For Truckee links and tourist information, see our Truckee Ca page

For Truckee photos, see our Photo Gallery

For Recreation opportunities, see Recreation

Gateway to the Sierra, Truckee is a town which is not only rich in history, but which is undergoing changes to meet the needs of a growing community. According to recent census figures, Truckee has undergone a population explosion. It’s population has doubled in size from 1990 to 2000 which accounts for almost 40% of the population growth in Nevada County during the past 10 years. One reason appears to be an influx from the Bay Area by those who had discovered Truckee’s unique lifestyle. A number of commercial, residential and resort building projects are underway or planned for the area. In 2000, 372 residential building permits were issued compared to 352 in 1999, 284 in 1998 and 250 in 1997. Truckee is undergoing a building boom.

The area’s history is rooted in America’s western expansion, the quest for gold and building of the transcontinental railroad. In the 1860s, Truckee was a raucous town whose natural resources were responsible for a successful lumber industry, and the ice that was harvested and sent to areas like San Francisco. Despite its growth spurt, the town retains its ties with the past. Popular with tourists and locals alike is Truckee’s Old Town centered around Commercial Row and the railroad. Here one finds quaint shops, galleries, a variety of restaurants and pubs, an historic hotel and landmarks that date from the 1860s (See Walking Tour, Page 104).

One of the area’s greatest draws is the abundance of activities available for the outdoor enthusiast. In the summer, you can enjoy fishing, camping, rock climbing, and water sports such as water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. There is also tennis, golf, horseback riding and mountain biking. Hikers have a number of trails from which to choose, including a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, which will take them to mountain meadows filled with wild flowers and breathtaking scenery.

Winter brings snow and lots of it. Near Truckee are a number of first class ski resorts including famed Squaw Valley, site of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games. Many facilities also include sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowboarding. The season can run from Thanksgiving, or earlier, to May depending on Mother Nature, and a number of snow related events are scheduled each year from races to festivals.

Using Truckee as a base, it is a short trip to North Lake Tahoe or Reno, Nevada where casinos provide gaming and a wide variety of entertainment. And, your stay should include a day trip around Lake Tahoe for the spectacular scenery. Even closer is Donner Lake and the rugged peaks of the Sierra Nevada. The lake is not only rich in history and site of an historic state park, but it provides a number of recreational activities based at West End Beach. The High Sierra has been designated one of California’s 12 uniquely varied regions with elevations ranging from 5,900 to 9,000 feet.

Despite its growth, Truckee retains its small town atmosphere. With the Truckee river flowing by and snow capped mountains in view, it provides visitors with its own brand of old west hospitality.

Each year the towns of Truckee and nearby North Lake Tahoe kick up their heals and celebrate life in the High Sierra. The next SNOWFEST, largest winter carnival in the west. SNOWFEST maintains a year around office to answer questions and provide more information. The office can be reached by calling (530) 581-1283 or writing to P.O. Box 7590, Tahoe City, CA 96145.

Grass Valley