Waddle Ranch

In 2007, a “No Trespassing” sign came down at Waddle Ranch, opening the gates to a landscape that had been closed off to the public for half a century. For the first time in 50 years, communities around Martis Valley were invited to explore the vibrant landscape, rich with wildlife and history. Just minutes from downtown Truckee, Waddle Ranch stretches out as a tapestry of lush meadows, forests, and sweeping mountain vistas, offering locals and visitors a place to experience the enduring beauty of the Sierra Nevada.

North of Highway 267, Waddle Ranch, stands as the most biologically diverse property in the region, serving as a vital corridor for wildlife. Deer, birds, mountain lions, black bears, and countless other species now have a protected space that connects Martis Valley to the Tahoe National Forest, the Martis Creek Lake National Recreation Area, and the Mount Rose Wilderness Area. This 1,462-acre haven is not only awe-inducing, but it’s critical to the ecological health of the region, offering safe passage for species that have long been integral to the land.

Waddle Ranch’s story is also a testament to collaborative conservation. Once threatened by large-scale development, including proposals for condos and golf courses, this landscape is now permanently protected through the efforts of Trust for Public Land (TPL), Truckee Donner Land Trust (TDLT), public agencies and thousands of individuals. In place of concrete and condos, there are tranquil trails, restored meadows, and scenic pathways for hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing.

“The protection of Waddle Ranch is the culmination of six years of dedicated work by a coalition,” says David Sutton, Sierra Program Director for TPL-California. Once off-limits, this land now serves as a model for conservation throughout the Sierra Nevada and provides a cherished gathering place where communities can experience the timeless beauty of California’s natural landscapes, safeguarded for generations to come.