial Trail has many bridges and boardwalks through the meadow.*

A portion of the 4-mile loop uses the new paved Martis Valley Trail (learn more here). The rest of the loop is unpaved, including long boardwalks that traverse wet meadows and the forks and tributaries of Martis Creek. The meadows are bright green with yellow buttercups, Beckwith’s violets, lupin, mule’s ears, and paintbrush emerging at different points along the route.

The trail dips into forested sections and opens back up to views of the Sierra Crest, where a keen eye can pick out Castle Peak, Frog Lake Cliff, and Carpenter Ridge.

The trail’s grade is mellow with little elevation gain, making it a great option for a morning walk or a tune up for summer’s more arduous hikes.

As of staff’s last visit, there are a few spots with running water over the trail, and a few other muddy spots, so be ready to get your feet wet, and don’t try to go around puddles, which can damage the beautiful plant life.

The trail is managed by the Northstar Community Services District in cooperation with Northstar at Tahoe, and the US Army Corps of Engineers, and is the result of a 15-year community effort. To learn more, click here.The meadows along the route are the beneficiaries of restoration efforts by the Truckee River Watershed Council and US Army Corps of Engineers.