Photo: Michael Nevins, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Ward Creek Project
🌤 Weather at Ward Creek Project by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–59 °F | 40–78 °F | 26–70 °F | 21–40 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Tahoe City, 3 mi away, elevation 6,230 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌲 Ward Creek Project, listed by California State Parks as Ward Creek Park Property, protects undeveloped forest and meadow beside Ward Creek on Lake Tahoe’s west shore.
California State Parks manages this 179-acre property in Placer County to preserve upland forest and meadowland south of Ward Creek, on the west side of the Lake Tahoe Basin. The property has frontage on Ward Creek and links to other public forest and recreation areas.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | West Lake Boulevard, west shore of Lake Tahoe, Placer County, CA |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Facilities | Parking |
| Dogs | Allowed in developed areas only, not on beaches or dirt trails |
| Phone | (530) 525-9528 (Sierra District) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access this area?
Yes. California State Parks lists the property as open from sunrise to sunset, with parking, hiking trails, geocaching and nature and wildlife viewing. Check current restrictions on the park page before you go.
Why is Lake Tahoe so clear?
Tahoe’s clarity comes from its granite basin — water is filtered through decomposed granite before entering the lake. The lake is also extremely deep (1,645 feet), which dilutes suspended particles. Tahoe holds 39 trillion gallons of water — enough to cover California 14 inches deep. Researchers have tracked clarity declining from 100+ feet in the 1960s to around 70 feet today due to development.
💧 Ward Creek Project
Undeveloped forest and meadow on Ward Creek, managed by California State Parks.
About Ward Creek Project
The property is undeveloped. California State Parks describes it as upland forest and meadowland that preserves regional open space, with frontage on Ward Creek, which drains into Lake Tahoe.
Things to Do
California State Parks lists hiking trails, geocaching and nature and wildlife viewing. Dogs are allowed only in developed areas such as paved roads and parking areas, not on dirt trails.
Getting There
The property lies on the west shore of Lake Tahoe along West Lake Boulevard (State Route 89), south of Tahoe City in Placer County. California State Parks has not yet published written directions; the park page links to a map.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Tahoe beach season. Winter: World-class skiing at nearby resorts. Fall: Aspens turn gold on the west shore. Spring: Snowmelt swells the creek.
Wildlife & Nature
The creek, conifer forest and meadows around Ward Creek are home to black bears, mule deer and mountain chickadees.
Nearby Attractions
Tahoe City lies about 3 miles north on State Route 89. Burton Creek State Park is about 4 miles north and Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park about 5 miles south (straight-line).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ward Creek Project
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Ward Creek Project?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Ward Creek Project
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
