Home › California › South Lake Tahoe › Taylor Creek Boardwalk
Taylor Creek Boardwalk
4.9 ★★★★★ 96 Google reviews · Running trail in South Lake Tahoe, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Taylor Creek Boardwalk's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Walkable boardwalk, mostly flat trail over a marshy area, that's popular for salmon viewing.
What runners say about Taylor Creek Boardwalk
“Beautiful walk through the wetlands of Tallac Creek - you get to walk along the creek on a path and then through the wetland/marsh on a raised plank walkway.”
“Just love this special place & I would encourage ALL who visit, *****to be silent or very quiet- it sure helps you see wildlife.”
“A very easy walk on a sturdy wooden pathway along a gorgeous stream.”
We had a crazy moment on the boardwalk today as a bear 🐻 decided to hop up and say hello for a moment. This was definitely a memorable experience for us on our trip to Lake Tahoe.
We have been visiting, almost every fall, for 37 years. Just love this special place & I would encourage ALL who visit, *****to be silent or very quiet- it sure helps you see wildlife. The salmon run is excellent, never know when it will occur, each fall. Many say it's getting later, every fall.
A great mostly flat, extremely beautiful, easy walking trail. It was perfect for viewing the start of the fall colors and usually is amazing when the salmon are able to fill it's waters (this year that didn't happen...yet). You can even go walking a bit further to Lake Tahoe/the beach if you choose to do so.
Of course it's not officially open until the Labor Day weekend - along with the Tallac Historic Site. The walking route I took required climbing over a fallen tree across the trail. I saw another fallen tree on another trail as well. Lots of clearing and repairs between now and Labor Day weekend.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful walk through the wetlands of Tallac Creek - you get to walk along the creek on a path and then through the wetland/marsh on a raised plank walkway.”
“We had a crazy moment on the boardwalk today as a bear 🐻 decided to hop up and say hello for a moment.”
“The Taylor Creek Boardwalk is an awesome short and flat trail to walk.”
“Worth visiting with strollers, walkers, wheelchairs & walking!”
“Just love this special place & I would encourage ALL who visit, *****to be silent or very quiet- it sure helps you see wildlife.”
Plan your run at Taylor Creek Boardwalk
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Running trails near South Lake Tahoe
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Bayview Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 248 reviews
Steep trail with Emerald Bay views & access to Granite Lake, Maggie's Peaks & Desolation Wilderness.
Washoe Meadows State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 reviews
Undeveloped valley woodland & meadows offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing & river fishing.
Bijou Community Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 952 reviews
Meadow park with basketball, volleyball & skateboard areas, disc golf, a dog run & railroad exhibit.