Exploring North Lake Tahoe's Trails with Terra Arma

Tucked in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, North Lake Tahoe is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts seeking stunning views and challenging trails. Recently, we had the opportunity to test out some freshly revamped Terra Arma products on three of the area's most iconic hikes - Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint, Martis Peak Trail, and Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop.

Our first hike was Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint, a 3.1-mile out-and-back route that offered breathtaking scenery of the lake and surrounding mountains. The trailhead is located up the hill from Northstar, between Truckee and Kings Beach, and the smooth single track can be extended into a longer hike if desired. We encountered a variety of hikers along the way, though few in number, and the trail was well-marked and easy to follow for those inexperienced hikers. Starting the day off at a brisk 47 degrees, we decided to throw on the Astra Jacket. The fleece lining certainly did its job to keep us warm until the sun rose from behind the mountains. With an elevation gain of 738 feet and 45 lb. pack, the Tahoe Rim Trail to Picnic Rock Viewpoint can be considered a moderately challenging route.

After exploring the viewpoint, we took a small detour through an unmarked trail to connect with the Martis Peak Trail. This 9.2-mile out-and-back route offered similar views of the lake and mountains, and was a bit more challenging with an elevation gain of 1,794 feet. The trail began just inside the tree canopy, filled with beautiful wildlife and views of the vibrant and famous green to blue hues of the lake peering through the trees as we made our ascent. Once we reached the summit, the tree line cleared to reveal a panoramic view of the lake, surrounding peaks, and iconic granite boulders. The sun and light breeze were inviting, and we were serenaded by the chorus of nearby wildlife. With the warmth of the sun, all we needed was the long sleeve Catalyst Luxe and LP Beanie to keep us cool and comfortable.

The following day, we headed down to Emerald Bay State Park to explore the Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop. This 0.6-mile loop trail is an easy route that offers profound sights of the lake, waterfall, and surrounding mountains. With the convenient location of this trail, it is popular with hikers and walkers. We saw a variety of plants, trees, and wildlife, backdropped by the beautiful blue-green of the bay created by Tahoe’s remarkable clarity and depth. The seemingly perfectly placed Fannette Island appears as a small point from the top of the waterfall that cascades into the bay. The Terra Arma products we decided to use made this voyage more comfortable than I could imagine.

Overall, we had an amazing time exploring North Lake Tahoe's trails and creating core memories with TA gear we wouldn’t trade. From the moderately challenging Tahoe Rim Trail to the easy Eagle Falls Vista Point Loop, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, a trip to North Lake Tahoe is not complete without experiencing its stunning trails.