Sierra Nevada
The Maiden’s Grave: A story of hope, loss and mistaken graves
Located on Highway 88 a few miles west of Silver Lake and Tragedy Spring, is a grave that symbolizes “broken dreams and hope” and a story that draws thousands of visitors to this location every year. This final resting place has become a monument known as the Maiden’s Grave, but there’s a catch, this is …...
Fallen Leaf Lake’s Underwater Forest: The Mystery of Its Submerged Trees
At more than 6,300 feet in elevation near the edge of Desolation Wilderness, Fallen Leaf Lake holds one of the Tahoe region’s most unusual natural mysteries: an underwater forest of ancient submerged trees. These trunks and root systems are not just a strange feature hidden beneath the surface. They have become part of a larger...
Convict Lake: A Stunning Eastern Sierra Lake with an Infamous Past
Convict Lake history is about more than a scenic Eastern Sierra landmark. The lake got its name after an 1871 prison escape, pursuit, and deadly shootout near what was then known as Monte Diablo Creek, creating one of the most memorable place-name stories in Mono County. Convict Lake History Quick Facts Location: Mono County,...
The historic Forest City schoolhouse in Sierra County
Located at an elevation of 4,500 feet, in the foothills of the Tahoe National Forest, Forest City is Sierra County’s cherished ghost town. Founded in 1852, when miners discovered gold at Oregon Creek, Forest City seemingly grew overnight. Within two years, the town had over 1,000 residents and dozens of businesses. Unfortunately, as...
The Old Webster Schoolhouse: Alpine County’s historic and charming schoolhouse
The Old Webster Schoolhouse is a carefully restored and preserved late-19th century schoolhouse that served Alpine County from 1882 to 1928. This near-700 square foot structure was built on a hilltop, overlooking the small rural town of Markleeville and the surrounding beautiful Sierra landscape. It’s a picturesque location that...
Donner Summit Bridge: California’s historical Rainbow Bridge
The Donner Summit Bridge is a concrete arch style bridge originally designed to provide a safe passage through the Donner Pass area along Old Highway 40. Prior to this bridge, residents and visitors took the train or had to travel along the old Lincoln Highway which was a much more difficult route due to its …...
The Mobius Arch: nature’s perfect picture frame
California is filled with “must see” geographical wonders and breathtaking landscapes. Many are well known like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe. But, there are some that fly under the radar to the average traveler or tourist, and The Mobius Arch is one of them. Unless, you have heard of this place before, live in the region, or...
The Alabama Hills: Hollywood’s iconic outdoor playground
There are very few locations that can match the Hollywood resume of Inyo County’s Alabama Hills. This wonderful landscape has been a “Big Screen” favorite since the 1920’s . Hundreds of movies have been filmed here and close to forty or fifty television shows. In addition to the long history of film and...
Alpine County Historical Complex: a saunter through the region’s history
Location and Hours The complex is located at 1 School Street off of Montgomery Street about a half mile from the centre of town. The complex is opened from 11am to 4pm Thursday through Monday. Additionally, it’s only opened from Memorial day through the end of October. The Museum The museum has a unique blend …...
Markleeville: a small rural mountain town with history and hot springs
But, hopefully after reading my experience and seeing some of the pictures, you would recognize and be inspired to see this town’s unique blend of quaintness, picturesque landscapes, history and hot springs. History In the early 1860’s, Jacob J. Markley founded a toll bridge crossing the Carson River and eventually purchased...
