Lower Carpenter Valley

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.

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. This late in the season, we will probably see many berries.

Trailhead: From Truckee: take 89 North toward Sierraville and turn left onto Alder Creek Road. Past the intersection with Schussing, take your first right turn onto Carpenter Valley Road (a dirt road with USFS signage). From Tahoe Donner: Follow Alder Creek Road toward Highway 89. Just past the Tahoe Donner campground, turn left at Carpenter Valley Road (a dirt road with USFS signage). You will meet with the group where the dirt road intersects Alder Creek Road. You will then caravan for 2.25 miles on the dirt road to the trailhead parking.

OpenStreetMap ©Gaia GPS, contributors

Distance: 5.5 miles

Elevation:

Min. 6250

Max. 6350

Host or Publisher Truckee Donner Land Trust