Starting at Spooner Lake in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, this route climbs steadily through aspen and pine to Marlette Lake — a serene, fish-filled alpine lake hidden in the hills above the East Shore. It's a satisfying half-day hike on its own.
From the Marlette area you can link onto the legendary Flume Trail, a nearly level path carved into the cliffs hundreds of feet above the water, with some of the most jaw-dropping lake panoramas anywhere. It's world-famous with mountain bikers, so hikers should expect to share.
| Distance | ~10 miles round trip to Marlette Lake; the full Flume Trail traverse runs ~14 miles point-to-point |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | ~1,100 ft to Marlette Lake |
| Difficulty | Strenuous (long; the Flume add-on is exposed) |
| Trailhead | Spooner Lake, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park (US-50 / NV-28 junction) |
| Dogs | Leashed dogs allowed (state-park rules apply) |
| Season | Late spring through fall; park entrance fee required |