Waddle Ranch Preserve
Trail Description.
The Waddle Ranch Preserve is another project of the Truckee Donner Land Trust.
From the Land Trust’s website:
Hike Description: There are numerous ways to tour Waddle Ranch Preserve. A suggested route is to ascend Erika’s Trail to Beacon Meadow (view of Martis Valley from the top of Erika’s Trail). From Beacon Meadow proceed North to Lake Ella via Sawmill Road. At Lake Ella proceed East on Katy’s Walk. At the end of Katy’s Walk take Megan’s Trail back to Sawmill Road. Backtrack to Matt’s Trail, and take Matt’s Trail down to Martis Dam and the trail head. This hike is approximately six miles round-trip with moderate elevation gains; moderate difficulty due to uneven terrain, and elevation gain; approximately 4 hours round trip.
Difficulty.
Moderate for hiking, moderate to difficult for mountain biking
Directions to Trailhead.
From Downtown, turn east on Brockway Rd. At the junction with SR 267, turn right. Turn left onto Martis Creek Dam Road. Proceed to the parking lot before the second gate. (near the glider port). Park here, and walk/run/ride across the dam. The Waddle ranch access trail begins on the far side of the dam.