![]() So in anticipation for the eventual (2019) trail opening, Craig spent three years on an even greater expansion of the Cafe to accommodate the new and growing wave of visitors now seeking to access even more hike and bike opportunities.Ĭraig's attention to aesthetics, landscaping and engineering went above and beyond Tahoe standards. In 2015, construction of the the East Shore Trail began. So Craig allocated space for Flume Bikes rental and shuttle service next to the Cafe. This re-routing opened up even more opportunities to serve riders, as shuttles could drop them at Spooner or Mt Rose and they finish at Tunnel Creek. As riders realized Max had relocated, they started parking at Tunnel Creek, then take the shuttle to Spooner and finish the ride at the Cafe where their car was now parked. In 2006 Craig Olson purchased the front 5 acres of the Ponderosa Ranch site which included the old Tunnel Creek Station building (which had sat vacant for decades, sometimes used for storage) at Hwy 28 right where the Flume Trail ride ended at Tunnel Creek Trail trailhead.Ĭraig, who was good friends with Max, a supporter of Flume Bikes and had been following the events closely, offered to remodel the Tunnel Creek Station into a cafe to serve Flume cyclists at the end of their ride before they shuttled back to Spooner. As ridership grew (exponentially), the Park tripled his rent, and Max was replaced by a corporation ready to cash in. Max then built the business that could rent, repair bikes and shuttle riders back to the park after their ride, which ended at Tunnel Creek. Sand Harbor Parks agreed to rent space in Spooner Park near the trailhead. In early 2000's, buzz about this new epic Flume Trail ride, created a need for a bike hosting hub. Lorne Greene's son Chuck, who used to live here, donated Bonanza memorabilia to the Incline Village Tahoe Historical Society during the 1980 and 90's, which Craig played a significant part supporting.ġ983, local climber and cyclist Max Jones discovers and begins clearing structure debris leftover from a 1850's water flume that once moved lumber along the edge of the mountain, from Spooner to Tunnel Creek. And, since I live a mile away, watching the series of unforeseen events that evolved this emergence, makes it even more rewarding.Ī 1950 TV show Bonanza, set in a fictional town called Ponderosa lead to the creation of a western town set turned theme park at Tunnel Creek. Craig Olson's transformation of Tunnel Creek Station is an example of Geotourism excellence. This means they adopt the 12 geotourism principles that define sustainable tourism. There are no informational or directional signs, even at confusing intersections with other trails.Core to our Geotourism mission is highlighting Tahoe people, places and businesses that lead by example. It is not depicted on USGS maps, commercial maps, or tourist maps. Forest Service. It starts on Forest Service land, crosses the Diamond Peak ski area (IVGID land), back onto Forest Service land, and then becomes less distinct and usable as it goes through a small section of private property before connecting to the Tunnel Creek trail/road in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park.īecause of the trail’s prior routing taking it to/through private property, the Forest Service has not sanctioned or maintained any part of the trail. Unfortunately, no part of the trail is “authorized” by the primary landowner – the U.S. ![]() There are still some remnants of the original flume structure. The route runs along what used to be a “v-flume” for commercial logging in the Lake Tahoe basin during the late 1800’s. It is popular with trail runners, mountain bikers, walkers and hikers of all ability levels and used by locals, visitors, families, and individuals. There are beautiful spring wildflowers and some spectacular views of Lake Tahoe. This is a relatively flat trail, remaining at approximately the same elevation throughout (7,600 ft). It has also become popular as a loop from Diamond Peak up the Tyrolean Trail and back down Diamond Peak. ![]() The Incline Flume trail is located above Incline Village and is primarily accessed from Mt.
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