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Clair Tappaan Lodge Summer Recreation In addition to the scheduled activities, Clair Tappaan Lodge is an excellent base for numerous warm weather activities in the Donner Summit area. A network of nearby trails offers excellent hiking opportunities and access to streams, lakes, meadows, and peaks. More Information on Hiking Biking Whether you are looking for a leisurely summit ride on historic Donner Pass Road or a challenging single track route through Tahoe National Forest, Clair Tappaan Lodge serves as the perfect base to start and end a ride. More information on Biking Fishing Fly-fishing or spinning fishing is widely available throughout the greater Tahoe area. Local streams and lakes are populated by several native species and stocked with trout. A fishing license is required and we encourage catch-and-release practices in order to ensure the sustainability of the steams and lakes. We all know that the best fishing spots are big secrets, but we would be happy let you in on a few! Suggested Fishing Spots Rock Climbing Donner Summit boasts one of the highest concentrations of climbing routes in the Tahoe area. Donner Pass Road provides easy access to many high quality rock formations for both sport and trad climbers ranging from beginner to expert, allowing climbers to maximize their time in the vertical world! Suggested Rock Climbing Areas Swimming The Lodge's network of trails connects to several mountain lakes and swimming holes perfect for a dip and a picnic lunch. Larger lakes with warmer water and more amenities are a short drive from the Lodge. Suggested Lakes for Swimming Runners: a great base for high altitude training Wildflowers: Visitors who live at lower elevations are pleasantly surprised with the variety of wildflowers and extended viewing season at higher altitudes. The first buttercups typically appear in May, and the height of the wildflower season is June through August. Ask the lodge staff for a wildflower guide to help you identify native and rare species including the Tahoe Cress (Rorippa subumbellata) and Truckee Barberry (Berberis sonnei). Our flower conservation message: Wildflowers are tempting to pick, but please don't. They rarely live long once picked, even if placed in water immediately. A quote from Julie Carville's book: "If you want to examine a flower that grows along the trail, don't pick it, but rather get down on your hands and knees and meet it at its own level on its own terms. When we enjoy flowers in this way, we honor the preciousness of all life. Flowers, like us, are living breathing expressions of the life force. Just as we do, they deserve to complete their life cycles unmolested." Yard Activities: The large backyard at the lodge is perfect for your favorite summer games. The volleyball court is open for friendly and competitive games, while the rest of the yard is open to croquet, Frisbee, whiffle ball, or just about anything else. Cross-country bocce is quickly becoming a favorite among lodge guests. Quiet Activities: The lodge has several sun soaked decks perfect for reading, painting, playing music, or just enjoying the nice views. Make a Reservation Book Now Contact the Lodge Photo courtesy Paul McKown/Sierra Club collection; all rights reserved. Up to Top