Reviewed by: Kurt , from Reno

Summary:
Flat, narrow in places, it's a great ride for the view but otherwise is just a fast big ring crank.

Recommended Route:
I do the drop in from Marlette off the Rim trail, and end at the Ponderosa

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Secret sauce, Galena Park, Galena Creek, Meadow Rim...

Reviewed by: Brent , from Houston, TX

Summary:
As everyone has said, the view alone makes the Flume trail a must ride if you're in Tahoe. The only difficult part is the uphill to get to Marlette Lake and the Flume trailhead. It's not technical, so anyone in decent shape can make it pretty easy. We were there in May, and there was still some snow that we had to ride through on the way up, but once there, stop and have some water and a quick snack, and then head on. Being from Texas, I overdressed thinking I'd be cold, but once out of the valley's it got pretty warm. After a short downhill and bridge over a little waterfall (picture opportunity), it's pretty much an easy and scenic ride from there. I had to stop every 1/2 mile to just stare at Lake Tahoe. Beautiful. My girlfriend had never riden before, absolutely hated the uphill (and hated me for making her do it), but once at the top the views here made it worth it. I'd go again with some more experienced riders and make a longer loop out of it.

Reviewed by: Russ , from Lincoln, NE

Summary:
From Spooner to Lake Marlette you climb quite a bit on dirt/sand/wood chips jeep road. Not technical at all, and if there isn't much sand on the trail its not too difficult a climb. Once you reach the top of the climb its all down hill to Marlette Lake. Going west around Marlette is mostly flat maybe slightly up hill. When you leave the lake and head west the trail turns to single track and probably the most technical part of the trail, which consists of some tight switchbacks and rocks. Riding the ridgeline north gives incredible views of Lake Tahoe. The trail to Red house starts out with a steep downhill jeep trail, which has deep sand. Once you reach Red house there is a steep non-technical climb back to Marlette Lake. The loop is around 25 miles, take some arm warmers if you go in the morning or evening the passes can be cold in the early seasons. Here are some pics I took.

http://www.pbase.com/rhohense/tahoe_flume_trail

Recommended Route:
I started at Spooner Lake and headed up to Marlette Lake. Then headed west around Marlette Lake, then head north to Tunnel Creek RD. From here go west to Red House. From Red house head south back to Marlette Lake, then back to Spooner.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Checkout Powerline, take Ski Run Rd.(near heavenly) south till it ends then take a right and you should see the trail head. Great single track in the woods! Here are some pics if your interested.

Reviewed by: Howard , from Reno Nevada

Summary:
This is definitely one of the most scenic trails you will find. The big trouble with the Flume is that once you hit the singletrack after the BIG climb, it is a very non-technical, flat, boring ride. What saves this trail is the view, because there is little to no action on the Flume, excluding the ride down to Sand Harbor, once the Flume singletrack ends. This is definitely a trail for beginners that have set of lungs to climb up to the flat singletrack. I would definitely not miss this trail, but once you have done it, it is best to move on to exciting adrenaline pumping singetrack that the Tahoe area has to offer. See my "other recommended trails." Flume gets a 5 tire rating for views and a 2 tire rating for action. Hmmmm....Gotta give it a 3.

Recommended Route:
start at spooner parking lot. trail signs are obvious.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Hole in the Ground (Donner Summit)

Reviewed by: Myci , from Kings Beach

Summary:
The little portage sections along the flume have been made ridable. Flow of traffic is north on the flume. Take the rim trail or the second flume back to Spooner Lake. Lots of bonus climbs on the way back. Don't wuss out and shuttle this ride.

Recommended Route:
The Flume Trail? Nobody goes there anymore, it's too crowded. No seriously I like to take my dog team there at daybreak in the fall season and usually we are the only ones out there. Sunrise on Marlette lake is nice.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Rim Trail near Martis Peak.