Find the Best Things to Do in Woodfords/Markleeville
By Christina Nellemann
Reno and Tahoe Local Expert
About Woodfords/Markleeville
Photo courtesy of Christina Nellemann
Markeeville and Woodfords are tiny communities just south of Lake Tahoe on Highway 89. Woodfords really only has a general store and a small church, but Markleeville has several restaurants, a hotel and some art studios as well as the popular Grover Hot Springs. Markeeville is home to about 200 people, but is a popular destination for people on their way to and from the Yosemite area to Lake Tahoe as well as numerous bikers who tend to make the Wolf Creek Restaurant and the Cutthroat Saloon a stopover.
See & Do
If you are looking for a hot springs resort with a great view, Grover Hot Springs is in a wonderful location. The springs are not very large, but the view from the pool is pretty spectacular. The main pool is hot and natural with a green tinge that is caused by the underground minerals. There is also a colder swimming pool that is perfect for families in the summertime. The hot springs also has a state park with about 70 camping sites, bathrooms and showers and a few hiking trails.
Eat
The Wolf Creek Restaurant is popular spot for bikers and rustic locals, but they are friendly and open to visitors. You can dine either inside in the western-style lounge area or outside on the deck. The Wolf Creek serves breakfast and brunch like pancakes and waffles, omelets and really good coffee. Their lunches are basic sandwiches, salads and soups and their dinners are Latin or Italian inspired. After dinner, hang out at the bar with the locals and have a choice of several beers on draft. Some nights they have live music and open mic night.
Party
The Cutthroat Saloon in the Wolf Creek Restaurant is a rowdy and popular spot for locals and bikers coming through town, however they are friendly to visitors and this is a great place to find out where to go fishing or hiking. They serve a variety of beers on tap as well as cocktails and wine. The place can get a bit noisy on weekend nights, but the hotel is right next door if you want to escape for the night.
Stay
The Creekside Lodge has recently been remodeled to match its beautiful location. The 11 rooms are decorated in a rustic, but comfortable style and include ceiling fans and queen size beds. The hotel is located right next to the Wolf Creek Restaurant and is right in the middle of the small town of Markleeville. Coffee, hot tea and hot chocolate are available in the lobby.
Shop
The Markleville General Store is one of the only stores in town and is a fun stop for drinks, snacks, fishing gear, clothing and local art. They also have an ATM and take credit cards, which is unusual for such a small town. They have an antique collection and a fun front porch usually has a few locals hanging around and shooting the breeze. This is small town living at its best.