We are going to Timber Lodge in the middle of September. I was wondering what I should expect for weather. Are there things that you shouldn't miss. We would like to go to Yosemite is it doable as a day trip. lastly does anyone have any restaurant recommendations. Thanks in addvance
Yosemite wouldn't be a bad (long) day trip. It's about an hour and a half down 395 to Lee Vining (you can take Geiger Grade down to 395, or if you are adventurous, take 89 for a more direct but slower winding path). From Lee Vining, it is another good hour + to the Valley. Do stop at Tuolumne Meadows right inside the East gate. It's a nice walk over a boardwalk to stretch your legs.
There is a LOT to see and do in Yosemite Valley. You can't do the park justice in just one day, but if I had only the one day, I would hike the mist trail, take the very short flat hike to Angel Falls, and drive up to the Lookout. Try to have lunch at Awhahnee, beautiful setting and nice food at fine dining prices. Heading back to Tahoe at night, take it very slow between the East gate and Lee Vining. There is a killer drop-off off the right shoulder.
At Tahoe, pack a warm sweater or medium jacket, it will get cold at night in September. If you drive to Homewood about 45 minutes up the California side, there is a boat rental place there that could give you a fun few hours. If it is warm in the day, drive up to Tahoe City and do the float tube thing. Once you are up there, t is only a few more minutes to Olympic village.
There are bicycle rentals in various places around the lake, and good bike trails along most of the lake.
If you want to fish, I'd recommend heading down the Truckee River and not fishing the lake itself. The lake was invaded with stocked mackinaw decades ago, and they tend to lie too deep for shore fishing.
Edit: On second thought, Angel Falls should be a trickle by September. Still, it's an easy hike and wouldn't waste more than 30 minutes of your time round trip.
There is also a small Sequoia grove, Tuolomne Grove, off 120 between the East gate and the Valley. Not a bad hike, but plan for about an hour if you decide to do it. It drops about 500 feet in the mile hike from parking. Mariposa Grove is much more stunning, but would be a prohibitive drive for a few-hour day trip, and is guaranteed to be more crowded.
Edit again: it is actually 2 hours to Lee Vining unless you drive like I do.