REVIEWS DEALS BIKESHOPS TRAILS

N* Watson Lake info...

1738 Views 22 Replies 10 Participants Last post by TahoeSS, Jul 25, 2010

bigboulder

Discussion Starter · Jul 21, 2010

Gonna do a loop this saturday starting with a climb through N* then TRT to Martis Pk. and down from there:thumbsup: Done this loop a few times and it is awesome.

I know that there is a semi new trail (or maybe i just never noticed it before.) that comes down on to the TRT west of Watson Lake (from Mt Watson??) but I am not sure how to get to the start ofthe trail from N*....anybody know what the heck I am talking about??

Anyway...shooting for a 9am start from the little dirt parking area across from the N* entrance on 267

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sfmtber

· #2 · Jul 21, 2010

Think I know the trail you're talking about

I think I know the trail you're talking about and if it is, I think it's a spur trail to the top of Watson Peak (or whatever peak is West of Watson Lake). You can get to it by connecting to the continuation of the TRT trail from Watson Lake -head East (or South East) on the fireroad from Watson Lake. Just after the gravel section, the TRT continuation will be on your right. Get on the TRT. The spur will be about 1/2 mile from that connection.

Again... I think this is what you're looking for.... But could be wrong. Either way, this spur trail is pretty fun. You could also continue heading West on the TRT, eventually getting to a relatively techy DH section of the TRT that is super fun! After 10-15 minutes of descending , you start to climb back up and eventually end up back on the Fibreboard Frwy. You can then take the next spur for about 1 mile. This is a super fun flowy section that takes back to the Fibreboard Frwy further downhill (Frwy winds and turns through this area). You can ride the Frwy back to Watson Lake.

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bigboulder

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jul 21, 2010

I know I can access from TRT

what I am trying to find out is if I can access from above TRT....does this trail meet up with the road (73E) at Mount Watson so I can come in frim N* then drop down to TRT before heading east to Brockway.

1soulrider

· #4 · Jul 21, 2010

It is considered bad form to park in that little dirt patch off the highway by the locals. The better option is to pull into the entrance to N*, take a right at the traffic circle and stay right to enter overflow parking area. These lots are barely used and keep you safely away from the road.
Just passing on what I have been told in an effort to help keep everyone happy.
Enjoy the ride.

sfmtber

· #5 · Jul 21, 2010

nope, not the trail you're looking for

bigboulder said:
what I am trying to find out is if I can access from above TRT....does this trail meet up with the road (73E) at Mount Watson so I can come in frim N* then drop down to TRT before heading east to Brockway.

oh... i see. then disregard what i said. the trail that i'm talking about is after you've reached Watson Lake on the TRT. not sure about any trail dropping down onto the TRT before Watson Lake (if approaching from Northstar). May have to explore that next time I'm up there.

Tahorider

· #6 · Jul 21, 2010

If you climb up fireroad 73E , from the fiberboard freeway, to the top of Mt. Watson that singletrack takes you straight down to the TRT about a mile from Watson Lake. It's a fun descent too, it was completely rerouted last summer.

TahoeBC

· #7 · Jul 21, 2010 (Edited)

Talking about this trail we started to explore before turning around last year when we did this ride?

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2

Sean Allan

· #8 · Jul 22, 2010

You have to climb a fireroad to get to it. It drops from Mt Watson. If you go down the the FB freeway past the paved entrance to Watson Lake it will be I think the 1st left fireroad you come to, it is pretty well traveled ( I think it's a local party spot, we watched fireworks there last year).

TahoeSS

· #9 · Jul 22, 2010

Tahorider said:
If you climb up fireroad 73E , from the fiberboard freeway, to the top of Mt. Watson that singletrack takes you straight down to the TRT about a mile from Watson Lake. It's a fun descent too, it was completely rerouted last summer.

+1 You will need to climb the fire road up to Watson Peak and descend on the single track to TRT. I usually climb up the single track and come back down it as it is more fun. We did the same ride you are doing (wife and I) two weeks ago starting from our house (Sawtooth). It is a big loop and lots of climbing when throwing Martis in the mix.

And please do not park on the road. It is dangerous and out of site is out of mind if you know what I mean. :thumbsup:

sfmtber

· #10 · Jul 22, 2010

so it is the trail!

sfmtber said:
oh... i see. then disregard what i said. the trail that i'm talking about is after you've reached Watson Lake on the TRT. not sure about any trail dropping down onto the TRT before Watson Lake (if approaching from Northstar). May have to explore that next time I'm up there.

So it is the trail I was talking about! Usually I just climb the single track and come back down. More fun than the pavement + fireroad approach.

Since you're already here, I would highly suggest doing the DH that follows this section. Then the flowy section that follows the climb. Just make sure and turn left when you encounter the Fiberboard Freeway to get on the flow section of trail.

bigboulder

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jul 22, 2010

Tanx for the info

:thumbsup:

bigboulder

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 22, 2010

Thanx for the info

I got it figered out now

bigboulder

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jul 22, 2010

I think

TahoeBC said:
Talking about this trail we started to explore before turning around last year when we did this ride?

Yes, I think that is where it comes down from Mt Watson.

kidwoo

· #14 · Jul 23, 2010

Pretty straight forward coming from northstar. I know you said you've got it figured out but here's the dum dum, can't miss it directions. Pedal on the pavement/chipseal towards watson lake. Ride past the paved turnoff to watson lake proper on your left. Turn left onto the first dirt road you see after that. When you top out on that road, go straight on the flats and look left.

bigboulder

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jul 23, 2010

some clarification....

kidwoo said:
Pretty straight forward coming from northstar. I know you said you've got it figured out but here's the dum dum, can't miss it directions. Pedal on the pavement/chipseal towards watson lake. Ride past the paved turnoff to watson lake proper on your left. Turn left onto the first dirt road you see after that. When you top out on that road, go straight on the flats and look left.

we want to climb up through N* trail system as much as possible. Where do I link up with the pavement/chipseal up top? This is what has always confused me.

JMac47

· #16 · Jul 23, 2010

Interesting thread

bigboulder said:
we want to climb up through N* trail system as much as possible. Where do I link up with the pavement/chipseal up top? This is what has always confused me.

Just lurkiing in on all the route beta! Can't wait for the ride report and pix.:thumbsup:

kidwoo

· #17 · Jul 23, 2010

bigboulder said:
we want to climb up through N* trail system as much as possible. Where do I link up with the pavement/chipseal up top? This is what has always confused me.

If you're going to start there, just grab a trail map at northstar. There are a bunch of ways to get there. I assume you know not to go climbing up singletrack while the park is open but if you get there early, that's certainly better than climbing up the roads. But watson lake is listed on the trailmaps. Any trail listed as green is a road. But find watson lake and take your pick on how to get there.

Check the inset here. The fiberboard freeway is that chip seal road.

http://www.northstarattahoe.com/info/summer/mtn-biking-map.asp

B-RAY

· #18 · Jul 23, 2010

This ride is going to be a fun one, iam looking forward to this tommarow BigBoulder. I wish we had more going with us, but it is what it is.

TahoeSS

· #19 · Jul 24, 2010

The most fun way to get there is from the Sawtooth area. Lots of single track to climb up the back side of N* and then you run into the O6 fire road. You are only on the O6 for a mile or so and then you can climb up Watson or go East on the TRT to Martis. I might be down to do this ride this weekend as it is one of my favorite long rides. I leave from my house by Sawtooth area. The climb up is actually fun. Happy Trail, Two Bridges, Shaffer Creek Trail to O6 to Watson and TRT to Martis.

kidwoo

· #20 · Jul 24, 2010

TahoeSS said:
The most fun way to get there is from the Sawtooth area.

That's kinda true actually. Plus you don't have to deal with timing it on northstar to climb up blown out trails that only see downhill traffic for the most part.

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