Squaw Creek to Shirley Lake Hike

Lake Tahoe / Truckee

Hike of the Month

Squaw Creek to Shirley Lake in Spring/Summer

Numerous waterfalls and rushing water greets you on the hike along Squaw Creek towards Shirley Lake in the early Spring. We take this hike about mid-May when the snow has melted and the mosquitoes have not come out yet. It is an easy to moderate hike along a forested path that parallels Squaw Creek.

By mid-summer Squaw Creek turns into a trickle. By then the snow in the high country has usually melted, and you can hike to Shirley Lake. The first photos were taken in the early spring, the remaining photos were taken in mid to late summer.

To get to the trail head, take 89 south towards Squaw Valley. Turn on Squaw Valley Road and drive to the start of the Gondola at the Village at Squaw Creek. Make a right onto Squaw Peak Road, which starts at the corner where the Plump Jack restaurant is. In about 100 yards make a right on Squaw Peak Way, which you follow past the townhomes to where Squaw Peak Way starts to loop back. You will likely see some cars pulled over along the side of the road. This is where the trail head starts. After you park, just follow the trail as it parallels Squaw Creek. Along the way you will enjoy numerous waterfalls.

There is a Starbucks in the village opposite the Plump Jack restaurant. We also like The Auld Dubliner for good, hearty food at inexpensive prices. Their potato leak soup is superb so order a bowl if you try it, and the “boxys” are quite good also. Not to mention the excellent Guinness Stout on draft.

Enjoy the photos that follow.