Once in a while, I like to remember trips I have taken. After all, as the saying goes, remembering is reliving.
The other day I found myself going through pictures of Lake Tahoe. I am still in awe because of the many gorgeous spots we were able to witness. The turquoise waters, snow-covered mountains, verdant pines and puffy clouds left an indelible mark on my memory.
It has been a while since I have produced an article dedicated to pictures. Of course, my posts tend to be photo heavy but there is something soothing about seeing pictures of a place, without other distractions, and dreaming of going or revisiting.
So, I want to take this opportunity to present you with Lake Tahoe pictures!
Table of Contents
Where is Lake Tahoe
Before starting our photo show, it would be a good idea to discuss certain details about Tahoe. It is a popular place in California but, yes, I know, not everybody that reads this site is a resident of the state.
Lake Tahoe is a freshwater lake located in the Sierra Nevada. It is shared between the states of California (2/3) and Nevada (1/3). Because of its elevation, it is considered an alpine lake.
The lake is located northwest of San Francisco and Sacramento. Picturing the coast, the lake is aligned in terms of longitude with Mendocino.
The lake is located 200 miles from San Francisco (4 hours) and 500 miles from Los Angeles (7 to 8 hours).
Lake Tahoe Facts
This is no ordinary lake. Here are some reasons why Lake Tahoe is special:
- Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America
- It is the second deepest lake in the United States
- It has a length of 22 miles and a width of 12 miles
- To circumnavigate the lake, you have to drive 72 miles
- The lake never freezes
- Fannette Island on Emerald Bay is the only island on the lake
- Tahoe is known for its ski resorts, water activities, hiking, biking and gambling (remember part of the shore is in Nevada)
- Mark Twain described the clarity of the lake on one of his books
Lake Tahoe Pictures – California
We will start by taking a look at pictures of the places I visited on the California side.
Rainbow Trail
We stopped by the Taylor Creek Visitor Center to walk the Rainbow Trail. We were in town during the time Kokanee Salmon travel upstream to mate (we saw tons of them).
In addition, we had the opportunity to walk around the largest meadow/marsh in the area.
Emerald Bay
This is by far the most popular spot in Lake Tahoe.
If you take a look at a map of the lake you are going to notice “an arm” popping out the shore close to the town of South Lake Tahoe. Well, that is gorgeous Emerald Bay!
For unbelievable views of this spot, stop by Inspiration Point.
If you want to take a more in-depth look at the bay (and you should), plan to walk the Vikingsholm Trail. This trail starts from the stone observation area above the bay and takes you to an authentic replica of a Viking Castle. Magnificent views of the bay will follow you at all times.
D.L Bliss State Park
This park is located on the western shore of the lake, north of Emerald Bay and offers camping sites, beaches and hiking trails (one of the most popular is the Rubicon Trail).
Sugar Pine Point State Park
Another park offering camping facilities, a nature center, a beach and several water activities. I was particularly pleased to check out the pier and the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion.
Tahoe City
In Tahoe City, I spotted several piers behind a small shopping center. We parked the car and were able to take in turquoise water and cabins flanked by yellow trees. If you want to find this place, go to the Tahoe Gal embarkation point.
Lake Tahoe Pictures – Nevada
Are you tired of Lake Tahoe pictures yet? I imagine you want to continue exploring this place. Here are photos of the places I visited on the Nevada side.
Skunk Harbor
This “hidden” beach can only be accessed by a 1.6-mile long trail. It is considered an easy trail but you should be vigilant if you intend to do it with kids.
Now, the trailhead is easy to miss (there is no sign pointing to it). On Highway 28, about two miles north of Highway 50, you are going to find parking space on a turnout along the road. The right spot to start the hike is marked by a green gate.
Secret Cove Beach / Harbor
There is no sign pointing to the beach but you are going to see an actual parking lot (north of Skunk Harbor). The gorgeous emerald colored water is going to be noticeable right away. Take in the breathtaking views before attempting the hike down.
Sand Harbor
If you want to check out gorgeous views without breaking a sweat, Sand Harbor is the place for you. I completely adored this place. There is so much to see and you have tons of facilities. It is another spot to spend the entire day.
Photo Taking Recommendations
I have provided several ideas for those who want to go on a photo safari around Lake Tahoe. Here are some suggestions to make the most of the trip.
- The Tahoe area can get very congested during times of the year. Start your day early if you want to take pictures without people
- Also, I will recommend going to Emerald Bay first thing in the morning. Parking is very limited in the area. We had to leave the first time we drove by
- Be careful when parking on the street. I saw people parking in dangerous spots (blind curves) or getting tickets after parking on restricted areas
- Some of the best views of the lake are inside state parks. Therefore, bring some cash to pay the fees. One ticket will grant you all day access to the parks in one state. Because of that, it is a good idea to check the parks in California one day and the parks in Nevada the following day. You will pay a fee on the first park you visit on that day and keep proof of payment (on your windshield) when accessing other parks in the state. Just remember a ticket bought in Nevada will not work to access a park in California and vice versa
- Check out the parks operating hours. Some close during winter
Lake Tahoe Resources
Visit the following websites for information on where to eat and stay on your sightseeing trip:
- My post about driving around Lake Tahoe showcases the best spots to check out on the Nevada side
- Official Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus
- Tahoe South
- Go Tahoe North
More Lake Escapes
California is a land of lakes. If you enjoy these bodies of water, check out these posts:
In summary, Lake Tahoe is a magical place that deserves some time for exploration. Hope these photos have left a positive impression on the place!
What do you think about these Lake Tahoe pictures? California or Nevada?
If you enjoyed this post, remember to share!
Pin me, please!
Carol says
Gorgeous blues – the photos are beautiful. Wonderful post!
Felicia says
It is a gorgeous place and your pics are beautiful.
image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
Oh WOW – these shots are stunning. Such a beautiful setting, and the colors are so vivid.
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/03/orchids-endless-source-of-beauty.html
Divya says
Gorgeous, gorgeous Tahoe. And such breathtakingly beautiful pictures of the lake and it’s surroundings. Your pictures make me want to plan a trip. Gosh, it’s been a while.
Pinning this post. Thank you for some ideas for my next trip, Ruth. 🙂
Andrea says
Your photos are great, i din’t mind they are so many. Thanks for taking me to this famous landmark. The blues are so vivid and very serene. I hope you can visit our El Nido, which is now also famous. Island hoping here provides much difference but beautiful too.
Fun60 says
The colours of the water are fabulous. Enjoyed the photos and thank you for the info at the beginning of the post.
Lady Fi says
Oh my – fabulously gorgeous!
Heather says
What gorgeous photos. The Nevada side looks particularly appealing. The water almost has the color of parts of the Caribbean.
Lisa says
I’ve read so much about Lake Tahoe recently and I’m really hoping I’ll be able to visit soon your pictures are super stunning! #WanderfulWednesday
tanya says
Waaaa it looks so beautiful, especially Skunk Bay. I think Europeans kind of forget about some of the beautiful nature America has to offer, but this is definitely a good reminder. I love lakes and trees, makes me feel happy and calm, so have loved looking at your photos.
Kristin says
Beautiful! I feel like all of these photos could be made into a gorgeous landscape painting. I have never been to Lake Tahoe, but I would love to do some wild camping and hiking here with my pup.
Esther says
I had to skip this last time, as I ran out of time. How WRONG I was. Love your photos!!
#WanderfulWednesday
Kristen Tcherneshoff says
I’ve only seen photos of Lake Tahoe in the wintertime, so in my head it’s always been a skiing area, but MAN is it gorgeous outside of winter, too! Lovely photos — they are seriously creating some wanderlust 😀
Sarah says
Oh, I’ve always wanted to go here. What beautiful photos!! Just surreal.
Sushmita Malakar says
This is such a dreamy destination! I really wish I can visit California sometime soon 🙂
Thanks for such an amazing post.
beatravelling says
So this is Lake Tahoe. I’ve heard about it. This is very nice!! #wanderfulwednesday
Allison says
Lake Tahoe is so beautiful! I can’t believe I haven’t been there yet. #WanderfulWednesday
Heidi says
Lake Tahoe is on my list of places to get to in Callie, but wow, your photos really bring it to life. That gorgeous water and of course the mountain views. It seems we always head to the coast when in California but we’ve really got to get over to Tahoe. And you’re right, it’s nice seeing the story in photos at times especially when they are so soothing.
California Globetrotter says
I always believe in getting up early to do anything while traveling, especially for pictures without people! It’s just so much more intimate to experience a place without the hustle and bustle! As usual, a tinge of homesickness as I read this! #WanderfulWednesday
jill says
It’s so stunning and picturesque! I didn’t make it to the Nevada side but I truly enjoyed my day there exploring the California side. I would so love to go back! Love your photos, Ruth.
Stella Jane says
What amazing photographs! I have heard of Lake Tahoe, but I didn’t realize that it had a Nevada side. The water is so unbelievably blue. I hope that there’s a way for me to get there one day without a car.
Teja says
American lakes are so, so beautiful. The water looks so clear even though the lake is so big!
Christine | The Journey of Christine says
Swoon! These pics are gorgeous! I have been been wanting to go to Lake Tahoe and these pictures are giving me total wanderlust!
Taryn says
Lake Tahoe is on my Bucket List of places to travel! I’m pinning this for later! 🙂
Margy says
We went there camping when I was a kid. I am sure it has changed a lot. – Margy
Katherine says
Your pictures are making me want to get to Tahoe! Every year I try to drag my boyfriend there but he always uses the “it’s too expensive” excuse. This year is my year! I’m showing him your post.
Angie (FeetDoTravel) says
I always take a plethora of photographs wherever I go as I like to look back and remember visiting a place. It works doesn’t it 😀 I’m so happy you had a wonderful trip down memory lane and these photos are stunning! The blueness of the water and in others, it’s crystal clear. Love the reflective shots, what a magical place Lake Tahoe truly is. Pinned. #feetdotravel
Shona says
Just wow! They are such stunning photos, Ruth. I’m currently day-dreaming about living in the house right on the edge of the lake and having my morning coffee at the end of the jetty out front. Wow again! 🙂
Jenn | By Land and Sea says
Lake Tahoe is a place I’ve really been wanting to go and it’s not too far from home, so it really is possible to get there easily. It looks absolutely beautiful!
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) says
Great pictures and information on Lake Tahoe. A must see place when visiting California. I have been there but just driving around the lake and not stopping. I must return and visit Skunk Harbor and Sand Harbor which look like great places along the lake for a fun day. Great locations you mentioned to take some wonderful photos here. Thanks for sharing ? #feetdotravel
Cheryl says
Lake Taho is so beautiful! Your photos are some of the best I’ve seen of the area. I haven’t made it there yet, but it’s on my list! Hopefully one day my full-time travel dreams will come true so I have time to check off all the items on that endless list. Have a great weekend!
Anisa says
Beautiful photos. I love Lake Tahoe. In my mind, it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places in the US. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Sapna says
Gorgeous pictures. I fall in love with the place by going through your post. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Tanja/The Red Phone Box travels says
so beautiful! #theweeklypostcard
Jo says
So stunningly beautiful. I can see why Mark Twain commented on the clarity it really is amazing. Would love to visit Lake Tahoe this evening views are incredible and so are your pictures. #weekly postcard
Kate says
Wow! It’s hard to believe someplace this beautiful exists in the US. I cannot believe how clear that water is or that it never freezes! This looks like the perfect way to reconnect with nature and have a truly tranquil getaway.
Hannah says
Your photos are beautiful! I’ve never been to California but would love to someday, and will definitely try to visit Lake Tahoe!
Travel Lexx says
Amazing photos – we stayed on the shores of the lake and had a chance to explore a bit too. Emerald Bay is so beautiful and we really enjoyed walking to the viewpoints and seeing the lake in all its glory. Definitely somewhere I would like to return to one day! I didn’t know that the areas around it are super popular as skiing destinations!
Harmony, Momma To Go says
So living on the east coast, I always here people talk about “Tahoe” and going to “Tahoe for the weekend” But I never really knew what it was! These photos are gorgeous! I love the blue of the lake and sky. Reminds how grey our sky is here in NY – I guess due to pollution! Happy #WeekendWanderlust
Emese says
Gorgeous pictures! Lake Tahoe is indeed one of the most beautiful places in the US. I love how clear the water is. Thanks for sharing.
Anda says
What a great collection of Lake Tahoe photos! Good choice to photograph that orange kayak on the lake. It makes a beautiful contrast in the picture. I absolutely love this place, but I have never visited it in summer. It’s probably more crowded than in winter, since there are so many more things to do during the warm season. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Maggie says
Gorgeous pictures!!! I haven’t been to Lake Tahoe yet, but I’m definitely looking forward to one day seeing it in person! Thanks for sharing!
Nyla says
These are such beautiful photos, very nice place. I would love to go there one day.
#theweeklypostcard
Rhonda Albom says
All those photos do bring back memories of when I lived in Stateline. Hubby and I hiked many of those trails plus a number of the ones at altitude (yes, I got winded but so did he). A couple of other fun facts – you can pick pine nuts at the right time of year and the bark of the Jeffrey pine tree (common in the area) smells like vanilla.
Vanessa Brune says
What an incredible place! Lake Tahoe is definitely on my US bucket list! I mean those views are just too beautiful to be true <3
Sandra says
Those pictures are absolutely stunning! I’ve always wanted to go to Lake Tahoe. It looks like such an amazing place to hike. I hope to get there someday.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Urska | sliva says
Oh, what a gorgeous place! Really like your photos. Tahoe Lake looks like a paradise to me – pure nature, lots of possibilities for outdoor activities, definitely on my bucket list.
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
What great photos, Ruth! Personally partial to the California side, but only because that’s where we always stayed when I was a kid. I had almost forgotten how absolutely beautiful the water is, and the surrounding mountains just complete the scene. Going to have to go back for a visit, since it’s been at least 20 years since I’ve been! (Yikes…time really does fly!) Thanks for linking up with us for #TheWeeklyPostcard and also #WeekendWanderlust!
Kalpanaa says
Stunning photos. I was transported back to my visit to Lake Tahoe – over 20 years ago. We didn’t have a digital camera then so can’t enjoy the photos anymore. Have a great weekend.
Trippin' Turpins (Kelly) says
Absolutely stunning photos!
Tadej says
The water is so clean and calm, love it. I think this is a place where campers are spending their quality time.
Mary says
Stunning photography for an amazing place. It has a little bit of everything. Mountains, water, blue sky, beautiful.
sallie rainville says
Beautiful tour! The Lake is so blue — we’ve been there but it has been a while … thank you for the memories. (Our trip was before I was into photography — so definitely appreciate your stunning pictures.)
CJ says
Wow! These Lake Tahoe pictures are absolutely stunning! Such a gorgeous place to explore and soak in the beauty of nature. 😍