Perazzo Meadows

Project at a Glance

Year conserved: 2009
Acres: 982
Project partners: Truckee Donner Land Trust, The Trust for Public Land
Owned by: U.S. Forest Service
Things to do: Picnicking, birding, walking, hiking

Conservation History & Values

In 2009, the Truckee Donner Land Trust and The Trust for Public Land acquired 982 acres in Perazzo Meadows to complete the protection of this ecologically rich meadow complex. Sustained by the Little Truckee River, which meanders lazily through this spectacular landscape, Perazzo Meadows hosts nesting populations of the elusive willow flycatcher, a neotropical bird that flies here from Mexico every summer to nest. Upland forests of lodgepole pine, white fir, jeffrey pine and aspen support an abundance of wildlife, including pine marten, mule deer, mountain lion and even an elusive wolverine nicknamed “Buddy”.

Recreation & Restoration

After its purchase, the Land Trust teamed up with the U.S. Forest Service and the Truckee River Watershed Council to restore the Little Truckee River as it flows through the property. The goals of the project were to reduce erosion and re-establish the critical connection between river and meadow by restoring the elevation and sinuosity of the river channel. The project improved the condition of the meadow by raising the water table and improved habitat for native fish and wildlife by enhancing flows, reducing water temperatures and encouraging the growth of riparian vegetation along the bank.

The Truckee Donner Land Trust also built a new trailhead, interpretative trail and picnic area on a bluff above the river, creating a lovely departure point for visitors wanting to explore Perazzo Meadows and the Little Truckee River. More serious hikers can combine a visit to Perazzo Meadows with a hike up the Mt. Lola Trail, which can be reached by continuing east another mile along Henness Pass Road.

In 2020, the Truckee Donner Land Trust transferred this property to the Tahoe National Forest, which now owns and manages the entire Perazzo Meadows complex for wildlife habitat, watershed restoration and recreation.

Planning Your Visit

The information kiosk at the parking area will help you get oriented. From there you can walk to one of two picnic areas or follow a 1.5 mile interpretive trail along the river. Please note that Perazzo Meadows is open for day use only.

Directions

From Truckee, Follow Highway 89 N for approximately 14.5 miles to Jackson Meadows Road.
Turn left off the highway and then left onto Jackson Meadows Rd.
Follow for approx. 1.5 miles and turn Left/South at sign for “Independence Lake – 5 miles.”
After proceeding approximately 0.7 miles down the dirt road, turn right onto Henness Pass road when you reach the four-way intersection.
Travel a little over two miles until you reach the Perazzo Meadows preserve. You should see signs for Little Truckee River Access.