PERAZZO MEADOWS
Photo by Elizabeth Carmel
In 2008, the Land Trust acquired nearly 900 acres of pristine wet meadow and montane forest along the Little Truckee River. The property’s river frontage is approximately 1.5 miles. This property sustains a number of rare species and plays a vital role in the Truckee River Watershed. There are two picnic areas and interpretive signage on the site. The two picnic areas are on bluffs above the river and an unmarked trail provides access to riverside meadows that host beautiful wildflower displays.
We recently finished a new trail at Perazzo Meadows that parallels the Little Truckee River. Be sure to take a picnic lunch and enjoy the two picnic areas on bluffs above the river!
field notes
COOL FACTOR
Perazzo Meadows is home to numerous rare species, including the Willow Flycatcher, Bald and Golden Eagles and the Mountain Yellow-legged Frog. The purchase of this valuable high-mountain meadow habitat, river and wetlands was the first major success of the Northern Sierra Partnership, formed in 2007 as part of an unprecedented campaign to conserve 65,000 acres of land through a combination of purchases, conservation easements, and management agreements.
WHAT TO DO
Perazzo Meadows is a great place for a relaxing family outing. There are picnic tables, birds, and beautiful wildflowers along the river and in the meadow. At the parking area is an information kiosk that explains some of the background and history of the property. Continue past the kiosk on the trail toward the river. Turning left where the trail enters an open area leads to the upper picnic area (about a quarter mile from the kiosk); turning right leads to the lower picnic area on a low bluff immediately above the river (about a tenth of a mile from the kiosk). A one-mile loop can be taken to explore a part of this remarkable property.
This property sustains a number of rare species and plays a vital role in the Truckee River Watershed.
HOW TO GET THERE
From Interstate 80 in Truckee, drive North on Highway 89 approximately 17 miles to Jackson Meadows Road and turn left. Turn left on Jackson Meadows Rd and drive about 1.5 miles to a signed left turn marked “Independence Lake Road.” Turn left onto this graded dirt road, cross the bridge over the Little Truckee River, and proceed to the first right turn (0.8 mi from Jackson Meadows Rd). This unsigned road is Henness Pass Rd, one of the most-used routes across the Sierra during the mid 1800s. In about two miles, Henness Pass Rd drops down a short hill and crosses a small meadow. Parking for the Land Trust property is on the right about 300 yards past the end of the meadow.TRAIL SPECIFICS
Hike Description: This hike is approximately six miles round-trip with a 1,000’ elevation gain; moderately strenuous due to uneven terrain and moderate to steep ascents. You can also hike one way by doing a two-car shuttle.
RULES, REGULATIONS, GOOD TO KNOW
OPEN FOR DAY USE ONLY.
OTHER LAND TRUST PROPERTIES IN THE AREA
Perazzo Meadows is one of five properties in the upper Little Truckee River Watershed that has been conserved by the Truckee Donner Land Trust and its conservation partners.