Hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, camping, guided nature programs, kayaking, exploring – the list of possible experiences at the eight California state parks in the Lake Tahoe-Donner Lake region goes on and on.
Each year more than two million locals and visitors enjoy the activities on the public lands and historic buildings in Burton Creek State Park, D.L. Bliss State Park, Donner Memorial State Park, Emerald Bay State Park, Kings Beach State Recreation Area, Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoe State Recreation Area and Washoe Meadows State Park.
Did you know that keeping these state lands and historic buildings as desirable destinations for each generation takes more time and money than the state of California can contribute? Thankfully, working behind the scenes is Sierra State Parks Foundation (SSPF), a nonprofit group dedicated to offering additional support for these parks. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, SSPF has contributed more than $15 million to the local state parks in the last five decades, most of that amount coming from donations, events and bookstores at park visitor centers.
“If Sierra State Parks Foundation was not involved in supporting our parks, much of what people enjoy and experience would not be there,” explains SSPF Executive Director Heidi Doyle. “For example, the visitors centers might be closed or have shorter hours, facilities would not be as well-kept and repaired and trail signage and other projects might not happen.”
In addition to funding projects, SSPF operates two house museums, two visitor centers and five park stores and provides guided tours and free educational programming. The foundation has a permanent staff of four, which swells to 15 in the summer busy season when more amenities are open. Their work is bolstered by a team of volunteers who collectively contribute more than 1,000 hours of service each year.
Doyle acknowledges the public does not know who has paid for what and that some of the people they encounter in the parks are foundation employees and volunteers, not park rangers. And she says that’s OK. The important thing is that people feel welcome, have a good time and leave having experienced something enjoyable or maybe even feel a bit more educated.
The origins of SSFP date back to 1968 when a group of locals on the North Shore formed the Lake Tahoe Advisory Committee and lobbied the state government not to level the historic 1903 Hellman-Ehrman Mansion. They succeeded, and now that mansion is a state and national landmark open in the summer for tours led by founding members. That early group incorporated as the Lake Tahoe Basin State Parks Association in 1974. The current SSPF name took hold in 1988 and reflects the extensive philanthropic work done by the organization.
In addition to vast swaths of pristine beaches and acres of forest, Tahoe state parks are flush with history. You can tour two historic mansions, Hellman-Ehrman Mansion and Vikingsholm, in the summer or cross-country ski on the same trails Olympians competed on in 1960. You can learn about the ill-fated Donner Party that perished and prevailed crossing the Sierra mountains in 1846- 47 and the Washoe Indian tribe that to this day is an integral part of much of the lands throughout the Tahoe basin.
SSPF docents regale visitors with the history of how the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion and Vikingsholm were built, what they were used for and how they came to be owned by the state and therefore open for all to enjoy.
“These historical landmarks are priceless artifacts of our collective human history as well as our values,” Doyle says.
Upkeep of the parks is continuous to keep them open and desirable. SSFP works hand in hand with the state to prioritize and determine work schedules, and the project list is never-ending. That’s one reason why, in celebration of the 50th anniversary, SSPF is establishing an endowment for the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion, much like what is in place at Vikingsholm. Future plans include site improvements at Donner, refurbishing the nature center at Sugar Pine and helping with signage at Washoe Meadows. The work projects of the Sierra State Parks Foundation are prime examples of park facilities that have relied upon the nonprofit to take a leading role in maintaining and upgrading our treasured Tahoe historic sites and public landscapes for all to enjoy.
“We are blessed to have these amazing public lands in our backyards to use for recreation,” Doyle says.
Beyond the traditional activities the Sierra State Parks Foundation is involved with each year, there will be a bit more of a celebratory atmosphere throughout this summer for the golden anniversary. Various programs, fundraisers and events are planned. Details are available online at sierrastateparks.org.
(530) 583-9911
1295 North Lake Boulevard
Tahoe City, CA 96145
About the Author Kathryn Reed
Kathryn Reed is an award-winning journalist who has been visiting or living at Lake Tahoe since she was a child. She loves the outdoors – whether it's hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing or playing tennis. She is the author of Sleeping with Strangers: An Airbnb Host's Life in Lake Tahoe and Mexico; The Dirt Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Hikes; Snowshoeing Around Lake Tahoe: Must-Do Scenic Treks; and Lake Tahoe Trails for All Seasons: Must-Do Hiking and Snowshoe Treks.
