Sagehen Creek

The Sagehen Creek trail is an out-and-back dirt path that generally parallels the course of the lower creek as it meanders its way into Stampede Reservoir.

Lying just outside the town of Truckee, Sagehen Creek is quiet enough that the short walk will make you feel far distant from any sign of civilization. The trail's appeal lies in its meandering path that passes a variety of terrain, from creekside riparian to pine needle forest to wild flower meadows before reaching the edge of Stampede Reservoir. Throughout the walk, golds mix with greens which mix with blues, as the natural mountain bounty is on full display. With relatively little elevation change, the path is great for hikers and walkers of almost all ability levels, and the early portion of the hike offers quite a few short offshoots that lead down to the creek's edge and quiet areas to dip your feet.

The steady terrain also make it a popular trail for mountain bikers and trail runners, so visitors are likely to see others engaged in a spectrum of activities along the path during snow free months.

The Sagehen Creek area will look different throughout the season, from likely being blanketed in snow throughout the winter months to wild flowers during the first warm months, to colorful bursts in the autumn and small communities of kokanee salmon spawning in the creek at the right time of year.

The parking area and trail are unsigned, but a noticeable dirt parking area to the northeast side of where the creek passes beneath Highway 89 will be easy to see. There are no amenities of any kind at the trailhead or along the hike.