Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada on the border between California and Nevada, celebrated for its clear water and mountain setting. It is one of North America’s major high-elevation lakes and a regional recreation destination.

Recreational activities include boating, swimming, hiking and winter sports in surrounding resorts; popular shoreline points such as Emerald Bay and public beaches draw photographers and day visitors. The lake’s deep, clear water and alpine backdrop are primary attractions for sightseeing and outdoor recreation.

Lake Tahoe’s basin and shoreline have been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers; in the modern era the lake region developed for recreation, conservation and tourism with a mix of protected areas and developed resort communities.

The lake straddles the California-Nevada state line in the Sierra Nevada, roughly 300 kilometres east of Sacramento and about 150 kilometres south of Reno, with access from multiple highways and mountain passes.

• Elevation and depth: Surface elevation is about 1,897 metres (6,225 feet); the lake is very deep, with a maximum depth around 501 metres (1,645 feet).
• Best viewing times: Water clarity and scenic viewpoints such as Emerald Bay make early morning or late afternoon good times for photography due to low sun angles and calmer water.

What to See #

• Emerald Bay (Vikingsholm): Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm - a scenic bay on the lake's southwest shore with a historic Scandinavian-style house and a popular viewpoint.
• Sand Harbor: Sand Harbor - a public recreation area on the Nevada side known for clear water, granite beaches and boat access to the lake.