About the Forest

HEALING THE LAND

Restoring Forests,
Protecting Wildlife

Once a heavily logged, destructively mined, and poorly managed timberland, the 650 acres we now steward is being reborn with a vision for a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. Through thoughtful forest restoration—carefully removing diseased trees, reducing fire fuels, and nurturing native species—we are actively protecting this land from the devastating impacts of wildfires and promoting a thriving, biodiverse habitat.

A Pollinator Paradise

Our restoration efforts aren’t just about trees. Across 300 acres, we’re planting and seeding vibrant, native, pollinator-friendly plants, creating vital habitat for 37 species of butterflies and bees, including the imperiled Western bumblebee. With year-round nectar resources, our fields will soon be alive with color and buzzing with life—an essential step in restoring balance to this special ecosystem.

Reimagining Lake Putt

At Lake Putt, a historic reservoir is being transformed into a model of rural aquatic recreation and conservation. We’re enhancing water quality, supporting amphibian habitats, and collaborating with state wildlife experts to create a flourishing fishery. Fire suppression ponds are being carefully designed to double as havens for deer, invertebrates, and native frogs, blending safety with sustainability.

Beyond Conservation: A Legacy of Stewardship

Every campsite reservation, every cozy cabin night, and every adventure at Tahoe National Park Gateway helps fund the ongoing care of these lands. From vegetation management to Lake Putt’s dam maintenance, your visit directly supports a lasting conservation legacy—protecting open spaces for generations to come. When you camp with us, you’re not just connecting with nature—you’re helping heal it. Join us in building a future where recreation and restoration walk hand in hand.

Meet the Species

Green Sunfish

Green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) is a resilient, aggressive freshwater fish with a large mouth and greenish body. Native to central North America, it has been introduced widely, sometimes disrupting native fish populations due to its competitive nature and adaptability.

Northwestern Pond Turtle

The northwestern pond turtle (Actinemys marmorata) is a semi-aquatic reptile found in ponds, rivers, and lakes in the western U.S. It is slow to mature and vulnerable to habitat loss, invasive species, and environmental pollutants, making it a focus of conservation efforts.

Sierra Nevad Mountain Beaver

The Sierra Nevada mountain beaver (Aplodontia rufa californica) is a rare, burrowing rodent native to high-elevation regions. Despite its name, it’s not a true beaver but is considered a living fossil due to its primitive features.

Sierran Chrous Frog

The Sierran chorus frog (Pseudacris sierra) is a small, vocal amphibian common in a range of habitats from forests to grasslands. Known for its distinctive croaking call, it plays an important role in food webs and is sensitive to environmental changes and pollutants.

Unforgettable Stays

Experience nature like never before with our unique lodging options, designed to surround you in the natural environment and strengthen your relationship with nature. All relationships begin with trust and familiarity so pick your preference, a treehouse, sky cabin, grounded cabin, or a tent. Rest well and prepare for your journey into Tahoe National Forest.

Escape to the treetops of some of the most iconic trees in the Sierra Nevada and wake up surrounded by the whisper of leaves. We blend rustic charm with modern comfort while telling a story about the native forests, past, present, and future.

When culture, art, and nature meet in the Sierras, it manifests as a cabin in Tahoe National Park. Each curve and each fracture, strives for light. Among treehouses and sky cabins they represent the understory: chaotic, beautiful, and rarely ever straight, competing for attention from the soil and skies.

Imagine sipping your morning coffee looking through the endless pine, fir, and cedar canopies of the Sierras. Our sky cabins let you reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Breathe deeply, live simply, and stay high above it all.

Our tents call all adventurers, wanderers, and pioneers who believe that the only way to experience nature is to be one with the earth and all of its flora and fauna. The heartbeat of the forest can only be felt in the evenings of our tents.

Explore and Connect with Nature

At Tahoe National Park Gateway, every path leads to adventure, every season unveils a new experience, and every visit brings you closer to the heartbeat of nature. As the premier trailhead into the legendary Tahoe National Forest, we offer a diverse range of recreational activities for explorers of all ages and interests.

On Land

immerse yourself in the towering beauty of California’s conifer forests:

Join expert-led hikes across nine miles of forest trails. Wander beneath ancient pines, cross whispering streams, and arrive at the majestic entrance of Tahoe National Forest, where the wilderness stretches endlessly before you.

Venture deeper into the wild with backpacking trips designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful overnight under the stars or a multi-day trek, our excursions open up the untouched beauty of the backcountry.

Feel the thrill of the trail with our provided e-bikes, perfect for cruising through rugged forest paths with ease and excitement. Explore terrain that challenges and rewards at every turn.

As night falls, the sky at Blue Canyon comes alive. Grab one of our telescopes so you can witness dazzling constellations, planets, and the Milky Way in breathtaking clarity — far from city lights.

On Water

experience 30 acres of pure snowmelt straight from the heavens and into Lake Putt:

Refresh yourself with a swim surrounded by pine-scented air and serene views.

Explore underwater wonders close to shore — and the world of fish beneath the surface.

Cast your line with gear we provide — poles, bait, and all — and try your luck at SmallMouth Bass, Green Sunfish, Bluegill, or Brown Bullhead Catfish.

Grab one from the Nature Center and Glide across the lake at your own pace.

Winter Wonderland

experience 30 acres of pure snowmelt straight from the heavens and into Lake Putt:

Build snowmen, make snow angels, or start a friendly snowball fight!

Grab some snowshoes from the Nature Center and trek across pristine winter landscapes, feeling the soft crunch of fresh powder underfoot.

Glide through scenic trails surrounded by silent, snow-laden forests — a peaceful and invigorating way to experience winter’s magic. Our instructors will show you the ropes so you can hit the slopes.

For those craving adrenaline, Euchre Bar — just a short trip from Blue Canyon — offers exhilarating white-water rafting experiences on the wild and scenic North Fork of the American River, where rushing rapids meet stunning scenery for unforgettable river adventures.

Ski the Best of Tahoe
Just Minutes from Nyack Road!

Dreaming of fresh powder, bluebird skies, and unforgettable mountain adventures? At Nyack Road in Placer County, you’re just minutes away from some of the Sierra’s most iconic ski resorts!

Whether you’re carving first tracks at dawn or sneaking in a few afternoon runs, world-class slopes are closer than you think:

Your Ski Getaway Awaits

Only 15 minutes away! Freestyle terrain, night skiing, and non-stop thrills.

Just 15 minutes to family-friendly fun and tubing excitement.

Reach this legendary mountain in 20 minutes for epic powder days.

A 20-minute drive to classic, budget-friendly skiing with a historic vibe.

25 minutes to a perfect family-friendly learning mountain.

Hit luxury slopes and après-ski villages in 35 minutes.

Legendary Olympic runs just 40 minutes away!

Family fun on-site

After a day of Nature immersion, let young adventurers burn off energy in a safe, nature-surrounded playground designed for exploration and fun.

Discover Culture and Adventure Just Moments from Tahoe National Park

Nestled in the majestic Sierra Nevada, Tahoe National Park offers more than just stunning views and serene comfort — it places you at the heart of the region’s rich history and vibrant culture. Step out of your tented suite and into a world where gold miners, railroad pioneers, and winter sports legends have all left their mark.

Explore three unforgettable destinations, all conveniently close to your stay:

Golden Drift Museum

A Gold Rush Legacy (15 minutes away)

Wander through time in the charming town of Dutch Flat, just a short 15-minute drive from your glamping retreat. At the Golden Drift Museum, uncover the fascinating stories of fortune seekers, early settlers, and the incredible feats of engineering that built the Central Pacific Railroad. Historic artifacts, vintage photographs, and local lore bring the past to life in this intimate museum set in one of California’s most storied Gold Rush towns.

Don’t miss: Guided tours in summer, the preserved Dutch Flat town center, and hidden gems like the old water flume trails.

Western SkiSport Museum

The Spirit of Winter (18 minutes away)

Venture up to Boreal Mountain Resort, just 18 minutes from Nyack Road, to discover the Western SkiSport Museum. This hidden gem celebrates the thrilling history of skiing and winter sports in the Sierra Nevada. From gold miners gliding across the snow on homemade skis to Olympic triumphs, you’ll find fascinating exhibits showcasing the evolution of mountain adventure.

Perfect for: Families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who dreams of fresh powder and alpine glory.

Donner Summit Historical Society’s 20 Mile Museum

An Outdoor Journey (10 minutes to the first marker)

Begin your adventure only 10 minutes away at the first exhibit marker of the 20 Mile Museum, a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience along historic Old Highway 40. Interpretive signs and scenic stops tell the epic stories of Native American trails, emigrant journeys, railroad builders, and early automobilists who conquered the rugged Sierra terrain. Whether you drive, bike, or hike it, every mile offers a new chapter in the unforgettable history of Donner Summit.

Insider tip: Pack a picnic from your glamping site’s gourmet offerings and make a day of exploration among breathtaking alpine views.

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