Schallenberger Ridge Part

Pretty ascent up the side of the ridge with good distant views of Donner Lake and Coldstream Valley when the trees thinned out. Easy access from the freeway.

This was our first time here and we accidentally picked a slower way to start up the ridge and did not make it to the peak. I think we could have done the estimated 5 miles round trip and 1,400’ climb with an earlier start and a faster route.

The trailhead is popular for skiing and snowshoeing in the flats as well as on the ridge. There was a well packed track from the trailhead across the open area which split at the base of the ridge shortly after entering the trees. We went right then turned off on a steep track up the side of the ridge. The way we returned would have been faster. We intersected the easier and much more traveled main trail along the spine of the ridge. It was unobstructed as far as we went with good views to both sides as the ridge narrowed. The main trail crossed a plowed dirt access road between the ends of the railroad tunnel going under the ridge. I don’t know if that road is open to the public. On our return trip we stayed on the main track past where we intersected it until it split into smaller tracks as the ridge widened. Instead of continuing straight, down a steeper section, we followed a branch down a moderate slope to Cold Stream Drive. We did not see a friendly way to follow it on snowshoes due to a berm of icy chunks of plowed snow on the shoulder. It was possible to drive to that point but I don’t know if there is room to park or how easy it would be to turn around. I gather from other snowshoe trips on this site that Cold Stream Drive is not always plowed and can be part of an alternate trip from the trailhead.

There are just a few official parking places at the trail head. Cold Stream Road to the trailhead is paved and was plowed wide enough to allow for a lot of parking on the side. Two way traffic required cooperation. There are intimidating signs at the trailhead guarding the snow covered access to the open field saying no parking, do not enter, no trespassing and especially no brush dumping! All but the latter don’t seem to apply in the winter. I think Cold Stream Road is only open November to April when Donner Memorial State Park is closed. The rest of the year you have to pay to enter through the park. No fees or facilities at the trailhead, but civilization is nearby. Dogs were common.