Pole Creek, Bradley Hut, & Silver Mountain

Both Pole and Deep Creek are within the Pole Creek OSV Closure Area. Most of the skiing is done on logging roads but the area opens into large meadows setting under the shadow of the Sierra Crest.

Silver Peak at 8424’is a destination treasure that remains hidden from all but the adventurous backcountry skier or snowshoer

...the area is less than 10 minutes from Truckee and a steaming Mocha Grande or warm fire and a cold drink. Ah solitude!

DESCRIPTION:

The Bradley Hut, managed by the Sierra Club, sits on the lower edge of one of the meadows.

Silver Peak at 8424’is a destination treasure that remains hidden from all but the adventurous backcountry skier or snowshoer. Yet, the peak is right there for all to enjoy when we pause long enough to pick her out from her bigger cousins along the Sierra Crest which crosses behind her western flank. Generally, only snowshoers and hikers can make it to the top of Silver Peak.

In addition to great snow, varied terrain, and lots of area to spread a relatively small number of skiers out, the area is less than 10 minutes from Truckee and a steaming Mocha Grande or warm fire and a cold drink. Ah solitude!

This is another area that a good topographic map showing most of the roads is invaluable.

Parking Elevation:	6200 feet	Base Elevation:	6200 feet	Summit Elevation:	8949 feet
Description	Bradley Hut 7520’, Silver Peak 8424’, Tinkers Knob 8949’.
Snowfall	0 inches	Season	December through March. Silver Peak can be skied well into April.

Parking:	Plowed with no fees	Skiable Area	500 acres	Groomed	No	Terain Park	No
Snowmaking
Runs		Beginner	0%	Intermediate	0%	Expert	0%
Lifts	0	Types

Contact(s)	Tahoe National Forest: 530-265-4531
Website(s)

DIRECTIONS:

To Pole Creek, Bradley Hut, & Silver Mountain

Travel south from Truckee on Highway 89 towards Tahoe City. Drive south for about 7 miles from the I-80 exit then turn right onto the Pole Creek Road #08. The road is not well marked at the intersection with the highway but there is a wide space that is usually plowed on the right side of the highway.

ACTIVITIES:

Snowshoeing (Rating: Good)

Difficulty: Difficult

Snowshoers can travel the 5 miles upstream to the Bradley Hut and the grade and elevation climb is not difficult. But the best terrain for playing is beyond the hut; so only those with overnight reservations at the Bradley Hut or the heartiest of snowshoers tackle that long of a trek and return to the highway in the same day.

Snowmobiling: Prohibited

Skiing - Cross-country (Rating: Exceptional)

Difficulty: Moderate

There are no marked trails but roads up Deep and Pole Creeks are easy to follow. The #08 Road up Pole Creek will take you directly by the Bradley Hut which is maintained and operated on a reservation basis by the Sierra Club. The hut is very popular and reservations, especially for weekends, need to be made months ahead. It is open to everyone, but Sierra Club members who help maintain the hut system get a priority. Meadows open before you at the hut’s front door and combined with the road systems there is considerable skiable terrain at the head of Pole Creek.

Silver Peak lies to the south west corner of the over the snow vehicle closure area and is hard to miss although choosing the right logging road to approach the top can be confusing. From the Pole Creek Road #08, turn left on the #08.1 after traveling west from Highway 89 just under two miles. In all, the total climb from Highway 89 is over 2400’ in elevation. Although over half can be done on logging roads. The final 1004’ climb in elevation up the northeast ridge and above the roads is steep enough to eliminate all but the heartiest of skiers and snowshoers. That last steep slope can be more easily climbed by snowshoers than skiers - who usually have to climb the last slope with skies strapped to their back. Winds and sun-packed, wind-swept snow at the crest can discourage staying long. Under really icy conditions crampons and ice axes are in order for the final assent. But the view is worth it. That’s Heaven(ly) Ski Area you see at the far end of the majestic view up the full length of Lake Tahoe. To the west is a huge expanse of the Sierra Crest. Squaw Valley lies practically at your feet. Squaw’s alpine skiers seem close enough that you will try to see if their smiles are as big as yours.

The heartiest and most savvy skiers can also follow snow-covered ORV roads to the Coldstream Trail and then continue up that trail to Tinkers Knob on top of the Sierra Crest. Avalanches are a possible danger; so don’t even try it unless you know your way and are properly equipped.

Difficulty: Least, More, and Most Difficult - your choice. The majority of the area is More Difficult.