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Washoe Meadows State Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 110 Google reviews · Running trail in South Lake Tahoe, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Washoe Meadows State Park'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.
Undeveloped valley woodland & meadows offering hiking trails, wildlife viewing & river fishing.
What runners say about Washoe Meadows State Park
“Felt like that part in Lord Of The Rings where they traversed mountains and plains with beautiful background imagery.”
This little slice was amazing. Not high traffic and mostly private meaning not a lot of people. At most there were about 3 to 5 families in the area despite the traffic in the surrounding area. Gas station and shops less than a mile away but no bathrooms on the hill.
We had a short trip but it was a fabulous one. The rain hit us so we took cover in a space between 2 rocks until it slowed down. Easy and clear trails. Many bikes too!
Off-roading trail was awesome. Beautiful views of the mountain and rocks along the top. Had some areas to chill and take photos. There's a lake at the bottom that some people were fishing at.
Washoe Meadows State Park is a nice State Park to visit in South Lake Tahoe. There are a few miles of trails in the park, a few large open meadows, and a few small creeks. Best to visit in the Spring when the grass is green and flowers are blooming.
Trail conditions & character
“Felt like that part in Lord Of The Rings where they traversed mountains and plains with beautiful background imagery.”
“Gas station and shops less than a mile away but no bathrooms on the hill.”
“No parking spaces but enough space to park on the side of the road.”
“There are flat patches to sit and a path across the street to walk along.”
Plan your run at Washoe Meadows State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(530) 525-7232
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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.
High Meadow Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 119 reviews
Popular park with a network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running, plus scenic views.
Taylor Creek Boardwalk
4.9 ★★★★★ 96 reviews
Walkable boardwalk, mostly flat trail over a marshy area, that's popular for salmon viewing.
