Name: Tahoe Road Trip! The Epic Flume Trail as a shuttle hike! 13 miles 1500 ft.
Start: 2024-11-19T08:00:00-08:00
End: 2024-11-19T15:00:00-08:00

I have wanted to do this shuttle hike for a LONG time. We have never had enough cars to do it, so we have just hiked into Marlette Lake. With Leslie and Carla's help (locals!) we should have enough cars to make this happen! We will first drop off enough cars at Spooner Lake and then drive back to our starting point in the remaining cars.
The Flume Trail is one of Lake Tahoe’s most iconic hikes, combining challenging terrain, dramatic cliffside views, and serene sections through alpine forests. This hike from Tunnel Creek Café to Spooner Lake offers a variety of landscapes and plenty of natural beauty along the way.

### Trail Overview and Terrain

Starting at **Tunnel Creek Café**, the first section of the Flume Trail is a climb up Tunnel Creek Road, gaining about 1,500 feet in elevation over just a few miles. The beauty of this hike is that the climbing is in the first few miles!
Once we reach the main section of the Flume Trail, the elevation levels out, allowing us to enjoy long, relatively flat stretches. This segment is the highlight of the Flume Trail, winding along a cliffside with unobstructed views of the lake. The terrain varies between smooth dirt and some rocky patches, but it’s generally well-maintained and easy to follow. **If 13 miles is too much, you can turn around at any point and wait for us, sipping a beverage at the cafe!**

### Flora and Fauna

The vegetation along the Flume Trail showcases a blend of montane and subalpine plant life. Early on, you’ll walk through forests of **Jeffrey pine**, **sugar pine**, and **white fir**. As you move higher, you’ll notice low-growing shrubs like **manzanita** and **mountain mahogany**, which thrive in the rocky, well-drained soil of the mountainside. Summer hikers will be greeted by wildflowers such as **lupine**, **Indian paintbrush**, and **arrowleaf balsamroot**, adding vibrant splashes of color to the trail.
Wildlife is abundant here as well. It’s common to spot **mule deer** near the forested areas, and smaller mammals like **chipmunks** and **golden-mantled ground squirrels** often dart across the trail. Birdwatchers may catch sight of **Steller’s jays**, **Clark’s nutcrackers**, and **mountain bluebirds**. Occasionally, you might even spot a **bald eagle** soaring above the lake.

### Ending at Spooner Lake

As you near **Spooner Lake**, the trail descends gently, weaving through dense stands of **aspen** and **willow** trees. The lake area has its own unique ecosystem, with **wetland plants** and lush greenery around the shore. Spooner Lake is also home to various waterfowl, so keep an eye out for **mallards**, **Canada geese**, and **coots**.
This point-to-point hike along the Flume Trail from Tunnel Creek Café to Spooner Lake offers a mix of strenuous climbs, awe-inspiring vistas, and peaceful lake views, making it a rewarding trek for those who love high-mountain landscapes and Tahoe’s natural wonders.

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Tahoe Road Trip!  The Epic Flume Trail as a shuttle hike!  13 miles 1500 ft.

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Tahoe Road Trip! The Epic Flume Trail as a shuttle hike! 13 miles 1500 ft.

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