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Historic Markleeville, CA Visitor's Guide

12/6/2019

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Why visit the rural mountain town of Markleeville, California, in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains near South Lake Tahoe? If you want a historic pitstop, complete relaxation, and cell phone silence (you may not have reception), Markleeville is your destination for a step back in time. It is a quaint, picturesque town with approximately 210 citizens in population, a few cats and dogs, and a short drive if you are visiting South Lake Tahoe. The popularity for most visitors is to camp, hike, bike, and fish near the Carson River. I am just going to confess that I am way too lazy for all of that! I come for the serene beauty, country back roads, and to eat locally at The J. Marklee Toll Station restaurant and bar. ​
​


​Markleeville, CA Quick Guide:

Elevation:
5531
Weather:
Monthly averages​
Restaurant Recommendation:
J Marklee Toll Station & Bar
Hotel and Camping Recommendations:
Sorensen's Resort
J Marklee Toll Station

​Markleeville Campground

Visit:
Alpine County Museum
Jacob J. Marklee Historical Marker
Carson River, Mountains, Bridges, and Death Ride

​
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J. Marklee Toll Station Restaurant and Bar, 14856 State Route 89, Markleeville, CA 96120 (Main Street in town)
I absolutely love burgers! The burger at J. Marklee Toll Station ranks in my top favorites! It was served on a homemade toasted buttery sourdough bread and the tomatoes were so fresh you wondered if they were grown in the back and picked 30 minutes before dinner. Instead of fries, I had a side of roasted potatoes which had the right balance of seasoning. Everything my husband and I put in our mouth was so good! 
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​ Lodging and camping recommendations:

  • J Marklee Toll Station, in town. Call 530-694-2507. Food picture above.
  • ​Sorensen's Resort, 14 miles away but worth the drive. I highly recommend ordering the Quiche for breakfast. 
  • Carson Valley Inn and Casino. 21 miles away in Minden, NV. Spacious, clean rooms with a good steak house - CV Steakhouse. 
  • Markleeville Campground. Open April 24 to September 7th.
  • Grover Hot Spring State Park. Open year round.
  • Turtle Rock Park Campground. Open approximately May to early October.



Markleeville Historical and Cultural Attractions: 

In town, you can visit the historically marked homesite of Jacob J. Marklee, the town's namesake, and even have a picnic at the tables provided. Marklee, in 1861, is infamously known for founding a toll bridge crossing the Carson River. He aimed to tap into the traffic from the silver mining boom at Silver Mountain City. In 1863, Marklee died after being involved in a real wild west dispute and gunfight. ​
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Markleeville ca, Jacob J. Marklee historical marker, Markleeville ca things to do, Jacob Markley

In Markleeville, you will also find the Alpine County Museum perched on a hillside with pristine views of the valley. 
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The museum displays many artifacts from early settlers, miners, and Indians. There are also old buildings and impressive old equipment to view and touch. 
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​If you have children, watch them in bewilderment as they see a historic schoolhouse and possible haunted jail right next to each other, although I am sure it was not the intention of the Alpine County Courthouse. Hours of visitation are limited; please check their website www.alpinecountymuseum.org. If they are closed, you can still walk around and see the buildings, large equipment, and view. 
​​
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There are even rumors the old jailhouse is haunted. 

Fishing on the East Fork Carson River

Markleeville, and the East Fork Carson River, is a destination for many people who love to fish. Here are a few pictures to get you excited if this is your passion.
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Jim Soto of Cambria, CA with his rainbow trout catch.
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Kaare Fladby of Gardnerville, NV all decked out in his fishing gear and catch of the day.


​Markleeville also hosts an annual bicycle ride famously called the Death Ride - Tour of the California Alps. Death Ride is one of the premier cycling events of the West. The route goes over five passes for a total distance of 129 miles and over 15,000 feet of elevation gain. Next year's date is July 11, 2020.
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​What is your favorite restaurant in Markleeville? What is your favorite activity to do there? I would love to hear from you, please leave me a reply. Thank you, Linda
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    Author

    My love for travel began with my parents and my dad, in particular, who loves to explore. When I was young, we camped and fished. My dad taught me to respect communities, history, and the environment. He was environmentally conscious before it was even a term.  

    Please follow my blog posts to help support small businesses and entrepreneurs and remember to shop local. Thank you, Linda

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