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Tahoe National Forest
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Park Contact Information
Tahoe National Forest
631 Coyote Street
Nevada City, 95959
National
Park Overview
History of the Area
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation routes and development are major factors in the cultural history of the Tahoe National Forest. To some people, the history of the area begins with the wagons of pioneer emigrants, crossing Donner Pass on their way to California. However, human use and occupancy of what is now the Tahoe National Forest goes back many thousands of years. Peoples of the Washoe and Nisenan tribes and their predecessors utilized these lands for food, water and
recreation. Many of the routes we travel today across the Forest have been used for thousands of years.
EMIGRANTS
The first large influx of emigrants from the United States came into the area began in the 1840s, crossing the mountains in covered wagons toward a better life in Mexican California. Donner Pass, the main emigrant route, was named after the ill-fated Donner Party, who wintered in 1846-47 at camps - the present day Truckee.
THE GOLD RUSH
The Gold Rush of 1849 resulted in a veritable flood of emigrants seeking their fortunes in California and
many of them prospected the lands of the Tahoe. Many of the foothill towns, such as Foresthill, Nevada City, Downieville, Sierra City and
others, date from Gold Rush days and
there are many reminders of those times throughout the Forest. All historic and archaeological sites are protected under federal and state law.
TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD
Between 1862 and 1868, the western portion of the first transcontinental railroad was constructed over the Sierra Nevada at Donner Pass by the Central Pacific Railroad, meeting the tracks of the Union Pacific on May 10, 1869 -t Promontory Point Utah. The trans-Sierra route remains a remarkable engineering feat, with roadbed built into granite walls, bridges that cross deep gorges and
tracks that pass through a series of tunnels and snow sheds as they cross the mountains. This rail link with the rest of the United States enabled gold and agricultural products from California to be easily shipped east -s well as bringing manufactured goods and even more settlers west, which fueled the rapid growth of the Golden State. Todays Interstate 80 is roughly parallel to the railroad and
travels the same basic route that people have taken for thousands of years.
THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY
The first coast to coast highway, the Lincoln Highway, crossed the Sierra Nevadaon its way from New York City to San Francisco, roughly following the route of todays Interstate 80. In this area, the Lincoln Highway was actively maintained between approximately 1913 and 1930, when it was replaced by US 40. This highway was, in turn, replaced by todays Interstate 80 in the mid2960s. Portions of old 40 and the Lincoln Highway in the Big Bend-Donner Lake area are still open as a scenic route during the summer months.
LAND OF MANY USES
Timber harvest and mineral extraction began on these lands along with the first influx of settlers and
continue to be important parts of the local economy however, outdoor recreation and ecotourism has become another one of the major economic influences across the forest and
visitors from all over the world travel to this area for camping, hiking, fishing, skiing, sightseeing and
other recreation opportunities.
More Info
The official website for Tahoe National Forest, managed by USDA Forest Service. The website serves as a communication and business tool for the forest.
the mountains of the Foresthill Divide and the Tahoe National Forest. Guided Trail Rides, Pack Charters, Lessons. Ponderosa Trail
Foresthill Divide and Tahoe National Forest. Enjoy Horseback
the San Bernardino Mountains 4Wheeler?s Guide Trails of the Tahoe National Forest Fire on the Mountain The Abilene Paradox 4 Wheelers Guide Trails of the Tahoe National Forest This new, 144-page
com Regional Firefighters Continue Battling Lightning Fires on Tahoe National Forest By Mary GrimTahoe National Forest Sep 1
moved across the Tahoe National Forest on August 31, 2003
YubaNet.com Regional Codfish Fire still burning on Tahoe National Forest By Mary GrimTahoe National Forest Sep 2, 2003, 0746 Twenty-five fires in the Tahoe National Forest resulted from 130
Tahoe National Forest
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