It is incredible how much there is to do in Lake Tahoe. This beautiful setting is famous for both Its beaches and ski resorts. There are also countless hidden gems that aren’t always listed in guidebooks.
Facts can be boring, but Lake Tahoe is special. This large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains straddles the state line between California and Nevada, with two-thirds on the California side. It is the largest alpine lake in North America and, with a maximum depth of 500 metres (1,645 feet), it is the world’s fifth deepest. It is 35 kilometres long (22 miles) and 19 km wide (12 miles), with a 115 km (72-mile) shoreline. One would think that a lake this size would never warm up, but in August and September water temperatures reach between eight and 21 degrees Celsius.
Perhaps the most important feature is the purity of the water. At 99.994 per cent “clean,” it is one of the purest lakes in the world. South Lake Tahoe is the largest city on the lake, with about 23,000 permanent residents. In winter, it grows by leaps and bounds with the influx of skiers and snowboarders. In summer, it is famous for miles and miles of beaches that are perfect for boating, water skiing, water boarding and swimming.
Tahoe City dates back to the Gold Rush, when fortune hunters passed through on their way to mine for silver — the Gold Rush wasn’t all about gold — including the Comstock Lode in nearby Virginia City.
On North Lake Tahoe there are museums, historical landmarks, frontier outposts and an inviting town of shops, boutiques, art galleries, lakefront restaurants, gourmet grocery stores and gift shops. It also includes concerts in summer, lakefront campsites, and a public pier which is great for diving and jumping. Another must-do is renting a raft and exploring the Truckee River. Paved trails along the lake are great for joggers and bikers. Tahoe City Marina provides sailing charters, fishing guides and river rafting. In summer, backcountry hiking and mountain biking are popular.
Incline Village, established in 1882, is in Nevada on the north shore of the lake. A wood and lumber company logged in the area for timber needed for the mines. It thrives in winter when snow lovers flock to the Diamond Peak’s groomed runs. These same peaks provide secluded hikes in summer and numerous public beaches. Emerald Bay is a short drive west from South Lake Tahoe. A forest with massive pines surrounds the lake. It is home to Lake Tahoe’s only island. Emerald Bay State Park includes Eagle Falls and Vikingsholm Mansion. Tours are available in summer, providing income for the upkeep of this elegant castle. The 38-room mansion, built in 1929, is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. The architect, Leonard Palme, was hired by his aunt, Laura Knight, to design and build it with strict orders to not cut down trees. She also had a small stone castle-like structure built on the island, where she could serve tea to her guests. It is in ruins now, but is still a great site for photos. Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe’s most photographed and popular locations. In 1994, California State Parks included the water as part of the park, making Emerald Bay one of the first underwater parks in the state, protecting the various wrecks and other items on the bay’s bottom. Scuba diving is popular there.
Heavenly Mountain Resort to the east of South Lake Tahoe opened in 1955 with 97 runs and 30 lifts, with the longest run being 8.8 km (5.5 miles). High above the sapphire-blue waters of Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Resort is one of the most unique snow resorts in the world. The Heavenly Gondola starts here with a 3.8 km (2.4 mile) ride up the mountain. Heavenly Village is a town at the foot of the Heavenly Ski Resorts Gondola. It is attractive with shops, particularly for skiers, restaurants and a resort hotel making it a centre of activity year-round. The gondola rides operate both winter and summer, providing unforgettable views of the lake.
Just northeast is Stateline, a town with many major casinos and some smaller local ones. The shopping is excellent, both for groceries and gift items. By the way, snow has been reported 12 months a year, so four-wheel drive vehicles are a necessity for locals. But the fine powdery snow and the clear blue lake surrounded by mountains covered with deep green pine trees is both a winter paradise and a summer haven. Add to this 50 wineries and summer concerts with performances in an open outdoor theatre or indoors in the casinos. Just 60 miles from Reno, Lake Tahoe’s quiet beauty makes it a major tourist attraction. You will Vikingsholm Mansion was built in 1929. love it.
-Doreen Kerby