Embarking on an adventure with family and friends in the great outdoors is a surefire way to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. And what better destination to explore than the clear blue waters of Lake Tahoe. Not only is the water stunning, but there are many opportunities for exploring and discovery. You will love playing in the water, jumping off rocks into the water, hiking to a waterfall, exploring wetlands and seeing its creatures, boating, and other water sports!
While Lake Tahoe is famous for its clear water, there is something fun for every type of adventurer.
Lake Tahoe
A bit about Lake Tahoe
Imagine if you took a flat area the size of the entire state of California and covered it under 14 inches of water. This would require an enormous amount of water--37 trillion gallons, roughly. Amazingly, this is how much water it takes just to fill Lake Tahoe. The largest alpine lake in North America, Tahoe reaches a maximum depth of 1,645 feet. That’s a depth that could fit the whole Eiffel Tower one and a half times and still have space remaining. How did such a huge lake come to be? It’s all thanks to an ancient volcano, Mount Pluto. Lava from an eruption millions of years ago created a dam, which transformed what was once a valley basin into an enclosed area. This new area was then filled gradually by rain and melted snow from the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.
Not only is Lake Tahoe gigantic, but it’s also stunningly beautiful. The first thing many visitors notice about the lake is its dazzlingly blue, crystal clear coloration. While most lakes host large amounts of algae, which produce a cloudy, green color, Tahoe’s high elevation has historically prevented algae growth. Additionally, the rocks, soils, and wetlands surrounding the lake filter the water that feeds into the lake, stopping sediments that would make Tahoe murky. With the increase of visitors and people moving to the area these wetlands become even more important and more threatened.
Do your part to keep the Lake water clean by picking up your trash and trash left by others so Lake Tahoe can remain clear for years to come.
What you can see and do in Lake Tahoe
Emerald Bay State Park
To get to Emerald bay State Park you will need to park on the cliff above the park and hike down to it. The hike is 2 miles round trip. Emerald State park is home to Lake Tahoe's only island, Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle.
The cove enclosed by this state park is beautiful and you can easily spend the day here. Kayak rentals are offered in the park next to the beach. Do not carry your kayak down to the beach as you will have to carry it back up 1 mile afterwards.
Views of Emerald Bay State Park
Eagle Falls
Eagle Falls can be found just above Emerald Cove State Park. This short .5 mile round trip hike to the falls is a must experience adventure with kids. The trail climbs around fun rock formations, offers an incredible view of the lake, has a bridge across the falls, and ends at a swim hole above the falls. We scrambled on the rocks above the falls and wished we had planned ahead and come early in the day so we could have played in the water.
Eagle Falls Trail and views, Lake Tahoe
Lester Beach and Cliff Jumping
Lester Beach just North of Emerald Bay State Park is a great beach to relax, swim, and jump off the nearby rocks. There is a narrow strip of sand for kids to play in and shallow water. This is a good beach to take a kayak to. You will need a kayak or SUP to reach the rocks on the south end of the beach for cliff jumping. This is a popular beach, so plan on arriving early in the morning.
Truckee Marsh
Truckee Marsh is a definite bonus location in South Lake Tahoe. Wetlands surrounding Lake Tahoe are a large reason the waters of Lake Tahoe are so Clear. They filter the water as it runs into the lake.
Take some time to explore Truckee Marsh in your kayak. This peaceful wetland is a great place to see wildlife and experience a unique part of Lake Tahoe.
Kayaking and SUP
Kayaking and SUP are a great way to explore the many coves surrounding Lake Tahoe. The best time of day is usually in the morning before the winds pick up. Enjoy the view as you look into the clear blue waters and see the different fish that call Lake Tahoe home!
Lake Tahoe Pro Planning Tips
- Season: Spring, fall for less crowds
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time Needed: 2-3 days
- This information is for the South Lake Tahoe area.
- Go to D.L. Bliss State Park (Lester Beach) early in the day. Parking near the beach is limited and fills up early. Bring paddle boards or kayaks to better enjoy the beach and reach the rocks to cliff jump.
- Kayak or paddle early in the day before the wind picks up.
- Eagle Falls can be seen from both sides of the main road. The main trail starts next to the parking lot. There is also a short path on the other side of the main road where you can see Fannette Island and a view of Emerald Bay.
- Park along Venice Dr E. Road at Truckee Marsh and look for trails along the road to enter the water. You can paddle through the marsh all the way to Lake Tahoe. Watch for turtles, birds, frogs and other creatures. There is also a walking path at the end of the road that will take you to the beach.
- If you want to kayak or paddle Emerald Bay you will need to rent a kayak at Emerald Bay. The trail is 2 miles round trip and steep so you can't carry kayaks down to the beach.
Dig Deeper with a Learning Adventure
If your planning a trip to Lake Tahoe with your kids and want an easy way to learn about why Lake Tahoe is so clear then check out The California Adventure Activity Book. This is a great resource for your family. It includes our Top 10 Sierra Nevada destinations (Including Lake Tahoe) with activities for each location and fun earth science lessons. It's like your own Junior Ranger program for each location. Here are some of the things included:
- 10 adventures in the CA Sierra Nevadas
- 10 Earth Science Lessons
- 10 Hands-On Science Activities
- 10 Coloring Pages
- 1 Sticker Map
- Reward Tickets
- 10 Scavenger Hunts
- Journal Pages
More Lake Tahoe Favorites, Can you Spot it?
Lake Tahoe bonus! If you keep your eyes alert you will see some of the unique and incredible things that make Lake Tahoe so incredible.
Northern Goshawk
The northern goshawk is a stealthy predator that uses its speed and agility to hunt other birds, small mammals, and even reptiles and insects. This large bird was used by nobility in the middle ages to do just that, using its keen orange eyes to bring game back to its owners.
Vikingsholm Castle
Inspired by churches and fortresses, Vikingsholm Castle might make you feel like you’ve stepped into historic Scandinavia. In order to be as authentic as possible, some sections of the building don’t even use nails, pegs, or spikes, choosing medieval European techniques instead.
Belted Kingfisher
You can identify a belted kingfisher through their blue-gray coloration and distinct, V-shaped stripe across their chests. Kingfisher beaks look a bit like daggers, and there’s a reason for that--these birds hunt by diving into the water and spearing tiny fish with them.
Fannette Island
There’s only one island on Lake Tahoe, and that’s Fannette Island. Keep your eye out for a tiny castle structure on top of the island, which was built as a personal tea house around the same time as Vikingsholm Castle.
Fannette Island can be reached by renting a kayak in Emerald Bay State Park.
Willow Flycatcher
As you might have guessed from their name, willow flycatchers love to snack on insects. These small birds have gray backs and light bellies, and though their appearances are not distinctive, the song they use to defend their territory is (bird watchers call it a “fitz-bew”).
Lake Tahoe surpassed my families expectations. The water was as clear and beautiful as we heard it would be. On top of that we were able to hike, see a waterfall, jump off rocks and see all kinds of wildlife as we kayaked around a wetland and into Lake Tahoe. Making memories with family and friends is always worth the effort. I hope you have and incredible adventure at Lake Tahoe.