Tahoe Family Adventure
Explore the "quiet side" of Tahoe as we hike the hidden trails of the Tahoe National Forest on this getaway designed specifically for families with children ages 8 and up. We’ll carry only daypacks as we hike through open granite basins dotted with alpine lakes and cascading mountain streams: the perfect place for a cool mountain dip! At night we'll relax at our huge private REI campsite located on the wild and scenic South Yuba River. Our secluded camp is completely surrounded by National Forest land with a private swimming hole, handmade fir and cedar camp furniture, private portable toilets, and expansive views of the granite-tipped Sierra. Shorter hike options will be available each day for those who want to spend more time in camp. Our campsite is supplied with fresh Sierra Nevada well water, so there is no need to pack in water.
Kids get an REI day pack — Kids traveling on our Family Adventures will receive an REI day pack for their adventure! Kids age 8-12 will receive the REI Tarn 18 and kids age 13-17 will receive the REI Traverse 30 (while quantities last, colors may vary).
Not traveling with kids under 18? Check out our Sierra Day Hikes – 3 Day and Sierra Day Hikes – 4 Day trips.
Tahoe Family Adventure Itinerary:
- Day 1
Your trip begins today in Eagle Lakes, California. Arrive at the REI Adventures Eagle Lakes campsite between 6 p.m and 7 p.m. this evening. Our camp host will be waiting to greet you and show you to your tent. A cozy campfire under the bright Sierra stars will welcome you and your fellow hikers to the mountains. Dinner is on your own tonight – there are no services at Eagle Lakes, so plan on stopping at or before Colfax if coming from Sacramento or in Truckee if coming from Reno.
- Day 2
A hearty camp breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m. After an orientation and gear check we'll hike directly from camp, crossing the Yuba River on a fallen log bridge to begin our journey. Our hike this morning takes us to the open granite country of the Fordyce Creek Basin where we'll follow the cascading waters of Fordyce Creek to a series of waterfalls and deep pools, stopping to identify the many wildflowers along the way. There's plenty of time for a swim before returning for a BBQ dinner and s'mores at our private camp. Hiking distance: 5 miles, elevation gain 500'. All meals and snacks provided.
- Day 3
Our route this morning follows the Yuba River downstream to an impressive waterfall surrounded by smooth, flat granite and lots of swimming holes. After lunch on a granite sand beach we'll follow the river to where it cascades into a narrow gorge on Lake Spaulding: the ideal spot to swim, relax, and explore. Hiking distance: 4.5 miles, elevation gain 200'. All meals and snacks provided.
- Day 4
Today we have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our riverside camp. You can find a quiet spot to sit and relax with a book and an inspiring view of the solid granite dome of Old Man Mountain, spend time at our private swimming hole, or choose to explore a new section of trail on an optional guided hike. Depart Eagle Lakes campsite for home by 4 p.m. Hiking distance: 0 to 4 miles, elevation gain: 0 to 700'. Breakfast, lunch and snacks provided.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including trip members’ abilities, weather and terrain conditions. This trip is operated rain or shine.
Contact REI Adventures prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.
Three nights tent camping at REI Adventures Eagle Lakes campsite; professional guiding; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; campsite and permit fees; on-trip van transportation from campsite to/from trailheads. Fresh well water is available in camp. Toilet facilities consist of a private PortaPotty used only by our group. Bathing is accomplished with a dip in the nearby Yuba River (biodegradable soap only).
Transportation from your hometown to group meeting point; park entrance fees where required; insurance of any kind; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; guide gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Sacramento, CA: 90 miles, 1.75 hrs
Reno, NV: 61 miles, 1.25 hrs
There is no reliable transfer service from any airport to our meeting place. Anticipate renting a car if flying in for this weekend getaway.
This trip is rated Easy Active (2) as we plan to hike for at least few hours each day. If the group is up for more activity, longer hiking options will be provided, and any hike or activity can be opted out of if you feel like relaxing in camp instead. To maximize your enjoyment of the trip and to avoid sore muscles, we suggest that you engage in a regular exercise regimen beginning at least three months prior to your departure. Most important to your enjoyment of the trip is your overall fitness level.
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80°F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s and 50s. Early- or late-season trips will experience a wider range of temperatures. Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.
This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Weekend Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and detailed pre-trip information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).
We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.
Tahoe Family Adventure
Weather
Daytime temperatures usually range between 60-80°F, with evening temperatures dropping to the 40s and 50s. Early- or late-season trips will experience a wider range of temperatures. Thunderstorms are a possibility at any time in the mountains making adequate raingear a necessity.Gear Checklist
- Tents (3 season, 2 person)
- Camp Cooking gear
- Eating utensils, plates, cups
- Water filter
- Trip leader first aid kit
- Sleeping bag (20o-25o)
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag liner (optional, but comfortable and versatile)
- Daypack: approx. 1,500 - 2,000 cu”
- Pack cover – waterproof
- Rain jacket and pants, lightweight waterproof and breathable
- Midweight fleece jacket or wool sweater
- Mid- or Lightweight thermal top and bottom, synthetic or wool
- Hiking pants, quick-drying, lightweight (zip-off legs are great)
- Hiking shorts, quick-drying, lightweight
- T-shirts, synthetic
- Underwear
- Hiking socks, 3 pairs
- Swimsuit
- Sun hat with brim
- Wool or fleece hat
- Bandana
- Lightweight wool or fleece gloves
- Hiking boots: sturdy, stiff-soled, well broken-in
- Two 1-quart water bottles or hydration system equivalent
- Headlamp with spare batteries and bulb
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent (small)
- Toiletry kit: roll of toilet paper, toothbrush & trial-size paste, pack towel (think light!)
- Personal first-aid kit, small and light
- Trekking poles
- Pocket knife or multi-tool
- Ear plugs
- Camera
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or check out www.rei.com/learn. The Expert Advice section on our "Learn" page has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
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Pros
- Accommodations
- Activity Level
- Exceeded Expectations
- Food
- Group Camaraderie
- Guides
- Once in a Lifetime Experience
- Quality Equipment Provided
- Well Organized Itinerary
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about REI Adventures Tahoe Family Adventure:
My family (husband, and 16 + 11-year-old) went on this trip with another family with an 11-year-old. I don't think any of us were expecting anything approximating how great this was. I thought it was going to be hiking and freeze-dried food kind of thing. It turned out that we all learned everything from basics of rock climbing to how to walk across a river on a fallen tree. We boulder scrambled and went on a walk at night and Greg (our guide) showed us night sky. In between, we ate delicious food, swam in two crystal clear rivers, hung around the campfire and were totally challenged physically. The two moms on the trip were in ecstatic about not having to cook yet having our kids eat amazing food—if we hadn't been on an organized trip all our energy would have been spent organizing, cooking and cleaning up after meals—instead we got to really focus on the whole adventure, beautiful, experience. Our kids were all in such a state of happiness that there was never the slightest complaint or negativity. It was pretty much a peak life experience for all of us (a very well-traveled group who have collectively been all over the world) This was perfect. Would not change a thing and am already dreaming of doing a longer harder trip next year with even more friends! Craig and Christine were amazing leaders and I would go on any trip they lead!
- Why Did You Choose to Travel with REI Adventures?:
- Active Adventures, All the Details Planned for Me
- Why did you choose this trip?:
- We wanted to go out west and have some kind of camping/adventure experience. Wanted something "mom=friendly" i.e. not too hard! But challenging enough so kids would really like it.
- What was the highlight of your trip?:
- That's hard to say because it was all so amazing and awesome. Every hike we took was better than the next, our guides we're incredible the food was delicious. Basically every minute was the highlight.
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