Lake Tahoe - Top 12 Travel Guide — Flying Dawn Marie | Travel blog, guides & itineraries for adventurous travellers

Lake Tahoe views from the Rubicon Trail in DL Bliss State Park

Normally in late August Tahoe is gearing up for a wonderfully jam-packed Labor Day holiday weekend…but currently this Summer’s unrelenting fires have covered the famous clear blue water here with a thick layer of ash. Both last Summer an this Summer the Tahoe area has been subject to extreme fires, and we are incredibly grateful to the brave firefighters and first responders who have been fighting these unpredictable wildfires so courageously. This week on the blog I want to remember Tahoe at its finest, so I’m sharing some of my personal favorite spots here and eagerly looking forward to a time when the crystal clear waters and bright blue skies welcome us back to the unique beauty found here.

Fannette Island and Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe

1. Emerald Bay State Park

Emerald Bay State Park was established in 1953, and in 1994 the Emerald Bay waters were designated as an Underwater State Park. Then in 2018 Emerald Bay State Park opened California’s first Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail. If you enjoy hiking, Emerald Bay is home to multiple spectacular trails, including Eagle Falls Trail, Rubicon Trail, and the short but steep Vikingsholm Trail.

For more information, click here for my full Emerald Bay State Park blog post.

Fannette Island and the tea house ruins in Emerald Bay State Park

Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe

2. Vikingsholm

Vikingsholm was built nearly a century ago in 1928 when Mrs. Laura Josephine Knight hired over 200 workers to build this lakefront masterpiece, which still welcomes visitors for day tours during the Summer months. Vikingsholm can only be accessed by the water or by a 2 mile round trip hike with over 400 feet in elevation gain. This castle-like building is home to some of the finest Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere.

Inspiration Point in Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe

3. Emerald Bay Viewpoint & Inspiration Point

Located over 6300 feet above sea level and towering 600 feet above Lake Tahoe, the Emerald Bay Viewpoint looks straight out at Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette Island. If you’ve ever seen those straight-on stunning Lake Tahoe pics from above, this is most likely the spot they were captured at. Inspiration Point is located across Highway 89 from the Bayview Trailhead campground (this is the access point for both the Bayview Trailhead and Granite Lake Trails). Inspiration Point has a short paved path (ADA accessible) lined with wonderful interpretive signs that will share some of this area’s fascinating history with you.

For more information, click here for my full Emerald Bay Viewpoint blog post.

4. Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake

Eagle Falls is made up of a lower fall (located just off the side of Highway 89) and an upper fall (accessible by a short 1/2 mile hike). Eagle Falls makes for a great short stop overlooking Lake Tahoe…however, if you have a bit more time, definitely continue on for stunning views of Eagle Lake. Reaching this back country lake gives you a true feeling of being out in the wilderness without a demanding, multi-day journey.

For more information, click here for my full Eagle Falls & Eagle Lake blog post.

Rubicon Trail in DL Bliss State Park in Lake Tahoe

Sunrise at Calawee Beach in DL Bliss State Park in Lake Tahoe

5. DL Bliss State Park

DL Bliss State Park was named after Dwayne L Bliss, a lumberman and railroad owner in the late 1800s. In 1929 the Bliss family donated over 700 acres to the California State Park system…and since then the park has grown to over 2,100 acres. Picnicking, kayaking and hiking are popular actives here, and a few of my favorite trails include the Rubicon Trail and Balancing Rock Nature Trail.

For more information, click here for my full DL Bliss State Park blog post.

Balancing Rock in DL Bliss State Park in Lake Tahoe

6. Balancing Rock

In the northwest section of the park you’ll find a gentle 1/2 mile loop that Tahoe visitors have been enjoying for over 100 years. The highlight of this area is the giant “balancing rock” standing over 20 feet tall with a top section weighing over 130 tons.

Glen Alpine Falls in late Summer near Fallen Leaf Lake

7. Glen Alpine Falls

Glen Alpine Springs and the snow fed creek send water down over 70 feet at Glen Alpine Falls. In the Spring the water rages here, and by Fall the roaring falls turn into more of a trickle…but that means you can explore the area up close and rock hop below. In the Winter the road leading to this waterfall (Fallen Leaf Road) does not have snow clearing, so I’d plan a visit here from the Spring to Fall months.

For more information, click here for my full Glen Alpine Falls blog post.

Fallen Leaf Chapel near Fallen Leaf Lake

8. Fallen Leaf Chapel & Fallen Leaf Lake

St. Francis of the Mountains Chapel is lovingly referred to as Fallen Leaf Chapel, as it’s located just off Fallen Leaf Lake Road. This chapel is open for services from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but the grounds (surrounded by beautiful Aspen trees) remain open throughout the year. National Geographic magazine has even called this spot “the cutest little building in all of Tahoe”.

For more information, click here for my full Fallen Leaf Chapel blog post.

9. Tallac Historic Site

Over a century ago this spot was considered one of the grandest resorts in the world, and it was a famous Summer getaway for the San Fransisco socially elite. Today the remaining resort estates have been restored and this spot invites visitors to stroll the grounds and read the many interpretive plaques for a glimpse into this bygone era in Tahoe’s history.

10. Bonsai Rock & Whale Rock

Bonsai Rock has long been a favorite of Lake Tahoe nature photographers. This giant boulder sits proudly in the clear blue waters less than 40 feet from shore. Whale Rock is located less than 100 feet to the south of Bonsai Rock, and if you stand at the edge of Lake Tahoe looking to the north, you’ll easily see how this rock got its name. Bonsai Rock and Whale Rock can be found halfway between Hidden Beach and Sand Harbor on the northeast side of Lake Tahoe.

For more information, click here for my full Bonsai Rock & Whale Rock blog post.

11. Cave Rock

Cave Rock is one of Tahoe’s most striking features, and the caves here are believed to have been carved out of the rock by waves of the lake over thousands of years. The local Washoe people have long considered this rock sacred, and at one time only their shaman would visit this area. A short hike leads to the base of this impressive rock formation which boasts spectacular sunset views over Lake Tahoe.

For more information, click here for my full Cave Rock blog post.

Sand Harbor in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park

12. Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor is located inside of Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park on the north-east edge of the lake. This spot is known for its crystal clear water, sandy beaches, and beautiful rock formations. The southern section of Sand Harbor is perfect for children and swimmers with its sandy shoreline, and the northern section is great for exploring the giant rocks and boulder formations.

For more information, click here for my full Sand Harbor blog post.

Know Before You Go

When visiting Tahoe please respect the history of this place, and remember the Leave No Trace Principles along with Keep Tahoe Blue and Tahoe Bears Wild.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thank you so much for joining me this week at some of my favorite Tahoe spots. For a virtual visit of this area, enjoy my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.

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