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Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit – United States Forest Service

The Tahoe Rim Trail Association (TRTA) along with Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association (TAMBA) and Friends of Incline Trails (FIT) are working on a project (started last year, will likely continue at least into next year) to open a historical flume route in the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the USFS as a multiple-use trail between Mt. Rose Highway above Incline Village and the northern edge of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park at Tunnel Creek Road.

Note: This project was originally incorrectly listed as being in Humboldt-Toiyabe NF.

From the FIT website:

The “Incline Flume” trail is located above Incline Village and is primarily accessed from Mt Rose Highway (Hwy 431). It has also become popular as a loop from Diamond Peak up the Tyrolean Trail and back down Diamond Peak.

This is a relatively flat trail, remaining at approximately the same elevation throughout (7600 ft). There are beautiful spring wildflowers and some spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.

It is popular with trail runners, mountain bikers, walkers and hikers - of all ability levels - and used by locals, visitors, by families and individuals.

The route runs along what used to be a “flume” for commercial logging in the Lake Tahoe basin during the late 1800’s. There are still some remnants of the original flume structure.

For more details on the project, see the page on Friends of Incline Trails website.

Here is a track that roughly shows the trail's route.

Location: Earlier information about the possibility to camp at Mt Rose Campground should be discarded. The Mt Rose campground will not open: "This campground will not open during the 2017 camping season due to facility damage, hazard trees”.

We will instead camp at the Diamond Peak Ski Area. The ski area is owned by the Incline Village General Improvement District - a quasi government organization. Camping is at about 6700’ elevation, outside the main lodge. They will open the restrooms for our use. Due to potential last-minute changes in plans, volunteers are encouraged to check the Trail Center website before departure for any final information on our camping location.

Directions: Take Interstate 80 East to Truckee then 267 to Incline Village. Use Routes 28, Country Club Drive and Ski Way Road to get to the Diamond Peak Ski Area. Diamond Peak is located at 1210 Ski Way, Incline Village, NV 89451. Park in the "lower" parking lot (Diagram below - click or tap to enlarge). Travel time will be 5 to 5 1⁄2 hours depending on traffic and stops.

Supervisor: Hank Magnuski

Project Lead: Sue Hughes (Friends of Incline Trails)

Additional Information: The USFS requires that each volunteer have the following personal protective equipment: a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, sturdy boots (no sneakers), work gloves and a hard-hat. The sponsoring organizations may be able to supply a hard hat if you do not already have one, but the other items are your responsibility.

Participants should also bring a small day pack to hold items such as water, lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sun-glasses, rain gear, camera, etc.

For camp and trail work consider the following items:

  • Tent or other packable shelter
  • Sleeping bag and pad - temps can get down to 30 at night
  • Eating utensils, plate, cup, bowl
  • Personal hygiene items - this is a back country trip, so plan accordingly
  • Large water bottles or the equivalent - hydration is very important at this altitude
  • Sun screen - SPF 30 or better - you're two miles closer to the sun here. Don't forget your sunglasses, too.
  • Bug repellent - something with plenty of deet is best
  • Portable camp chair, if you have one