The Little Known Legacy of Freel Peek.

By: Aaron Robbins

Freel Peak is located in the Carson Range on Lake Tahoe’s South East corner. With a summit elevation of 10,881 feet Freel Peak has the distinction of being the tallest mountain in the Lake Tahoe area. Other than this geographical feat Freel Peak feels like most other peaks in the area. Like many other mountains in the Carson Range, Freel Peak begins in the presence of small Lodgepole Pines at a base elevation of about 8,500 feet . The mountain then climbs a loose and rocky scree covered slope (or trail if you prefer) out of the scrub brush

and bushes ultimately finishing on a practically bald summit featuring a spectacular view of Lake Tahoe and the Carson Valley. It’s not a remarkably difficult climb to the summit and can typically be conquered in 4-6 hours. While I describe Freel Peak as somewhat normal (other than its highest mountain in Tahoe status) it has a interesting legacy that may prompt hikers and peak baggers to view its summit in a new light.

Up until a few years ago a spectacular view wasn’t the only thing one would find on Freel Peak. For almost fifty years a Microwave tower installation found its home on Tahoe’s highest mountain. The microwave tower, while not the most beautiful thing in the whole world, served a purpose most of us would deem essential. Television. Up until 1987, when the site was decommissioned, the microwave on Freel Peak provided entertainment to families in South Lake Tahoe, Carson City and the Yerington area. There is a very interesting history to the microwave on Freel Peak and it’s probably best told by one of it caretakers Bill Blas.

After I returned from Viet Nam in 1970 I went to school and landed a job working for WTCI, and Freel was one of my sites. I have hiked the mountain sometimes 6 or 7 days in a row, flown to the site in helicopters, taken pack horses to the site, and was about the third person to put a snow cat on the top.

-Bill Blass

Read Bill’s full description here.

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