FROG LAKE, RED MOUNTAIN & CARPENTER RIDGE
Frog Lake at sunrise, photo by Elizabeth Carmel
In June 2020 Truckee Donner Land Trust and its partners at the Northern Sierra Partnership – the Trust for Public Land and The Nature Conservancy – purchased Frog Lake, Red Mountain & Carpenter Ridge. This $15 million deal wouldn’t have been possible without the support of donors like you. The spectacular crystal-clear lake framed by 1,000-foot-high cliffs, Red Mountain looking down on Euer Valley and Carpenter Valley, and Carpenter Ridge between Carpenter Valley and Independence Lake all add up to nearly 3,000 acres of newly protected open space, building on past successes to help protect that watershed and open up new recreation opportunities for the public.
As climate change and development threaten northern Sierra wildlife, migration corridors become increasingly important. These new acquisitions multiply the conservation benefits of nearby Land Trust projects, creating larger swaths of protected land for deer, bear, bobcats, coyotes, birds and other species.
These lands also protect multiple forks of the Prosser Creek watershed – a major tributary of the Truckee River, while also protecting the springs that feed the unique fens and their rare species in Lower Carpenter Valley below.
The huts in summer, photo by Helen Pelster.
The huts in winter.
field notes
COOL FACTOR
Frog Lake was closed to the public for roughly 100 years, owned privately by the Smith Family and kept in pristine condition. The properties contain beautiful late-seral stands of red fir. Frog Lake is reputed to have big brook trout, standard fishing regulations of the Sierra District California Department of Fish and Wildlife apply.
WHAT TO DO
Hiking, biking, running and swimming are available in the summer months, while backcountry skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing will be popular in the winter.
Hiking, biking, running: Currently Frog Lake is accessible by climbing the Warren Lake Trail off of the Donner Lake Rim Trail to the top of Frog Lake Cliff, where the Red Dot Trail goes down along the northern rim of Frog Lake, eventually reaching its eastern shore. Future trails are planned that will connect over Red Mountain to the east of Frog Lake, dropping down to Lower Carpenter Valley to join the recently built Lower Carpenter Valley nature trail.
From Castle Valley Trailhead (6.5 miles one way): Take the Donner Lake Rim Trail east to the Warren Lake Trail. Near the top of Frog Lake Cliff, follow the Red Dot Trail to the north and down to Frog Lake.
From Pacific Crest Trailhead (5.5 miles one way): Take the connector trail from the PCT trailhead near Boreal to the Pacific Crest Trail, where it crosses under Interstate 80. Turn right on the Summit Lake Trail, and cross the Donner Lake Rim Trail to continue on the Warren Lake Trail. Near the top of Frog Lake Cliff, follow the Red Dot Trail to the north and down to Frog Lake.
WINTER ROUTES:
Winter Use: Frog Lake and its surrounding peaks and ridges offer incredible backcountry skiing and snowboarding terrain. All areas are uncontrolled avalanche terrain that require appropriate avalanche education and equipment. Click here to learn more about available ski routes, safety and other information.
RULES, REGULATIONS, GOOD TO KNOW
Frog Lake, Red Mountain and Carpenter Ridge are open to the public from dawn to dusk for day use. Camping, fires, and motorized vehicles are prohibited on the property. Dogs must be under voice command on the property and not allowed for overnight guests. Pets must not endanger wildlife. Drones are not allowed without express written permission from Truckee Donner Land Trust on any Land Trust properties - click here to learn more.