Forget Lake Tahoe, This Nearby Serene Reservoir Is A Northern Sierra Gem For Fishing And Hiking

Want to explore near Lake Tahoe but would rather avoid some of the crowds? There is a peaceful alpine lake tucked up in the woods nearby awaiting adventurous hikers. Marlette Lake in Carson City, Nevada, was originally established in the 1870s with the construction of a dam to help manage local water supplies. The Northern Sierra gem offers a quiet spot for people to fish and relax, but only for those who are willing to make the roughly 5-mile one-way trek out to it. Marlette Lake is nearly 10 miles as the crow flies from Lake Tahoe, giving visitors the option to experience similar Sierra Nevada scenery, but in a quieter setting.

Most visitors access Marlette Lake by parking at Spooner Lake and either hiking, biking, or horseback riding up to the lake. The trail is rated "hard" on AllTrails and includes more than 1,700 feet of elevation gain over the course of the hike. Several hikers on Google Maps emphasize how it is worth the hike thanks to how serene it is — likely, at least partially, because the long trek reduces the number of visitors. Since it is a challenging and steep hike, it's recommended to make sure you bring enough snacks and water. Note that, as of this writing, the lake is undergoing construction to repair the dam, which may limit access to the trails at specific times.

Along with getting to enjoy a beautiful lake without crowds, you can also pack your fishing gear (don't forget an affordable and portable rod) and cast a line in the stocked lake. With the high elevation, the lake is open for fishing from mid-July to the end of September. The state stocks a few species of trout, including rainbow and cutthroat trout. Fly fishing is a popular way to fish the lake, and the local fly shop offers insight and guidance on the best way to fish for trout in the lake. 

There are trails around to explore to see different views of the lake and Lake Tahoe in the distance. Due to the mileage out to the lake, it is a great day hike to bring a lunch to enjoy by the lake and fish before heading back down to your car. However, if you want to savor the quiet scenery longer, there are some backcountry campsites at nearby Marlette Peak Campground. While they are primitive, they do have bathrooms, fire rings, and bear boxes to store your food. For more serene escapes in the area, visit Duck Lake, another alternative to Lake Tahoe, or consider a trip to these high-elevation lakes that aren't Lake Tahoe.