Dog Days in Tahoe

One of the best things about living in the Bay Area is being a stone’s throw from Lake Tahoe. We especially love Tahoe in the summer. Days are warm and pine-scented, nights are usually cool, and swimming in the lake’s crystal-clear, emerald green water is pure heaven. On our last Tahoe getaway, we brought our dogs, Scout and Max, along for the first time.

As usual, we made Squaw Valley our base. It tends to be less crowded than Tahoe City or other places that are right on the lake. Plus, it’s stunning: a ring of jagged granite mountains circles the valley. If –unlike me—heights don’t freak you out, you can ride the Aerial Tram to High Camp (elevation 8,000 feet). There, you can hike, grab a bite, take a dip in the mountaintop pool, or spin around the High Camp Roller Rink.

If flatter terrain’s more your speed, the path that cuts through the valley and connects to the Truckee River trail is perfect for biking, running or leisurely strolls. The Village at Squaw Valley features shops and restaurants that line an open square-like area where locals and visitors gather for a variety of special events. ( Blues Days Tuesdays are my personal summer fave— listen to some incredible bands or join the crowd of happy dancers.)

Dog-Friendly Digs - We stayed at the Plumpjack Inn, the only hotel in Squaw Valley that welcomes dogs. Plumpjack charges a one-time fee of $150 for a single dog or $200 for two. Max and Scout were treated like royalty at check-in: each received a bed, a special Plumpjack dog tag, bowls, and treats.

Strolling the Village and Valley - After being cooped up in the car for a while, we were all ready to stretch our legs before dinner. So we leashed up the dogs and wandered through the village, eventually hitting the paved path that borders a long swath of meadow and a golf course. It was a gorgeous evening. The meadow was dotted with wildflowers. Thick, dark clouds were rolling over the mountains, threatening rain and bathing the valley in soft, silver-tinted light. When thunder started booming a little too close for comfort, we headed back to the hotel. Luckily, we made it without getting soaked—or struck by lightning.

Go Jump in a Lake - Diving into Lake Tahoe on a hot summer day always makes me feel like a kid again. And once my daughter (AKA “the fish”) hits that water, forget about seeing her on land until it’s time to go.

Since we had the dogs with us, we did our swimming at King’s Beach. With its wide stretch of brown-sugar sand, shallow water that extends well beyond the shore, bathrooms, picnic areas and plethora of water toy rentals, it’s a popular spot for families.

Between Coon’s Landing and the pier in the middle of the beach, dogs are free to romp and swim. Scout had a blast frolicking in the lake. And Max, our water wimp, had fun sprinting up and down the beach and making new friends.

Chasing Waterfalls - One morning, we set out for the dog-friendly Shirley Lake trailhead, a short walk up the road from the Plumpjack. The trail winds between large boulders, so the going is a little tough at times. But it’s worth the effort. The trail borders a sweet stream that, even in this very dry year, was full enough to send a series of waterfalls cascading into natural pools, tempting both dogs and humans to swim and play. The trail continues for two and half miles up the mountain. But you don’t have to go far to reach the pools. Scout and my daughter were so enchanted by them, we never did make it to the top. Maybe next time.

Cruising the Truckee Bike Path -  Just before sunset on our last evening in Squaw, I jogged with the dogs on the trail that runs beside the Truckee River while Jim and the girl rode complimentary bikes from Plumpjack. The river was barely a trickle, but still pretty. It was so low, in fact, that for the first time since we’ve been visiting the area in summer, it was closed to rafting, a popular activity. Total bummer for the kid. She’d been counting on a lazy float down the Truckee. But biking and jogging beside it still made for an enjoyable, scenic outing. 

More fun things to do with your dog in Squaw:

Take a hike on one of these beautiful trails.

Enjoy a meal at a pet-friendly restaurant: 

Plumpjack Bar - Well-mannered dogs can dine at designated tables in the bar (which serves great food) or on the lovely outdoor patio.

Fireside Pizza Company - Featuring tasty pizzas and salads, this popular restaurant allows dogs on its patio, which also offers prime viewing of all the action in the heart of the village. 

Check out  Peaks and Paws, an annual summer fundraiser for the Humane Society of Truckee, with a ton of fun activities for dogs-- and live music, food and beer for their humans.