Lake Tahoe Facts
Surface Elevation –6,229 ft. above sea level
Length –22 miles; Width – 12 miles
Shoreline –71 miles (CA 42 mi.; NV 29 mi.;)
Capacity –
122,160,280 acre-ft. of water
Lake Tahoe is as long as the English Channel is wide. The Panama Canal, 700 feet wide and 50 feet deep, could be filled with Tahoe’s water even if it circled the globe at the equator – and there would still be enough water left to fill a canal of the same size running from San Francisco to New York.
If Lake Tahoe was tipped over, the water would cover California to a depth of fourteen and a half inches. (Texas would only be covered to a depth of eight and a half inches.) Try it, you’ll see!
The Lake is fed by 63 streams and two hot springs. An average of 1,400,000 tons of water (or onetenth of an inch) evaporates every day. That’s more than is released through the Truckee River, or enough to supply the daily water requirements of 3,500,000 people.
Surface Area –193 sq. mi. (122,200 acres)
Depth – Maximum 1,645 ft.; Average 989 ft.
Surface Temperatures –Max. 68 F°; Min. 41°F
Only Outlet –
Truckee River at Tahoe City
Ice may sometimes form along shoreline inlets, although Lake Tahoe has never been known to freeze over.
Contrary to popular belief, Lake Tahoe is not the deepest lake in the world, or even in the United States. It is the eighth deepest in the world and second deepest in the U.S., just behind Crater Lake, Oregon, at 1,932 feet, with a surface elevation of 6,176 feet.
Many drowning victims are never recovered from Lake Tahoe. The cold water at lower depths preserves the bodies and prevents the formation of gases that would otherwise float them to the surface. As an “interstate navigable waterway,” Lake Tahoe is protected by the U.S. Coast Guard (and is reputed to be the most desirable Coast Guard duty station in the world).
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Points of Interest
BROCKWAY FIRE LOOKOUT – Spectacular views of the lake, nature trail, and picnicking. From Brockway Springs, turn right on Highway 28, turn left on Reservoir Drive (just past Crystal Bay, and the Tahoe Biltmore); turn right on Lake View Avenue and go to the top of the hill. Take your first left, take Forest Service Road to the lookout (paved road).
DONNER MUSEUM – About three miles north of Interstate 80 on Highway 89 North is the Donner Historical Site, where a short walk on a marked trail takes you to the very tree (still standing) against which the Donner family pitched their tent and spent the winter. The Donner Memorial State Park, just off-80 at the Donner Lake Exit displays interesting exhibits and artifacts as well as presents movies and slide shows relating to the Donner Party’s ordeal. The park also features a 7,500 foot long lakeside interpretive trail. Call for hours and admission (530) 582-7892.
EMERALD BAY – Stay on Highway 89 and you can’t miss the most picturesque spot in the world. The highway here is hundreds of feet above lake level, and offers a spectacular view of Emerald Bay.
FANNY BRIDGE – It’s on Highway 89 in Tahoe City directly south of the Albertson’s supermarket. The Lake Tahoe outlet gates are used to control the flow of water into the Truckee River, and thereby raise or lower the water level of the entire lake. This is great for the kids because they can feed the rainbow trout.
GATEKEEPER’S MUSEUM – Looking at the Gatekeeper’s Cabin, located next to the Tahoe City dam, you can appreciate the simple life which the gatekeeper led in the early 1900s. Hired in 1909, his job was to keep detailed records of daily water levels and flow. His cabin remained a landmark until 1978, when fire leveled the historic house to its foundation. The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society rebuilt the cabin to serve as a museum. Visitors can stroll through it examining such intriguing memorabilia as 19th century maps, Indian baskets, tools, jewelry, clothing, pictures and artifacts of logging and railroad days, 1960 Olympics souvenirs and a pictorial
history of Tahoe and the North Shore. Please call for hours and information (530) 583-1762.
LAKE TAHOE SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL –Extraordinary entertainment! Exceptional setting! Located lakeside at Sand Harbor State Park, this season the Festival celebrates 40 years of presenting live, professional theater productions, concerts and performances seven nights a week (July 5-August 25). Complemented by an on-site gourmet kitchen that features a full bar, LTSF entertains in an unforgettable beach setting. www.laketahoeshakespeare.com or 800-74-SHOWS.
TAHOE CITY COMMONS BEACH—Situated right in the heart of Tahoe City, this beach provides a sandy shoreline, playground equipment, and weekly free music on the beach.
SAND HARBOR—Located 5 miles outside of Incline Village on Highway 28, this picturesque spot has a beautiful sandy beach, nature walks, and great views.
EAGLE ROCK—Located 4 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, this ¼ mile hike brings you to the top of a volcanic rock, with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe.
VIKINGSHOLM—A beautiful estate situated on the shores of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm was the vision of Mrs. Lora Josephine Knight, and is a beautiful example of Scandinavian architecture. Follow Highway 89 to Emerald Bay, and there is a parking area and signage for Vikingsholm. It is a one mile hike down to the estate and the mouth of Emerald Bay. In the summer, rent a kayak or paddleboard and make your way to Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe
MEEK’S BAY—Follow Highway 89 20 miles past Tahoe City, and you will see signs for Meek’s Bay. Enjoy the long sandy beaches, sunshine, and stunning views. Perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
DL BLISS STATE PARK—Located 15 miles south of Tahoe City on Highway 89, this state park features gorgeous beaches, stunning vistas, and a variety of hiking trails with no shortage of views and secluded coves.
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Points of Interest
TAHOE DONNER – Tahoe Donner has many amenities open to the public. Two restaurants: Pizza on the Hill, and The Lodge Restaurant & Pub. Summer activities: Bikeworks for bike rentals and guided rides; Equestrian Center for trail rides and day camps; Alder Creek Campground, which has both tent and RV sites; and The Tahoe Donner Golf Course. For winter activities, visit their downhill and cross-country ski areas. Call (530) 587-9400.
SQUAW VALLEY – Ride the cable car to High Camp that overlooks the valley. Bike riding, hiking, picnicking, swimming, and ice skating in the winter are available. The original Olympic Flame and five-ring Olympic insignia still mark the right side of the entrance to Squaw Valley, off Highway 89, about five miles north of Tahoe City.
SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK – On Highway 89, nine miles south of Tahoe City. In addition to picnicking, hiking, and camping, Sugar Pine Point has the colossal Ehrman Mansion, formerly the vacation residence of a wealthy San Francisco family. There is a nature trail which describes the history of Tahoe and its habitants. State Park fee: $10 per car; bikers or hiker, $3 per person.
THUNDERBIRD LODGE ESTATE – A place you won’t forget, is one of the best examples of historic “Tahoe Society” estate and a six-acre historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places, which is surrounded by more than 40,000 acres of Forest Service and Nevada State Parks land. Previously known as the Whittell Estate, it is located on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. This unique place is also available to host a simple business meeting or a complex conference. Available for tours that will take you through the lighthouse room, the old lodge, the maids quarters, the old kitchen, cook and butler’s house, the elephant house and an underground tunnel leading to infamous Card House and Boat House.
TRUCKEE – Was once a booming town with rowdy saloons and a busy red light district. Frequently, the lullaby for visitors attempting to sleep was the tinkle of money on the faro tables and player pianos cranking out music in the saloons. Times have changed, though, and Truckee has mellowed somewhat, but it still attracts plenty of visitors. Located just east of beautiful Donner Lake, Truckee is a bustling, year round recreational paradise. During the winter, skiers and snow-minded sports enthusiasts flock to town; in summer, the quaint shops and restaurants make Truckee a perfect spot for a day of sightseeing and learning about the local history.
VIRGINIA CITY – It’s the nation’s largest Historic District. Old buildings, steam engine rides, mine tours, a huge cemetery, countless exhibits (many free) and several blocks of downtown with covered wooden sidewalks makes this a worthwhile trip for all. Take Mt. Rose Highway (Rte. 431) from Incline to the stoplight at Route 395. Cross 395 and go straight ahead up the Geiger Grade to Virginia City (takes a little over an hour from mid-North Shore). Be sure to take the mine tour and ride the V & T steam train.
WATSON CABIN – A living museum for anyone interested in what life at Tahoe was like at the turn of the century. It is on the lake side of North Lake Blvd. in Tahoe City. Guided tours are conducted by docents dressed in period costumes. Call for hours and information (530) 583-1762.
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Points of Interest
TAHOE AREA RAPID TRANSIT
Schedule varies by season. 800-736-6365 or 530-550-1212
TART = Accessible by public bus
BOWL INCLINE, 920 Southwood Blvd., Incline Village. 16 lanes, five pool tables, 30 video games. Smoke-free Sundays. 775-831-1900. TART
CRYSTAL BAY CLUB ARCADE, Crystal Bay. Video games, etc. 775-831-0512. TART
FEED THE GIANT RAINBOW TROUT at Fanny Bridge (guess why it’s called that!), Hwys. 28 and 89, Tahoe City “Y.” Bring quarters to buy fish food from the vending machines supplied by the Girl Scouts (but don’t toss them crackers, bread, or other human food, please – it’s harmful to their health). Absolutely no fishing! TART
GRANLIBAKKEN SKI AND SNOWBOARD HILL 530-581-7533 (Winter)
HEADWALL CLIMBING WALL, Cable Car Building, Squaw Valley USA. 45-ft. climbing wall. Little kids and first timers welcome. 530-583-ROPE (7673). TART
HYATT REGENCY LAKE TAHOE RESORT
CASINO, Incline Village. Video games, etc. 775-832-1234. TART
KIDZONE MUSEUM 11711 Donner Pass Rd., Truckee. The Museum features “Mountain Home Construction,” “Be a Smart Shopper,” and “La Cocina (The Kid-chen),” as well as arts and crafts projects, a music area, and computers. Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays are for group and special tours by reservation. Closed Sundays. 530-587-KIDS (5437).
NORTH STAR AT TAHOE Winter ice skating
Summer Roller Skating rink. Located in the Village at Northstar. 530-562-1010.
SQUAW VALLEY USA HIGH CAMP at the top of the Cable Car offers an Olympic ice pavilion, winter ice skating, summer roller skating, swimming lagoon and spa, bungee tower, adventure ropes course, and soccer and wrestling camps. 530-583-6985. TART
TAHOE BILTMORE LODGE/CASINO, Crystal Bay. Video games, etc. 775-831-0660. TART
TAHOE TREE TOP ADVENTURE PARK, Aerial Platforms, Walkway and Zipline. Reservations recommended. 530-581-7563
TRUCKEE ICE RINK (Winter) Rentals available. 530-587-6172.
TRUCKEE SKATEBOARD PARK Free. Brockway Road. 530-582-7720.
WESTERN SKI SPORTS MUSEUM, Boreal exit, 1-80. Exhibits on antique ski equipment and the early days of skiing. Wed.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 530-426-3313.
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Area Activities
North Lake Tahoe offers asphalt-paved bike routes, maintained by the Parks and Recreation Departments of our Public Utility Districts. These trails are open to a variety of recreational uses. Bicyclists, joggers, strollers, people going fishing, and even horses may be found along the way. Users are urged to be tolerant and respectful of everyone’s mutual right to use the facility. Motor vehicles are strictly prohibited.
TAHOE CITY AREA
Tahoe City offers 17 miles of paved multi-use recreational trail extended out in three sections:
1. TO DOLLAR POINT, two and one-half miles, mostly level with a climb that lasts one-half mile up Dollar Hill; access to Tahoe State Park, Burton Creek State Park, Skylandia Park, Pomin Park, Lake Forest Beach, Lake Forest Boat Ramp and Campground; fishing, picnicking, playgrounds, athletic fields. Access to some features, including the Nordic Center and mountain bike trails is over residential streets. TART
2. ALONG THE TRUCKEE RIVER, the trail is three miles to Alpine Meadows Road and approximately one mile continues along the river to Squaw Valley Road. This trail is very scenic, completely separate from the highway, and is mostly flatter terrain with a few short, gentle grades, trout fishing, river rafting, and picnicking. TART
3. WEST SHORE TO SUGAR PINE POINT STATE PARK, nine miles. Mostly separate from the highway, the trail does contain a few miles of highway shoulder and two miles of residential streets as well as several highway crossings. Terrain is varied with a few steep sections. Features include small communities, campgrounds, Kilner Park, tennis, picnicking, playgrounds, fishing, boating, beaches, scenic lake shoreline, and access to beautiful side trips up Ward and Blackwood canyons and Sugar Pine Point’s Ehrman Mansion. TART
TRUCKEE
There is a designated bike lane on Highway 89 from West River Street to the Squaw Valley entrance. TART
LEGACY TRAIL
Three-mile paved bicycling trail from Truckee Regional Park to Riverview Parks along the Truckee River.
SQUAW VALLEY
Squaw Valley has a two-mile long asphalt trail parallel to Squaw Valley Road on the south side along Squaw Valley Meadow. It runs from Squaw Valley Condos to Squaw Creek Road, and offers view of the meadow and surrounding peaks. TART
TAHOE VISTA
The North Tahoe PUD Parks and Recreation Department maintains a bike trail in Tahoe Vista from the end of the parking lot in North Tahoe Regional Park (up National Avenue through the woods to Pinedrop Street, then to Highway 267.) It is about one mile long from the park, three miles from the intersection of National Avenue and Highway 28.
INCLINE VILLAGE
Washoe County maintains two bike trails.
1. LAKESHORE DRIVE, two and one-half miles from the Chevron gas station to Highway 28. TART
2. VILLAGE BOULEVARD, two miles from Sierra Nevada College to The Lake. TART
OFF-ROAD BICYCLING
There are some great off-road biking trails that offer scenic views, including Nordic ski trails at the Highlands Community Center in Tahoe City, North Tahoe Regional Park, Blackwood Canyon, and Sugar Pine Point State Park. Truckee rides include Prosser to Boca Reservoir, Prosser to Stampede Reservoir, Verdi Peak and Truckee to Tahoe City. Visit your local bike shop for trail maps and information. Don’t venture onto the dirt trails unprepared.
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