Nevada, derived from Sierra Nevada, a name given by the Spanish, means snow-covered mountain range. Nevada does indeed have mountains to admire, as well as clear blue lakes. It will take a bit of effort to hike the Chimney Beach Trail, an upward journey on the way out. Your reward is the magnificent Marlette Lake, perched above Lake Tahoe. And remember, what goes up, must come down, so the trip back should be smooth sailing all the way.
As you begin the moderately challenging Chimney Beach Trail in Nevada, six miles out and back, views of Lake Tahoe are behind you.
Chimney Beach is six miles south of Incline Village on the northeast side of Lake Tahoe, in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park. There is a parking lot at the trailhead.
Flora and fauna are all around, including butterflies, chipmunks, flowers, and maybe even a bald eagle.
The trail is primarily uphill, with many switchbacks, on the way to Marlette Lake. The elevation gain is 1,758 feet.
With only a mile left to reach the end of the trail, stay left to arrive near the dam at Marlette Lake.
If you stay right at the fork in the trail, it adds a few miles to the route.
Suddenly, the magnificent Marlette Lake, a hidden oasis in Nevada, comes into full view, at an elevation of just over 8,000 feet. Take your choice - swim, fish, or just while away the afternoon on the shore.
It might take you 2.5 - 3 hours to complete this hike, longer if you spend time up at the lake.
If you are looking for another type of adventure, mountain biking is popular on this trail as well.
Bring your canine companions with you if you like.
The three-mile trek back down the trail from Marlette Lake is a little kinder to all, since it will be primarily downhill this time.
If you are up for a heart-pumping hike, that leads to a magnificent hidden oasis in Nevada, you will be glad you embarked on the Chimney Beach Trail to Marlette Lake. If you like to fish and swim, even better. What a way to spend a day soaking up the sun. For more information, visit AllTrails.com. If you prefer a longer hike to Marlette Lake, approximately ten miles, but one that isn't so steep on the way there, try the Marlette Lake Trail from Spooner Lake instead.
Have you hiked to Marlette Lake on the Chimney Beach Trail in Nevada? Share your thoughts with us!
Read our article, 10 State Parks In Nevada That Are Stunningly Beautiful, to learn about more hiking opportunities.
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