Tails on the Trails – by Baxter “Mad Dog” Baird
Cedar House’s Hiking and Good Time’s Ambassador - Episode 1

Early Season Hikes

Hiking Season has arrived in the Sierras!
"Although trails above 8000 feet elevation have some snow coverage, many trails have opened up early due to the past mild winter. As the Cedar House’s official Hiking Ambassador, my job this summer is to inform you on all the great hikes offered in the Tahoe region, plus other special events that will add extra fun to your Tahoe Trip. I will be scouting out several popular hikes – sniffing out what has opened up and providing you with a photo essay. I am super excited about my new job and I hope you enjoy Tails on the Trails.

Waterfall hikes are the best – but you have to catch them early season. A favorite of mine is Shirley Canyon and Lake, but to get the best waterfall show, you need to do this one soon. In two weeks, the rushing falls will subside and by mid summer, even the tidal pools will begin to dry up. The hike begins at the end of Squaw Peak Road in Squaw Valley, about 15 minutes from the Cedar House – but talk to my friends at the front desk and they will give you full details and directions. They will even set you up with a pack lunch from their kitchen Stella.

The hike begins next to Shirley Creek – and within minutes, the first waterfall greets you. My friend Tuco usually joins me on my hikes. Don’t let his small size fool you – Tuco is no lap dog. He can climb mountains with the best of us. Anyway, the trail is marked with these blue painted arrows, but sometimes the markers aren’t always easy to find. In fact, this hike was featured recently in the New York Times and there were some remarks about how the “blue paint marker guy fell down on the job!”

A great read and it features my home, The Cedar House, but it also has good info on the North Shore area. Read NY Times story.

Getting back to the hike, as you continue up the path, another spectacular fall appears – I wanted to jump in, but my Mom warned me that the water was running too fast for now – Shucks, it looks like fun, but I better listen to Mom – she knows best. This will soon turn into a great swimming hole for the summer, so for now, I will be patient. But it is really hard to wait!

The waterfall shows continues – this one is about mid way up the mountain – right before the boulder climb. The canyon boulders can be steep, but for Tuco and I – the perfect playground. For those of you that only have two peds, this part will cause some puffing, but the views are worth it! . Right now, Shirley lake, your final destination, is still on the cold side but shortly – WHOOHOO – a great place to relax and swim.

You might encounter some snow on the trail (easily manageable but still be cautious.) As I said at the beginning, I really recommend that you do this hike in the next two weeks to get the best of the falls. Come and see me on June 5th and enjoy Huckleberry Haven – a special 5 course chef demonstration Evenings at Stella dinner event featuring huckleberries in each course. Space is limited –but what a perfect weekend – Huckleberries and a Hike!

Early Season hikes can be the best – yes, some snow and mud might be on the trails, but the waterfalls and wildflowers – I must confess – are simply yummy!

Happy Trails, Baxter

Future episodes of Tails on the Trails will feature Loch Leven Trail, Castle Peak, Tahoe Rim Trail and some real tail kickers – Donner Summit to Squaw and Mt. Tallac Peak Hike.

Shirley Canyon and Lake Hike:
Moderate in difficulty – 2 miles to Shirley Lake – 4 miles round trip. After mid June, hike past the lake, up the final mountain trail to the top of “High Camp” and take the cable car down. Dogs are welcome!