Hiking in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is one of my favorite places in the U.S. to visit.  This world class destination has it all.  Skiing, sledding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter. Hiking, boating, and swimming in the summer.  Fall has amazing colors, and Spring brings the abundance of pretty wildflowers and waterfalls rushing from the winter snow melt.  There are yummy restaurants, nice hotels, quality shopping, and entertainment.  There is always something to do!  Hiking is one of my favorites!

Lake Tahoe is the 2nd deepest lake in the United States, and the largest alpine lake in North America.  It is in both Nevada and California.  At lake level the elevation is 6222 feet above sea level. The water is so clean that when tested, it was nearly as pure as distilled water.  The beautiful drive around the lake is 72-miles, with many places to stop for photos.  

Fannette Island is in Emerald Bay and the only island in Lake Tahoe.  It is on the west shore of the lake on the California side.  You can park at Vikingholm (Hwy. 89) and take the one-mile hike down to lake level to see the island from the shore as well as to take in historic Vikingholm Castle.  There is a teahouse on the island too. 

Fannette Island in Emerald Bay

Tea House on Fannette Island

Cave Rock is located on Hwy. 50 and many drive through the tunnel of this massive rock each day. There is a short .8-mile hike roundtrip to the top for a nice view.

Cave Rock

One of the most popular hikes at Lake Tahoe is Eagle Falls.  The two-mile roundtrip trail has beautiful scenery the entire way.  Be sure to walk on the bridge before turning around!  In the Spring when the snow is still on the ground, there is usually too much snow to go past the bridge without snowshoes.

Eagle Falls

Eagle Falls Hike

If you made it to Eagle Falls, then you should go on for another mile to Eagle Lake.  It is one of the most picturesque lakes I have visited.  From the parking lot it's about a 4-mile round trip hike.  Pack a picnic, you'll want to linger! 

Eagle Lake

Eagle Lake

 

Echo lake is an amazing high elevation hike (7539 feet) that runs along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Desolation Wilderness with views of the lower lake for the entire hike. Seasonally, you can hike the 2.25-mile one way, and either turn around and hike back an additional 2.25-miles for a different view, or you can take a water taxi back to the parking lot.  One of my favorite hikes!

Echo Lake

Echo Lake is about 2-miles long

A trip to Tahoe is never complete without visiting Fallen Leaf Lake.  The hike to this beautiful alpine lake is an easy 3.5-mile round trip hike and worth every step!  

Fallen Leaf Lake 

Fallen Leaf Lake 

Spooner Lake on the Nevada side is an easy 2.5-mile hike around the lake.  The lake itself is man-made, but it still makes for a pretty hike. Whether you go in the Spring when there is still some snow on the ground, or fall for the vibrant colors, it will not disappoint.

Spooner Lake (Spring)

Spooner Lake (Fall)

Taylor Creek is an easy 2.5-mile loop trail and a fun place to go with kids.  It's open year-round, but the buildings are open seasonally.  In the winter it's used for snowshoeing.

Taylor creek

Taylor Creek - Beavers like it!

Taylor Creek - October is Kokanee Salmon Spawning season

My Poodle enjoying the snow at Taylor Creek 

As you know, I'm always on the lookout for birds.  I've included three that you can see at this elevation.

White-headed Woodpecker

Townsend Solitare

 Mountain Chickadee

People and dogs enjoying the beach even with the snow!

There are so many more amazing hikes at Lake Tahoe waiting to be explored.  I have only touched on a few!

Happy Trails!