Nestled high in the Sierra Nevada at nearly 7,000 feet, Tamarack Lodge in Bear Valley is the kind of place that travelers return to year after year. It’s welcoming, unpretentious, and dedicated to the quiet joys of mountain life. Whether blanketed in winter snow or alive with summer greenery, the lodge stands as a home base for those who want to explore alpine lakes, hiking trails, ski runs, and scenic highways without sacrificing comfort or spending a fortune.
Located right along the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway (Highway 4), Tamarack Lodge sits among towering pines, open meadows, and crisp mountain air. It’s a lodge where families cook together in a shared kitchen, where kids sled just steps from the front porch, and where evenings often end around a campfire with a marshmallow in hand. It’s mountain living that is simple, peaceful, and close to everything Bear Valley is known for.
The Spirit and Character of Tamarack Lodge
What sets Tamarack Lodge apart is not just its location, but its atmosphere. It is family-run and family-friendly, something you can feel from the moment you walk through the front door. There is no corporate polish here—no standard hotel sterility. Instead, Tamarack Lodge offers warmth, familiarity, and the quiet sense that everyone is welcome.
What People Love About the Lodge
- A welcoming staff that treats guests like neighbors
- A relaxed, cabin-style environment—not fancy, just comfortable
- A community spirit that encourages conversation and connection
- Spaces that make groups, friends, and families feel at home
Travelers who stay here tend to value authenticity and outdoor access more than luxury décor. The lodge encourages guests to slow down, unplug when needed, or share a movie, a meal, or a game together in the common spaces. It’s not uncommon to see hikers trading trail tips, families playing board games by the fire, or cyclists sipping morning coffee before a ride along Highway 4.
Location: Right at the Heart of Bear Valley Adventure
Address: 18278 CA-4 (Highway 4), Bear Valley, CA 95223
Tamarack Lodge couldn’t be in a more convenient location for nature lovers and seasonal travelers. It sits on one of California’s most scenic mountain routes, offering immediate access to recreational areas, lakes, and trails.
Nearby Highlights
| Attraction / Destination | Distance from Lodge | Seasonal Appeal | What Makes it Special |
| Bear Valley Village | 2 minutes | All year | Coffee shops, outdoor rentals, dining, small-town charm |
| Bear Valley Mountain Resort | ~10 minutes | Winter/Spring | Downhill skiing & snowboarding |
| Bear Valley Cross Country & Adventure Co. | ~2 minutes | Winter | 3,000+ acres of cross-country and snowshoe trails |
| Lake Alpine | ~10 minutes | Summer/Fall | Swimming, kayaking, picnics, fishing |
| Spicer, Utica & Union Reservoirs | ~20–35 minutes | Summer | Stunning paddling, paddleboard-friendly lakes |
| Big Trees State Park (Calaveras) | ~30–40 minutes | All year | Giant sequoia groves and surreal forest trails |
| Murphys, CA | ~45 minutes | All year | Wine tasting, shops, restaurants, historic charm |
The lodge’s location makes it a perfect base for ski weekends, fishing trips, hiking vacations, family reunions, or simply a peaceful getaway.
Lodging Options: Something for Every Traveler
Tamarack Lodge offers multiple room styles, each tailored to different travel preferences. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or part of a large group, there’s space to fit your style.
1. Main Lodge Rooms (Shared Bathrooms)
These rooms are comfortable and budget-friendly, ideal for guests who want affordability and a sense of community. The shared bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, and the atmosphere is very “lodge-like”—warm wood tones, cozy bedding, and easy access to all common areas.
Best For:
- Solo travelers
- Couples on a budget
- Groups of friends
- Guests who value access to shared lounge and kitchen spaces
2. Back Chalet Rooms (Private Bathrooms)
For those who want more privacy, the back chalet rooms offer private bathrooms while still being connected to the lodge environment. These rooms feel quieter and are often chosen by couples or families who want comfort without disconnecting from the lodge’s shared spaces.
Best For: Couples, parents with young kids, or anyone who prefers not to share facilities.
3. Barn / Kitchen Condo Unit
This accommodation offers a private kitchen, making it a great option for long stays, families who prefer cooking their own meals, or groups traveling together. It has the feel of a cabin-home while still giving access to the main lodge amenities.
Best For: Multi-day stays, cooking enthusiasts, families.
4. Campsites & RV Spaces
When weather allows, Tamarack Lodge also hosts campers and RV travelers who want to be close to nature but still near restroom access and lodge amenities.
Best For: Road trippers, outdoor purists, budget travelers.
Guest Amenities & Shared Spaces
The lodge’s common areas are part of what gives it such a warm and inviting personality. These spaces make it easy for guests to settle in, relax, and feel connected.
Common Spaces Include:
- Large fireplace lounge for warming up after a day outside
- Guest-use kitchen for cooking meals with the whole group
- Library and reading nooks
- Kids play area (great for family trips)
- Satellite TV/DVD lounge
- Free Wi-Fi (lodge-wide)
Outdoor Amenities
- Picnic spaces and outdoor seating
- Snow play areas in winter
- A simple, family-friendly sledding hill
- Firepit with daily marshmallow roast tradition
The shared kitchen, in particular, encourages travelers to cook together, share meals, and connect casually with other adventurers. It creates something close to a cabin community vibe—rare in modern travel.
Winter at Tamarack Lodge: Snow Country at its Best
Bear Valley is one of the most reliable winter recreation zones in the Sierra Nevada, and Tamarack Lodge makes the experience both easy and memorable.
Winter Perks
- Complimentary snowshoe use
- Sledding area right on the property
- Quick access to world-class cross-country skiing terrain
- Only minutes from Bear Valley Mountain Resort for downhill skiing and snowboarding
Winter evenings at the lodge feel like something out of a storybook: guests warming up by the fire, trading adventure stories, cocoa simmering in the kitchen, snow drifting onto pine branches outside. It’s quiet, clean, simple mountain winter at its best.
Summer & Fall Adventures: Lakes, Trails, Meadows, and Forest Air
When the snow melts, Tamarack Lodge becomes a gateway to some of the most scenic lake and wilderness landscapes in the region.
Warm-Weather Activities
- Hiking: Alpine lakes, forest trails, gentle meadows, and summit climbs nearby
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Especially at Utica, Spicer, and Union Reservoirs
- Fishing in cold, clear Sierra streams
- Cycling & Mountain Biking along Highway 4 and networked trails
- Picnicking & swimming at Lake Alpine and nearby lakes
- Stargazing under some of California’s darkest skies
A summer visit often involves mornings outside, afternoons by the water, and evenings back at the lodge with a simple meal and fresh air drifting in through open windows.
Rustic Wedding & Event Hosting
For those planning weddings or group gatherings, Tamarack Lodge offers something unusually special: 5 acres of private land and the ability to host groups overnight. This makes weddings, retreats, reunions, and celebrations feel personal and connected—not rushed or commercial.
Why People Choose Tamarack Lodge for Weddings
- Exclusive use of lodge and land for the event
- Lodging for up to 50 guests on-site
- A natural, mountain landscape backdrop
- Informal, heartfelt, and customizable
- Great for couples who want simplicity over spectacle
This is not a ballroom venue. It’s a mountain gathering place, perfect for people who want something intimate, outdoorsy, and grounded.
Food & Dining Options Nearby
Since Tamarack Lodge offers a guest-use kitchen, many travelers enjoy preparing meals together. However, there are local food spots that are worth exploring.
Nearby Food Stops
| Area | What You’ll Find | Notes |
| Bear Valley Village | Cafés, casual meals, drinks | Very close, great for easy dining |
| Arnold | Grocery stores, pizza, family restaurants | About 30 minutes down the hill |
| Murphys | Wine tasting, farm-to-table dining, historic cafés | Perfect for a day trip lunch or dinner |
Cooking at the lodge can be part of the charm—but the surrounding areas offer great options for exploring local flavors.
Trip Planning Tips
Because Tamarack Lodge sits in a mountain climate, conditions can shift quickly, especially in winter.
When to Visit
- Winter: Skiing, snowshoeing, cozy lodge evenings
- Spring: Quieter season, blooming meadows
- Summer: Lakes, trails, long days, warm sun
- Fall: Crisp air, colorful foliage, great hiking temperatures
Pack For:
- Layered clothing
- Outdoor footwear
- Sunscreen (even in winter—the snow reflects sunlight!)
- Reusable water bottles
- Snacks for long days on trails or lakes
Highway 4 Access Notes
- The road beyond the lodge toward Ebbetts Pass closes in winter
- Road conditions can change day-to-day during snowfall—check before traveling
- The lodge is accessible all year from the west (via Arnold/Murphys/Angels Camp)
Who Will Love Tamarack Lodge Most
Tamarack Lodge is especially well-suited to:
- Families with children
- Budget-conscious travelers who don’t need luxury finishes
- Skiers, snowboarders, cross-country explorers
- Paddlers and lake-lovers
- Hikers, trail runners, and nature wanderers
- Multi-family reunions or group trips
- Couples who prefer quiet mountain charm over tourist-heavy resort towns
If your ideal trip involves fresh air, simple comforts, scenic beauty, and easy access to the outdoors, Tamarack Lodge fits the description.
Final Thoughts
Tamarack Lodge is the kind of place that stays with you. It offers the charm of a rustic mountain lodge, the convenience of a central location, and the warmth of a place that truly welcomes people. With room styles for every traveler, shared spaces that encourage connection, and access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Sierra, it remains one of Bear Valley’s most enduring and beloved lodging choices.
Whether you’re coming with a pair of skis, a paddleboard, hiking boots, or simply a desire for quiet scenery and fresh alpine air, Tamarack Lodge provides the perfect launch point.
It’s not just a lodge. It’s the start of your Bear Valley stories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Tamarack Lodge is located at 18278 CA-4 in Bear Valley, California, along the Ebbetts Pass National Scenic Byway.
Yes, private bathrooms are available in the Back Chalet rooms, while the Main Lodge features shared bathrooms.
Yes, the lodge has a shared guest kitchen as well as a private kitchen option in the Barn/Condo unit.
It is about a 10-minute drive from the lodge to the Bear Valley ski lifts.
Yes, Tamarack Lodge is very family-friendly, offering kid play areas, snow play zones, and group accommodations.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge.
Yes, the lodge can accommodate groups of up to around 50 guests.
Complimentary snowshoes are available for guests during winter.
Policies can vary by room type, so it’s best to confirm directly when booking.
Yes, it is open year-round, although Highway 4 beyond the lodge may close seasonally due to snow.
Yes, Tamarack Lodge offers seasonal campsites and RV parking spaces.
Yes, the lodge offers a rustic wedding and event venue option with access to the lodge and surrounding land.
