A Mid-May Hike Through a Classic Sierra Meadow

A perfect, clear-sky Saturday in mid-May for a walk through a familiar valley near Tahoe. The river, full of snowmelt, was running fast and clear as it wound through the meadow. The landscape is in that transitional phase of spring, with bright green grass starting to take over the dormant brown from winter.

The trail loosely follows the water before the valley really opens up. From the meadow, you can see the last of the season's snow still clinging to the higher peaks. There were even a few stubborn patches left on the ground in the shadier spots, a reminder of how recently winter was here.

We crossed a wooden footbridge over a rushing part of the creek and took in the view of the wide-open space, surrounded by pine-covered hills. It was a simple, quiet afternoon out, just enjoying the bright sun and the feeling of the season turning.