I recently got married in Tamarack at our family cabin across the highway from the Lodge. My friends and I rented out multiple cabins from Carl, including the smaller cabin next to the lodge as well as all 3 bungalows in the back. It was an amazing experience. They were clean, well stocked and it was perfect for my event. Carl has worked really hard to restore and revive both Tamarack lodge as well as the bungalows! Attached are pictures of the smaller cabin we rented next to Tamarack lodge. Super cute!! read more

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We found the lodge to be quite expensive ($200) for what we got. We had Chalet 11 which featured a kitchenette with a faded sofa and a bedroom with a queen and a bunk with a full and a twin. The bathroom was like my first apartment's bathroom from college. The bed was very very soft, which I found uncomfortable. The pillows were okay but for the price, could have been down. The linens and towels were clean. The towels were sort of dingy. The carpet had paint spots. Other than that, the place was clean. There were a couple of large ants in the sink, but luckily, that doesn't bother me too much. The entry into the three-unit chalet was not very charming - lots of cleaning supplies and such - so the entry was not very welcoming. It would have been nice to have instructions for the heater or a more intuitive thermostat. This spot would be nice if you were headed to Bear Valley for a few days, I suppose. Perhaps we caught it off-season. It was a bit of a mess. Perhaps all the debris in the parking area would have been covered by the snow. I think had the room been less expensive, this would have been a four star review with the above caveats. I'd like to give it four stars because it must be hard to run a mountain lodge. Maybe I'll upgrade it later. read more

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This place is absolutely horrible. Booked a night through Airbnb to stay in "Chalet 12." We rolled up to a dimly lit parking lot with quite a few smashed up abandoned cars behind the main lodge. We weren't provided a key code to get in, so we walked up to the main lodge to speak with someone. Everything was locked up, and Karl the "host" was impossible to get ahold of. The login information for the WiFi was incorrect, so our service was spotty. We walked back to the "chalet" through the dark and my boyfriend went up to the door to see if the keypad was even active. He barely touched the door and it went squeaking open. We made our presence known and asked if anyone was there, and it was quiet. There were three small rooms that were "10", "11", and "12" in complete disarray. Beds unmade, mattresses on their sides, towels on the floor, etc. We contacted Karl the "host" and requested a refund through Airbnb. We have not heard a single thing from the owners or the host. Keep in mind- this place is in the middle of nowhere and the "chalet" was in the back in the dark. It was beyond sketchy. We left as quickly as we possible could and had to find another hotel in the middle of the night. My boyfriend and I went back the next day (almost 15 hours later) to see if there was someone to talk to about this, and there was no one again. We went back to the "chalet", and it was still unlocked and trashed as the night before. I also have a video walking through this place the next afternoon and it's just as bad during the day as it was at night. read more

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I've stayed there multiple times over the years, during both winter and summer (camping). Vicky and Tim are wonderful people and there is always a great sense of camaraderie with the other guests, specially in winter. Think of it more as a hostel and more, rather than as a "hotel". Main point of this review is to let people know that Tamarack Lodge changed ownership 2-3 years ago. It was unavailable to the public for some time, and has possibly re-opened. I haven't yet been able to make a booking and the old website is not functional. Since it has changed hands, the older reviews are no longer valid. read more

This review is for the day use pass. $20 to park, sled, relax, have restroom facilities, and the common area and kitchen access is a pretty good deal. The sleds are fun and the Hill is actually properly groomed, like a ski run would be. As far as accommodations, it's rather steep for what you can get for the same price in truckee. The beds are packed into the rooms where there is very little room for luggage or doing anything besides sleeping, no TVs or bathrooms in the rooms. WiFi didn't work at all for us and Verizon barely had a signal. This place is straight out of a Beverly cleary novel. The owners seemed kind and I suppose demand and lack of competition sets the price. read more

I stopped in here while staying at Lake Alpine because I was told thru had a place tio do laundry which is true, though it's mostly for guests I was blown away by how friendly the owner and his sister are. They let me do my laundry (even helped) and showed me around the place. Nice clean rooms, reasonable rates, $5 breakfast! And wifi. I ride this pass from time to time on my motorcycle and will definitely make sure I stay here next time I'm through. read more

I always envied friends who would tell me they were going to their friends' cabin for the weekend to going skiing. They didn't need to figure out which hotel to stay at that would be charging them an arm and a leg for meals and every little amenity. So glad we stubbled upon this B&B a stones' throw from Bear Valley Ski Resort. Well appointed communal kitchen where we could cook lunches and dinners on our own and a a very decent continental breakfast. Open living room area very homey with satellite TV, Wii and various board games, cards and checkers. Rooms nothing fancy, but sufficiently comfortable for the limited time my family of 4 actually sleeping. Otherwise we were either on the slopes or out back sledding or show shoeing around. Not being especially competent skiers to begin with, it was nice that the lodge and surrounding area is very conducive to just playing around in the snow, not just skiing. The lodge has plenty of show shoes and sleds for us to borrow. All in all, great experience as if we were staying at a friend's place. Can't wait to plan our next weekend get away from the Bay Area. Now all we need is it for it to snow this season... read more

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Beds were clean with fresh linen as were the floors. Kitchen had a glass upside down in the dish rack. Bathroom tub had hair in it. The shower curtain had mold and mildew. In the pile of towels there was a filthy one folded up in the clean towels. We could NEVER get WiFi. I called the office and the second night i got a text saying they do have WiFi, I'm too far away, i should go close to the lodge. Hmmn. In a pinch it's a decent bed. read more

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We enjoyed a 3 night stay in this great and friendly lodge. We enjoyed a walk on snowshoes right from the lodge to a great viewing point. Also going to the ski arena for down hill skiing was great. The drive was very easy and short. The kitchen in the lodge was great place to meet other visitors, and we enjoyed also sharing of food from different cultures. A great way to start 2016. read more

Tamarack Lodge - Great view from viewing point on walking distance from lodge - Hotels Near Me - Bear Valley, California

It was our first time camping in America and we really enjoyed our experience! The people working in the lodge were extremely welcoming and kind. There was a good variety of food that you could choose from in the communal kitchen. The showers and bathrooms (although old) could not have been cleaner. There was Netflix inside the lodge but we opted for some of the fun board games and the ping pong table instead. There was a laundry facility in the lodge. The campsites looked pretty basic during the day but the place became magical at night with the fairy lights around the grounds the fire pits crackling! This wold be a great place to have a little romantic get away, camp with a group of friends or even introduce your kids to camping. Really nice atmosphere in this place read more

Tamarack Lodge - Hotels Near Me - Bear Valley, California

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The worst experience I've had at a hotel. The group in the next room played loud music well past midnight, shouting obscenities over each other, banging on the walls, likely drinking heavily or on drugs. They had no regard for others. The back chalet is a death trap. Only one exit since the windows are blocked entirely by snow. No land line phone or cellular service. WiFi is locked. No means to call for help. read more

What a great place to stop and play in the snow! $20.00 and you get to use their sleds, tubes, snow shoes and snowboards! Vicki was a most gracious owner and host. Theres a ping pong table and a kitchen and dining room to eat your picnic meal. Ok to bring your dog on a leash. We will be back Vicki. Thank you! read more

Really good place. Just returned from a wonder trip to Bear Valley with our kids. Found the place on TripAdvisor and stayed in Barn condo. The suit is very clean and well heated; there is a kitchen with everything that you need for a couple of days. Common place, the lodge itself, is a nice dining place. Staff/ the owners, I guess/ were very helpful and welcoming. We'll be definitely be back for another weekend read more

This place is ridiculous. While we were horse back riding on the hotel property. We wanted to use the restroom. They told us we needed to pay $1.00 to use the restroom. The horseback riding was $400.00, for the family, but they still wanted $1.00 to use the restrooms. They want $11.00 to park in the middle of the national forest. I hope someone new buys the place and make it an attraction instead of an eyesore. read more

This place made for a wonderful Memorial Day weekend fishing trip. We were planning to fish Lake Alpine which is a convenient 15-20 minutes away in Bear Valley, and we booked a room here at the last minute. Our hosts/owners Vicky and Tim were wonderful and made great conversation, telling us about the local area and such. Their kids were also really nice. The owners gave VERY clear instructions on checking in with keycode for the front entrance and where our keys would be left if we arrived while they were out. The lodge is a B&B with a shared bathroom (SUPER CLEAN! It's dorm style and I know there were other females staying there for the weekend but there wasn't a hair out of place!) with 3 sinks, 3 toilets, and 3 shower stalls (with attached changing areas). Hot water was plenty and not a problem. Our room was simple and had a queen bed with a small twin bed, closet, dresser and 2 nightstands. There is a HUGE kitchen / dining room area with multiple tables, a breakfast buffet (hot pancakes on Memorial day! woohoo!), hot coffee in the AM, and a big selection of teas and cocoa and chai (donation $2.00). There was always food out, lol. The kitchen has basically everything you could need for cooking, from saucepans to lids to plastic zip-lock bags to basic spices to butter and oil. There is a large commercial fridge for guest food and food storage drawers for each room, and also a grill on the patio that you can use if you ask. We grilled up our catches as soon as we got home -- YUM! The place also has a large living room with big couches, and multiple reading / sitting nooks -- overall, super cozy. Some amenities like TV (satellite) and wifi are a little older but seriously, are you coming here to be lame and watch Youtube all day? Overall, a wonderful time was had here, and the family that owns this place are super nice people who maintain a beautiful, cozy place to stay. We hope to be back! read more

We stayed at Tamarack Lodge many times and keep coming back. We always had a good time there. It is the most family friendly place! It doesn't feel like hotel at all, it feels like staying with friends in a huge log cabin. It is also clean, comfortable and has everything we need. read more

Very quiet and peaceful getaway spot . breakfast in mornings and full kitchen.i would recommend it to anyone who needs a nice vacation spot or some quiet. Friendly owners/managers make u feel right at home. read more

Tamarack Lodge - Hotels Near Me - Bear Valley, California

This place has a sense of warmth & hospitality of a service-era past gone. It was very humble & cost effective for the facilities/amenities provided which suits the rustic area very well. We will definitely be headed back there. read more

If you go to Tamarack Lodge during a very snowy winter (35' just in Feb!), you might find it hard to find behind the gigantic walls of snow that line Hwy 4. We missed the dug-out driveway the first time, and realized we had gone too far when we got to the ski resort. Barely found it on the 2nd try! That said...we loved our very brief stay in Chalet Room 12. Nothing fancy here, but clean, and homey, with a big double bed and a bunkbed. Plenty of warm blankets and a private bathroom. The best thing is the huge common room and kitchen. Games, books, a tv, comfy chairs, and an incredibly well-stocked kitchen. We brought our own breakfast, but were able to use everything we needed- coffeemaker, plates, utensils, microwave, toaster. The owner, Vicky, is a sweetheart, and made us feel really welcome. If you don't need 4 star accommodations, and just need a clean, comfortable, fun place to stay- this is it. We'll be back! read more

I had the most amazing, comfortable, and pleasant experience at Tamarack Lodge. Seriously. I felt so at home!! Thanks for the wonderful hospitality!! I am DEFINITELY coming back next ski season! :) read more

Friendly people. Loved the self managed kitchen. The rooms are cozy. Although common bathrooms but they are very neat and clean. Very different and homely experience away from home in the mountains read more

Took my sons here yesterday to enjoy the snow. Was greeted with a friendly staff who showed us all the sleds we could use, and where the hot cocoa was when we got too cold. We will be coming back, hopefully next time to stay a couple days. I highly recommend it. read more

Stayed here for one night. Great place. They serve continental breakfast, have a friendly homely atmosphere. For the price it is worth it. Close to Bear Valley, skiing and sledding. We will stay there again for sure. read more

Tamarack Lodge is conveniently located close to the outdoor activities and the ski resort, we've got a room in the main lodge and it was reasonably priced. The place is clean. The owners Vicky and Tim are really friendly. Very nice feature is a big common area on the ground floor were kids were playing and the big shared kitchen where the breakfast is served, and where you can prepare your own meal - there is a stove, dishwasher and a big fridge all available for guests. Complementary sledges and snowshoes are nice on the property. On the downside - this (the main lodge) is a dormitory style. Restrooms and showers are shared, rooms are pretty small, all the place is a bit old and outdated - like old small TVs and a selection of VHF tapes . Overall - we have liked the place and can definitely recommend it to families with kids. read more

We were staying in Angels camp and asked for a recommendation of a place to take young kids for snow play. We were recommended to try tamarack lodge. Even though we didn't stay here overnight, they welcome day use visitors. For a very reasonable $10 per car you get a place to park, access to amenities and they have 5 acres to play and sled on. It's especially suited for small children. The owners were very friendly and welcoming. We enjoyed it so much we went back 2 days in a row. I definitely recommend it as a great place to spend the day. read more

We started staying at Tamarack Lodge about 10 years ago. In some time it got closed so we were really happy about it reopening. It's a really great, cozy family place. Arriving late is no problem and Vicky and Tim (the owners) are always happy to help. You can store your food in a fridge and cook yourself (which will save you a some money). Breakfasts are served. There are lots of things you can do in the common area of the lodge, which is very childred-friendly. It always feels like coming home when we visit Tamarack Lodge. I only wish the outdoor jacuzzi was still operating like it was 10 years ago. :-) read more

Stayed just over night and after a reservation mishap, Vicky was great at finding a room for our family. Very gracious, friendly and met some super night people. Very inviting; complimentary snowshoes; however some need to be replaced. I would definitely recommend staying here. Thank you Vicky for the hospitality! read more

Wanted to give a great appreciation and review to Vicki the manager. We were in a car accident right by the lodge and she was very gracious and allowed us and the kids to use the lodge facilities. It was great homey location where the kids felt at home and relaxed. She was very nice and helpful and we can't thank her enough! Great people!!! read more

We had great fun at the lodge. It's so cozy inside, we enjoyed warming up after playing in the snow. There was a good amount of snow for my little ones to play and go sledding down the hill and this is thanksgiving weekend. For $20 day pass it was a great deal. My kids loved it! They are 3 and 6. They even had sleds available all included in the $20. I'm so glad we found this place! read more

Stayed here May 31, cabin 8 has the most beautiful view: mountains, lakes and happy campers. The canon is clean, bed is comfy. Not brand new but very nice. And again the view is worth a million. read more

This lodge is really great. I found a deal on AirBnB and it was 87/night on Labor Day weekend! I was amazed. The family was very kind and the facilities were clean and taken care of. The decoration was homey. I would warn visitors that there is only one "general store" in the town and it doesn't have very many food choices. Also, there are maybe two restaurants to eat at within 20 miles - so if you don't bring groceries you are not going to do well that weekend or you are going to break the bank buying hamburger helper. However, the lodge is conveniently located and hosts are very accommodating. I'll definitely go back. read more

My wife and I wanted to take our 6 year old to the snow for the first time. An aunt and uncle of mine have a cabin in Camp Connell, A bit down the mountain from the Tamarack Lodge. We stayed at our cabin, but this late in the year (early april), there wasn't snow at the cabin, so we drove up looking for a snow park, only to realize that you need to have a permit to park and play in the snow. We drove a little further up and found this wonderful lodge where there was lots of snow. They had big signs out front that say that they charge $20 to park and play for the day. We parked and went inside, but no one was there. it looked like they didn't have any guests, but there were slips of paper to write your info on and drop your $20 in a box and go play. Everything here seems to be based on the honor system. Although the drawback is that everything was dark and kind of creepy, they have signs everywhere telling you to drop a little money in the box if you want to eat from the large kitchen area, grab a snack from the tray, etc. They have clean bathrooms, and most importantly they had tons of sleds, snowshoes and inner tubes for playing in the snow that they included in the price of the single car payment for parking and playing in the snow. Behind the lodge they had a large snow play area for doing whatever, with hills for sledding and such. We didn't explore the place that much, but we stayed in the area right behind the lodge and our son had a blast! It looked like they had cabins of their own on top of the rooms on the second floor of the lodge. If I didn't have access to my family's own cabin I would love to stay here, especially because you can be pretty certain there will be snow right outside when you're ready to play. It's minutes from Bear Valley ski resort too! read more

My grand doter and I spend 1 night in Tamarack Lodge. Very good service, very friendly team. We so happy. Thanks. Recommend to all friends.

My wife and I stayed here years ago and have now come back with the kids a couple times. They have a variety of accommodations including rooms with shared bathrooms down the hall, rooms with a private bath in separate buildings out back. The common areas are really comfortable and homey. It really feels like hanging out at a friend's cabin. The hosts are really friendly. It draws a crowd of people who don't mind sharing bathrooms and common space. My daughter played chess with a little girl from another family. We got to chat with people from around the state and other countries. read more

This place was a life saver. We made the mistake of not getting a permit for the sno park play area and had to find another place to have lunch and play. Luckily we found this place and paid 20 bucks so we could park and play. The bathrooms were inside and if you needed a break you could sit inside and get warmed up. Good place to go sledding for little kids since they have a 10 foot high slope. read more

Excellent place for families and groups! This is one of the only lodges with a common kitchen and common hang-out space in the Sierras. The rooms are adequate, clean, and there are a variety of fun things to do, both inside (ping pong, tables for puzzles and games, fireplace, big TV, Wifi, comfy sofas, separate kids play room, books, outside fire for s'mores, etc.) and out on-site (sledding hill, x-country skiing, lots of terrain to explore on food, free sleds and snow shoes). And, a quick drive to Bear Valley skiing. Breakfast is great! Bread pudding, hard-boiled eggs, homemade oatmeal and all the usual things (bread, muffins, cereal, freezer waffles, yogurt, etc.). Everything you could ask for, really. Plus, friendly, down-to-earth and attentive owners/managers. We love it. read more

I have been coming to Tamarack Lodge for 5 years now. Some times with family or friends, and often with a large group of friends. This is not luxurious accomodations, but it is extremely comfortable. This is a family run business. Vicky is the innkeeper and is very easy to work with. There are about 9 rooms in the main building that sleep 2-4 people. With shared clean bathrooms down the hall. There is also a large community room with fireplace and comfortable tables and chairs. There is also a ping pong table and other games around. This is definetly a family friendly place. There is also a shared kitchen so that you can bring your own food and prepare it in the kitchen. This is a big plus as there are limited dining options in the area. We also have spent a lot of time on a large deck with multiple tables and chairs along with a BBQ, and during the summer we have camped and have had campfires in a field next to the lodge. read more

This is like visiting your sister's house in the mountains. You need to bring all you food and drinks. The main house has the bathroom down the hall but a second building has handicap access entry and private bathrooms...wheelchair size shower in #10 where I stayed. You have to bring your own entertainment when you are in the lodge. The main reason to stay at the Tamerack Lodge is the location. You are near ALL the outdoor activities both summer and winter. read more

My wife and I needed a reasonably-priced place to stay while attending the Bear Valley Music Festival. Luckily, we found the Tamarack Lodge. Our room, upstairs in the lodge, was attractively furnished in a western motif, with peeled log bed frames and knotty pine walls. It was clean, comfortable and well furnished. Lots of towels and hangars in the closet. The bathrooms, down-the-hall, are not little closets but spacious, airy communal washrooms with multiple sinks, showers and toilets. No waiting and plenty of privacy. Downstairs is the communal kitchen and dining area. We were given pantry space, space in the giant refrigerator, and access to the complete well-furnished kitchen. Pots and pans, table-ware and even wine glasses all provided, and a dish-washer for clean-up. Most of the amenities we didn't get around to. We did spend some time on the large deck out side the kitchen, a great place to have your morning coffee, and in the comfortable parlor, strewn with books and magazines. There was music in the parlor one night, an accomplished trumpet player, playing a muted trumpet in this small space, and a guitar. Very tasteful. We missed the fire circle, though a number of people were enjoying a large bonfire the night we arrived. However we didn't leave without visiting the goats and the lovely cow. As all the reviews attest, the best part of staying at the Tamarack Lodge is the welcoming, helpful ambiance provided by Vicky and Tim and Nancy. Our stay could not have been more pleasant. read more