Overview

Marlette Lake, although requiring a moderate hike to reach, is worth a side trip from Lake Tahoe. Summertime finds the meadows filled with wildflowers, and there are many places to have a mountain picnic. Recreation opportunities are abundant.

Location & Information

From north of Lake Tahoe, travel south on Nevada Highway 28 to the parking lot for Spooner Lake. The trail to Marlette Lake begins here.

The best season to visit Marlette Lake is from June to September.

Contact information:
Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park
PO Box 6116
Incline Village, NV 89450
775-831-0494 x224

Activities

• Hiking and Biking
  The easiest route into the backcountry and Marlette Lake is via the North Canyon Road. Mountain bikers and hikers move along this 4.5-mile one-way path through stands of aspen, with magnificent views. Allow 5 hours to get there and back - more if you are going to stop and picnic or enjoy the lake for a while.
• Boating
  No motorized vessels are allowed on Marlette Lake, but if you can portage your canoe or kayak, you can paddle around for some fun in the sun.
• Fishing
  From 15 July to 30 September, fishing is catch and release. You’ll find 13 to 20-inch rainbows, brook trout and cutthroats.
• Camping
  Camping around Marlette Lake is not permitted, however you’ll find a developed campground about 2 miles away on the road to Spooner Lake.

Fun Facts

Marlette Lake was created in 1873 with the erection of a small dam at the outlet for the basin. The water was piped into Virginia City at the time. In 1963, the State of Nevada purchased the lake and surrounding land, introducing various species of trout over the years and opening it to fishing in 2006.