An old jeep road it is rutted, rocky and has deep sandy areas 2-6 inches deep. The next 3 miles is a steep downhill on Tunnel Creek Road. The intermediate route continues straight ahead. For the advanced version take a right at this intersection and begin a 1,000 ft climb as it loops around and heads back past Marlette Lake to Spooner Lake. A short climb brings you to the tunnel creek junction. Memorial point lies below now as the granite fades in its grandeur and the forest gets thicker. A few fallen trees act as bridges over the trail and there is a section in which a landslide has left rocks as an obstacle course to get thru. You can often hear people talking at the beach due to the accustics. Further down the relatively flat trail is comma shaped Sand Harbor. Secret Harbor lies below and normally has a few boats anchored. Heads up as hikers or bikers may be coming around the next hairpin corner. Its 1,000-1,500 feet down to the lake from here. Use caution as the sandy conditions persist and just a hair to close to the edge will have you lose you balance. Fabulous granite outcroppings compliment the gorgeous lake know as Big Blue(Lake Tahoe). ![]() Thru thick underbrush and suddenly Lake Tahoe is ahead of you. ![]() The initial 100 yards offer a dramatic switchback and several rock steps down and then a narrow bridge crossing over Marlette Creek. From this point on the views of the forests, granite cliffs and Lake Tahoe are spectacular. From here it is narrow single track for the next 4.4 miles. You are now at the dam, the official start of the Flume Trail. The trail turns to the west and depending on the lakes level you will probably have to go thru about 8 inches of water for about 100 feet. It continues around the west side of the lake as you pass a trout spawning station erected by the Nevada Division of wildlife. In 2005 the Chimney was rebuilt to honor the pioneers and a placard erected to explain the story. In the late 1960 s, a crew was sent up here to tear down an old watch mans cabin that was thought to be a safety hazard. Before you continue you may want to take the side trail alongside the restroom several hundred yards out to rocky point and see the chimney that remains from a cabin built here in 1933. The Flume Trail is clearly marked to your left. This is where all three alternatives of the TRT cross. A marked intersection gives you plenty of choices. Catch and release fishing for trout is popular. Marlette Lake does not allow swimming as it is a water source for Carson City. It's a one mile downhill from here as you enjoy the panoramic views of Marlette Lake. If you want the beginner route this is your turnaround. The climb gets steeper now as you make the final climb up to the crest overlooking Marlette Lake. At about the three mile point there is a restroom. At times the road surface has a sandy texture 2-4 inches which saps your energy like a walk at the beach. The road starts its climb immediately as you have to gain over 1,300 feet in the first six miles. A few placards along the way offer an insight of local history. You pass a few old pioneer cabins, a few of which are available as overnight. The Flume Trail starts as a jeep road as it goes thru North Canyon. From the parking lot signs direct you to the Flume Trail. Consider taking advantage of the shuttle service they offer. If you are mountain biking you may want to stop by the Flume Trail Mountain Bike Store just inside the State Park. Starting at The Spooner Lake State Park be sure to ask for a map when paying the day use fee. It can be done in either direction but the description given will be south to north. The Flume trail can be done in three configurations, beginner, intermediate, or advanced. The Marlette-Hobart Backcountry map is available at any local Nevada State Park and details the rules which are clearly signed on the trails. A third section of the TRT is open for hikers and horses but closed to mountain bikes south of Marlette Lake. ![]() Mountain bikers are only allowed on even days. The Flume is open to hikers and mountain bikers seven days a week. One reason it has developed into three is to sort out the traffic. This section of the TRT is very popular and a little confusing. The Flume Trail is an alternate trail for the Tahoe Rim Trail(TRT).
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