Lake Tahoe and All its Charm

Lake Tahoe is the gem of California to those who live in the area. When I moved to California it was easily one of the top places I was told to visit and I was also warned to expect the crowds almost year round. The town is like a gated community you're allowed to visit as long as you follow the rules. It is very beautiful and I can see why everyone flocks to the crystal clear blue water.

I spent five days exploring all the sides of the lake. The South side of the lake offers the majority of hikes and is near Mt Tallac which is a popular hike. The North side is where you will find most of the restaurants and shops near Incline Village. The majority of the lake is surrounded by homes but there are several beaches and state parks that allow access to the water and its beauty.

Tip: If you are just a visitor and want to kayak, paddle board, or spend the day by the water the majority of these locations are located at the state parks where you have to pay a 10/day fee to park your car.

There is not much for dispersed camping at Lake Tahoe. Most of that exists a little further outside the city limits. The one area I found good for camping is on the south side off the road that is used to get to the Mt Tallac trailhead. The lake does have campgrounds you can pay for and of course cabins to rent. This is probably the easier option as I found very little on the north side and had to drive out of the area for 30 minutes to set up.

My trip at Lake Tahoe started at Fallen Leaf Lake. The lake is filled with cabin rentals and access to the water if you want to kayak. I drove out there to go hike and relax near Glen Alpine Falls and Sunrise Lake.

This is a good area for picnics and sitting in the shallow water on the sunny days. This area is a little less crowded since it isn't attached to Lake Tahoe and not without its own charm.

This lake is located near Mt Tallac as well which has a 10 mile trailhead that goes to the top of a gorgeous overlook. The hike gets rougher near the end but the entire trail has so much beauty and little surprises along the way. At one point you will walk on a ridge with the lake on one side and mountains on the other. It's very picturesque.

Mt Tallac Trail

Around every corner you will find the perfect set up for photos from the greenery to the blue of the lake. I can see why after visiting it is such a popular place to go. Emerald Bay State Park is the first location I came across with beach access. Due to the pandemic it was closed so I drove to D L Bliss State Park less than ten minutes away. There is the Rubicon Trailhead that allows you to walk from this area all the way back to Emerald Bay and in the other direction to Calawee Cove. You can walk both directions in under 4 hours total depending on how often you stop.

At Emerald Bay I decided to stay for awhile and hang out on the beach before heading back.

The 10/day let's you into any of the state parks on the day you buy the pass so if you start early and decide to change locations you can. I really enjoyed being able to walk between them on the trailhead and explore more this way. The hikes aren't too rigorous and have a lot of stopping points to look out over the views.

Rubicon Trail

Driving up the west side of the lake there is Sugar Point State Park and Meeks Bay, both two more places to stop for hiking, camping and hitting the water. One of the best recommendations I can give for food on the west side is a place called Tahoe House. It is a local bakery, cafe, food store. I stopped in for some coffee and their selection of bakery items has something to offer for everyone. You can even get a fresh loaf of bread and some niche cooking items while you're in there.

Five Lakes Creek Trail

The west side is where the majority of the ski and snow resorts sit. During the summer you can still wander around up there and find some trails to hit that double as cross country skiing or snow shoe trails. I hit Five Lakes Creek Trail while I was over there. It picks up in elevation quickly and then spits you out into a lush forest and then the water is suddenly at your fingertips. The two biggest lakes connect and there is a worn-in footpath that allows you to circle around and explore the area. It's a good place for a snack and if you're brave enough stick your feet in the water. There was still some last bits of snow up there trying to melt but the temperature is still relatively warm with the exception of a windy day.

The Yuba River is located near Lake Tahoe and I heard that the Emerald Pools are a must visit in this area. The location is in the middle of nowhere and there isn't anything else around in the area hiking wise.

There is a dirt area to park and a wood chip path that leads to a pool of water. I climbed the rocks and followed the water streams until I found a shallow pool to lay in. The area is very bizarre being so isolated, but it was a rewarding gem to find and probably one of my favorite little swimming holes.

It isn't very far from Tahoe so if you have time during your trip up there this is highly recommended. You can find a section that is less crowded and have a little rocky beach to yourself or group. I ended my day by driving back down to Tahoe and enjoying a beer and some sweet potato fries at Alibi Ale Works. This place is great for pub food, great indoor and outdoor atmosphere as well. They make their own beers and have a deep menu of options, including growlers and cans you can purchase if you want something for the journey.

Secret Cove

Sand Harbor Beach is on the east side of the lake and is another location where they require a 10/day fee. A few minutes south from there, there is a place called Secret Cove, and Secret Harbor Beach. The story behind Secret Cove is that it is notoriously known as a nude beach. Upon arrival I did not know this until I met the "president" of the beach who has been showing up for 30 years along with other residents of Lake Tahoe to sunbathe butt naked.

The beach is beautiful, but not very big. There are a few treasured spots if you're willing to climb to them. There are several mini beaches around the bend that can be climbed down to or walked to through the water. The spot gives you a little bit of privacy and space away from others.

I spent two afternoons at this beach enjoying the absence of loud families and a flock of people since they didn't want to join the nudes. It is not required but you can join in without shame as dozens of locals come here to stay away from the multitude of tourists.

Secret Cove Trail

The hike to get there is down a dirt footpath that allows you to walk left or right. There is another little beach to the right also small in size but gets plenty of sunshine and few people as well. Some groups I saw stopping off and just setting up on large boulders by the water and making their own space which looked pleasant as well. This area allows for you to freely explore and find a space to enjoy the weather and water.

I'm sure the experience of Lake Tahoe is very different if you own a boat, rent a cabin, or travel there in a different fashion. Camping this area is definitely the most challenging I have come across because of their rules and regulations. This place seems wonderful for going somewhere with a on group holiday or a long weekend trip.

Tahoe is definitely a place to visit. The people are all very welcoming and charming, and there is plenty of activities to keep you busy. Year round you can't go wrong with stopping here.