Lower Carpenter Valley

The mostly flat nature trail was completed for public access in 2020. The 2.75-mile one-way trail wanders above Prosser Creek on the edge of the forest and meadow, with long stretches of boardwalk to help protect the sensitive meadow habitat. Keep an eye out for beaver in the creek, many species of flowers and migrating birds in the meadow, and the always-impressive sandhill crane.

Lower Carpenter Valley is one of the best examples of a properly functioning meadow in our area. Willow forests abound on the valley floor, and the North Fork of Prosser Creek does not suffer the common ailments seen in or local meadows – channelization and head cuts. Instead, the creek meanders through the valley and vegetation grows right up to the water’s edge. When the snow melts, Lower Carpenter Valley puts on a wildflower show that is unrivaled in our area.

OpenStreetMap ©Gaia GPS, contributors

Distance: 5.5 miles

Elevation:

Min. 6250

Max. 6350

Host or Publisher Truckee Donner Land Trust