National Forest & Wilderness

Rocky landscape with trees at sunset, pink and blue sky.

Hiker with a pink backpack stands near a tree, overlooking a mountainous landscape.

Where the West Remains Wild

Surrounding Truckee on nearly all sides, the Tahoe National Forest covers 850,000+ acres of rugged beauty. This vast public land offers everything from backcountry solitude and summit scrambles to family-friendly trails and pristine alpine lakes. Tucked within it are designated wilderness areas that preserve some of the Sierra Nevada’s most untamed landscapes.

Here, nature doesn’t just invite adventure, it demands presence, respect, and awe.

Highlights of Tahoe National Forest

Mountain landscape with lone tree, person in red jacket, and lake under blue sky.

Pacific Crest Trail

One of America’s most iconic long-distance trails passes just minutes from downtown Truckee. This stretch of the PCT offers stunning views, alpine ecosystems, and the option to explore short or extended sections.

Access Point: Donner Summit (Old Hwy 40, Pacific Crest Trailhead)
Best For: Iconic day hikes, section hikes, thru-hiking

Donner Summit

Steeped in both natural beauty and emigrant history, this granite-studded ridge is beloved by climbers, hikers, and photographers. It’s also part of the original trans-Sierra passage for early pioneers.

Access Point: Donner Pass Road (Old Hwy 40), various pullouts and trailheads
Best For: Rock climbing, historical sightseeing, short hikes

Mountain landscape with rocky path, blue sky, and scattered clouds.

Castle Peak & Basin

A favorite for experienced hikers, Castle Peak rewards effort with panoramic views and access to remote lakes and ridgelines. In winter, it becomes a popular backcountry ski zone.

Access Point: Boreal/Castle Valley exit off I-80, parking near Andesite Ridge
Best For: Experienced hikers, wildflower lovers, backcountry skiing (winter)

Man stands on rocky outcrop overlooking scenic mountain view with cloudy sky.

Warren Lake

This rugged and scenic alpine lake is nestled deep in the backcountry. Plan for a long, demanding day hike—or better yet—a peaceful overnight beneath the stars.

Access Point: Begin at Castle Peak Trailhead
Best For: Backcountry camping, alpine solitude, experienced hikers

Trail sign on a forest path surrounded by trees and greenery.

Granite Chief Wilderness

This federally designated wilderness protects 25,000 acres of high alpine terrain west of Truckee. Visitors will find granite ridges, wildflower meadows, and true Sierra solitude.

Access Point: Five Lakes Trailhead (off Alpine Meadows Road)
Best For: Remote exploration, wildflowers, off-grid solitude

Hikers on a forest trail with a lake and snowy mountains in the background.

Responsible Recreation Tips

Stay on established trails to reduce erosion and protect fragile plants
Respect fire restrictions—Tahoe National Forest is high-risk in dry months
Filter all backcountry water before drinking
Follow wilderness regulations: no drones, no wheeled devices, no shortcuts
Always practice Leave No Trace principles

Know Before You Go

Permits & Access:

Most day hikes in Tahoe National Forest do not require permits
Wilderness overnight stays may require a free self-issued permit
Dogs allowed but must be under control; leash rules vary by area

Winter Use:

Many TNF trails are popular for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Avalanche awareness and proper equipment are essential in backcountry zones like Castle Peak.

Stewardship Partners

Public lands need public support. Help keep these spaces open and wild:

Tahoe National Forest – U.S. Forest Service

Manages trail access, campgrounds, forest health, and fire safety.

Truckee Donner Land Trust

Preserving open space and trail corridors connected to the forest.

Sierra Avalanche Center

Providing critical avalanche forecasts and backcountry safety education.

Field of daisies under a blue sky with distant mountains.

Plan Your Escape

Whether you're chasing summit views, photographing wildflowers, or just craving fresh alpine air, the national forest delivers, and it’s all just minutes from downtown Truckee.