Northstar California Resort is a mountainside of adventure for the whole family in winter, but in summer, nature takes over and turns the whole area, from the resort right down to Lake Tahoe, bright with vibrant wildflowers. Outdoor lovers should take the time to explore the local area, which is a summer treasure box of different flower types and a great way to make memories with the family.
Why Wildflowers Grow So Well Around Lake Tahoe
Flowers lucky enough to grow around mountain lakes gain two advantages: additional moisture from the snow and increased elevation, which both combine to prevent the soil from completely drying out in summer. This can lead to longer blooming seasons for many flowers, which is great news for nature lovers!
When Can You See Wildflowers in North Lake Tahoe?
Northstar California Resort is a mountainside of adventure for the whole family in winter, but in summer, nature takes over and turns the whole area, from the resort right down to Lake Tahoe, bright with vibrant wildflowers. Outdoor lovers should take the time to explore the local area, which is a summer treasure box of different flower types and a great way to make memories with the family.
Why Wildflowers Grow So Well Around Lake Tahoe
Flowers lucky enough to grow around mountain lakes gain two advantages: additional moisture from the snow and increased elevation, which both combine to prevent the soil from completely drying out in summer. This can lead to longer blooming seasons for many flowers, which is great news for nature lovers!
When Can You See Wildflowers in North Lake Tahoe?
Because of the difference in elevation between the lake and many of the mountainside trails, flowers bloom here at all different times of the year. You might see a flower high up on a trailhead then, a month later, spot the same species in bloom down by the lakeside. This makes any time between May and August perfect for wildflower hikes around North Lake Tahoe.
If you visit in June and July, you may be lucky enough to experience the Lupine Super Bloom — an explosion of vibrant purple-blue surrounding the lake. Head down to the lakeside in the evening with your camera for some incredible shots of the bright blue against the pinks and reds of the Lake Tahoe sunset.
Lake Forest Beach
Lake Forest Beach on the northern shore of Lake Tahoe. It's backed by trees and recommended for bird watchers and other nature lovers. When the lupins bloom, this is one of the best places to view them. You should also look out for purple irises and the yellow and white Coulter's fleabane.
Getting to Lake Forest Beach
The beach is on the corner of Bristlecone and Aqua in Tahoe City. It's about a half-hour drive from Northstar, California, accessible via Highway 28 and Lake Forest Road.
Pine Drop Trail
Hikers looking for easy wildflower hikes in North Tahoe might want to check out Pine Drop Trail just north of North Tahoe Regional Park. It's kid-friendly, and dogs are allowed if kept on a leash. The trail is about 2.6 miles long, making it an excellent option for first-time hikers. Look out for the rich yellow of Wooly Mule's Ear, and if you visit earlier in the spring, you might even see some bright daffodils.
Getting to Pine Drop Trail
From CA-267, there are several turns to reach the park on Donner Road. The trail is easy to find from here.
Paige Meadows
Paige Meadows is a well-liked spot that draws visitors year-round. In the winter, it's a favorite spot for cross-country skiers, while in the summer, people come to enjoy the beautiful wildflowers in the North Lake Tahoe area. During the summer, the meadow is bursting with colors, thanks to the abundance of flowers, including porterella, downingia, and even the rare white variation of meadow penstemon. The area then takes on a beautiful russet and gold hue as fall approaches and the aspens shed their leaves.
Getting to Paige Meadows
Paige Meadows is accessible by turning from Highway 89 onto Pine Avenue. The turn is just before the Sunnyside Restaurant.
Marlette Lake Trail
Marlette Lake is a little way east of Lake Tahoe and is a gorgeous wildflower spotting area. Be prepared for a moderately difficult five-mile hike ending at the dramatic Marlette Lake Dam. Families with younger kids might want to take this one slow or stop en route for a picnic break. This trail is lined with many species of wildflowers, including pink yarrow and big mallow, and various types of lavender that lend a fragrant, herbal aroma to the air as you walk.
Getting to Marlette Lake Trail
By car, take 267 south to HW-NV28 to get to the main resort.
Watson Lake
While Watson Lake is tiny compared to the nearby Lake Tahoe, it's still a beautiful spot to visit and one of the best wildflower hikes in North Tahoe, which is close to the Northstar California Resort. The lake is surrounded by dense grasses in the summer, and the surrounding hillsides are home to manzanita, with its pendulous pink flowers and striking berries later in the year.
Look out for lowers hiding among the grass, like the surprisingly tall oxeye daisies.
Getting to Watson Lake
By car, head from the resort onto CA-267 N, then take a right onto Mount Watson Road. From the road, it's a short walk via the Tahoe Rim Trail to the lakeside. You could decide to walk further along the trail to extend your wildflower adventure, but bear in mind it goes all the way around Lake Tahoe, so it would take around 14-16 hours to complete the whole trail! Note that this road is seasonal and check ahead to be sure the gates are open.
Summer at Northstar California Resort
Wildflower hikes, North Lake Tahoe, and the multitude of trails surrounding the area are just some of the beautiful summer attractions of Northstar, California. Take a bike out to explore the mountain and lakeside areas even further. Tee up for a round of golf. Or, let the kids go wild with one of the summer camps that helps them get that little bit closer to nature.
Explore the summer activities available at and around Northstar, California, or start planning your summer break today.