🥁 Drum roll, please…
One of our favorite places to hike in the South Lake Tahoe area is Van Sickle Bi-State Park.
And there is something pretty special about this trail: you can hike between two states on the same adventure! 🥾🌲
📸 Take only pictures and memories. Leave only footprints. 👣
🐾 And yes, that means packing out your dogs’ waste, too!
We absolutely love hiking here. The trail is dog-friendly, the views are incredible, and the scenery seems to change every time we turn around. One minute you are walking through the forest, and before you know it, you are looking out at one of the most spectacular views of Lake Tahoe.
It is hard to believe that you can leave the hustle and bustle of Stateline and South Lake Tahoe behind so quickly. In just a short hike, the sounds of the busy streets seem to disappear, and you are surrounded by trees, rocks, mountain air and Tahoe views.
And then there is that moment when you stop, look out over the lake and think…
Yep. This is why we hike.
Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, and the views from the Van Sickle trails give you a wonderful perspective of just how magnificent it really is.
The park also borders the Heavenly ski area. If you have ever skied Heavenly, you already know that the views are something special. Seeing that same landscape in the summer, fall, spring or winter while hiking with your dog gives you an entirely different appreciation for it.
We have been hiking here for years—more times than I can count—and it remains one of those places we are always happy to return to.
Our favorite? The Van Sickle Waterfall hike.
So, let’s talk about what you should know before you go.
A Short Hike With a Little “Whoa!” Built In
When you first read about this hike, you might think, Oh, that’s an easy little walk.
Don’t let the mileage fool you.
The hike we are talking about is approximately 2.3 miles round trip with about 528 feet of elevation gain. The distance isn’t what makes it challenging. It is where you gain that elevation.
There is a section with steep switchbacks, rocks and a narrower trail, so you may need to step aside to allow hikers coming in the opposite direction to pass.
That’s one reason we agree with the moderate rating you’ll often see for this hike.
It is absolutely doable for many people and families—but “short” doesn’t necessarily mean “easy.”
And that’s one of our favorite hiking lessons:
Know what you’re getting into, prepare for it, and then have fun!
Yes, You Really Can Hike in Two States!
That’s one of the fun things about Van Sickle Bi-State Park.
The park straddles California and Nevada, making it possible to experience both states during your adventure.
The park is also a gateway to the Tahoe Rim Trail, and Nevada State Parks describes Van Sickle as one of the most accessible parks in the Tahoe Basin, with trails offering views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding peaks.
It is one of those places where you can get a real taste of the Tahoe backcountry without having to commit to an all-day expedition.
The Waterfall
Let’s talk about the waterfall.
It isn’t a giant, roaring waterfall—and that’s okay!
It is pretty, peaceful and worth the walk.
The amount of water you see can vary dramatically depending on the season. During periods of snowmelt in spring, you may see considerably more water. In winter, the flow can be minimal or the conditions can be icy.
And here’s an important reminder:
Don’t drink from the waterfall or other natural water sources.
Even if the water looks crystal clear, you have no idea what may be upstream.
We always bring enough water for ourselves and our dogs rather than relying on finding water along the trail.
We Hike Here Year-Round
One of the things we love about Tahoe is that every season gives you a completely different hiking experience.
We’ve hiked Van Sickle in all seasons.
But winter hiking is a different animal.
Snow, ice, changing weather and slippery trails can turn a familiar summer hike into a much more challenging adventure. Appropriate winter clothing, traction and snow gear aren’t optional when conditions require them.
If you aren’t experienced with hiking in snow and icy mountain conditions, this probably isn’t the time to learn.
There is nothing wrong with turning around and saying, “We’ll come back another day.”
That’s not giving up.
That’s being prepared.
Dogs Are Welcome—But Keep Them Leashed
One of the reasons this is such a favorite for us is that our dogs can enjoy the adventure, too.
Nevada State Parks says pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet.
And believe us, this is one place where keeping your dog leashed makes a lot of sense.
You may encounter hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians on the trails. A dog that is friendly with you isn’t necessarily comfortable around every horse, bicycle or stranger coming around a corner.
A leash helps keep everyone safe—including your dog.
And, of course:
🐾 Pack the poop bags.
The goal is simple:
📸 Take only pictures and memories. Leave only footprints.
That means ours, too!
Wildlife Is Part of the Adventure
You’re in the mountains, so remember that you’re visiting the homes of wildlife.
Depending on the season and conditions, you may encounter or see signs of animals such as:
- 🐻 Bears
- 🦌 Deer
- 🦊 Coyotes
- Mountain lions
- 🐍 Rattlesnakes
- 🐿️ Rodents
- 🕷️ Ticks and other insects
That doesn’t mean you should be afraid to hike.
It means you should pay attention to where you are.
California health officials specifically recommend avoiding contact with wild rodents, their burrows and their fleas because plague can occur in rural and mountainous areas of California. Pets can also become sick.
So don’t let your dog investigate a dead animal or stick its nose into a rodent burrow. Talk with your veterinarian about appropriate flea and tick prevention for your dog before heading into the mountains.
Wildlife awareness is just another part of being a prepared hiker.
Be Prepared—and Then Go Have Fun!
We know that reading about everything you could encounter on a hike can make it sound like you’re preparing for an expedition to the Arctic.
We’re not trying to scare you away from hiking.
Quite the opposite!
We want you to go.
We want you to enjoy the trail, enjoy the views, breathe the mountain air and make those memories with your family and your dogs.
But being prepared is what allows you to relax and enjoy yourself.
Before heading out, we recommend knowing:
- What trail you’re hiking
- How long it is
- How much elevation gain there is
- What the weather is doing
- What the trail conditions are
- What wildlife you may encounter
- How much water you and your dog will need
- What you’ll do if someone gets hurt
- When you expect to be back
We also like to make sure someone who isn’t hiking with us knows where we’re going and when we expect to return.
It’s a simple thing that could become very important if something unexpected happens.
Our Hiking Philosophy: Prepare, Then Play!
We like to think of it this way:
Plan ahead.
Know your trail, check the weather and understand what you’re getting yourself into.
Pack for the unexpected.
You don’t need to carry your entire house on your back, but you should have the essentials to deal with an injury, weather change, getting turned around or taking longer than expected.
Know your limits.
The Tahoe area is at high elevation, and a hike that feels easy at home may feel very different here.
Listen to your body.
And listen to your dog.
If either of you isn’t having a good day, there is absolutely no shame in turning around.
Stay calm.
Preparation isn’t about expecting something to go wrong.
It’s about knowing that if something does go wrong, you have a plan.
And when you have a plan, you can spend more time enjoying the fun stuff.
What We Carry for Ourselves
Our hiking essentials include things such as:
☀️ Sun protection — sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
🧭 Navigation — map, compass and a charged phone/GPS device.
💧 Water — plenty for the hike, plus extra. Dehydration at high elevations is a real thing. You can read more: https://www.hydrapak.com/blogs/beyond-adventure/high-altitude-hydration?srsltid=AfmBOopNGNEca5QGuN1QDXkNgyS5tiUlDDJwg_SJi2grX-4lSgqKFmZa#:~:text=In%20short%2C%20at%20higher%20elevations,and%20your%20body%20loses%20water (This is not an affiliate link.)
🥨 Food — snacks and some extra emergency calories.
🔦 Light — a headlamp or flashlight, even if you don’t expect to be out after dark.
🩹 First-aid supplies — including blister care.
🔥 Emergency fire-starting supplies — where appropriate and permitted.
🛠️ Basic repair tools — a small multitool and some duct tape can be surprisingly useful.
🧥 Extra clothing — mountain weather can change quickly.
And remember: the exact gear you need depends on the season and current trail conditions.
And Our Dogs Get Their Own Gear, Too!
Our dogs aren’t just passengers on the adventure.
They have their own little hiking pack!
We carry:
💧 Extra water for the dogs. Dogs can dehydrate too!
🥣 A collapsible bowl.
🦴 Food or high-energy treats.
🩹 A dog first-aid kit.
🐾 Paw protection, depending on the season and trail conditions.
🎒 A sturdy leash and harness.
💩 Poop bags—lots of them.
🆔 Identification, because you can never be too careful.
And for longer or more remote adventures, we also think about how we would get a dog out if they became injured and couldn’t walk.
Because let’s be honest: your dog isn’t going to suddenly pull out a map and say, “I think we should take the emergency exit.”
That’s our job.
A Note About Access Right Now
There is currently construction happening at Van Sickle Bi-State Park.
As of summer 2026, Nevada State Parks says the main park road is closed beyond the California day-use area, making the Nevada day-use area and Nevada parking lot inaccessible during construction. The California side remains open during normal operating hours, although visitors should expect limited parking. Nevada-side trails west of the Vista Spur Viewpoint are also closed during the project. Construction is anticipated to continue through Fall 2027.
So please check the official park information before you go, especially if you’re planning a hike that crosses into the Nevada portion of the park.
Van Sickle Bi-State Park — Official Nevada State Parks Information
The Details at a Glance
Location: South Lake Tahoe/Stateline area
Trail: Van Sickle Waterfall and connecting trails
Difficulty: Moderate
Approximate distance: 2.3 miles round trip for the waterfall hike
Elevation gain: Approximately 528 feet
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on leash; Nevada State Parks requires a leash no longer than six feet.
Parking: Conditions and access can vary seasonally. Vehicle access is generally seasonal, and current construction is affecting access to the Nevada side. Check the official park website before your visit. https://parks.nv.gov/parks/lake-tahoe-nevada-state-park-3
Pedestrian access: The park is open to pedestrians year-round from sunrise to sunset.
Bathrooms: Restrooms are available at the park, although seasonal access and construction can affect what is open.
So… Should You Go?
Absolutely!
Just go prepared.
That’s really the whole point.
We don’t hike because everything is perfectly predictable. We hike because it isn’t.
We love the surprise around the next corner.
We love watching the scenery change.
We love reaching a viewpoint and realizing that all that huffing and puffing was worth it.
We love seeing our dogs experience something new.
And we love those quiet moments when you stop walking, take a deep breath and just look.
Van Sickle gives us all of that in one relatively short adventure.
So pack your water.
Pack your snacks.
Pack your dog’s gear.
Pack your poop bags.
Check the weather.
Know your trail.
And then…
GO HAVE SOME FUN! 🥾🐾🌲
Because being prepared doesn’t take the adventure away.
It makes the adventure better.
📸 Take only pictures and memories. Leave only footprints. 👣
And if you’re hiking with your dog…
🐾 Please pack out what your dog leaves behind, too.
That’s how we help keep these beautiful trails beautiful for the next person—and the next dog—to enjoy.
