Lake Tahoe: Our Last Stop in California
Originally, we planned a stop in Yosemite National Park. Although Yosemite is thought to be one of the grandest of the national parks, it was a bit of a detour, putting us back another day. Also, accommodations are relatively sparse and July is the high season so we were not guaranteed a night’s stay. So we looked at our map and plotted an alternative: Lake Tahoe.
We were glad we did. The lake that transcends the California-Nevada border is amazing, with incredible natural views. Lake Tahoe is known for world-class skiing and contains several ski resorts, but skiing is only a fraction of the activities here; there is NO low season in Lake Tahoe. If you want to gamble, jump the border into Nevada (you won’t notice—we didn’t) and double-down on 11s in Harrah’s Casino. But gamblers beware; you would be missing out on spectacular outdoor adventures. There’s hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, biking, ATV-riding, sailing, kayaking, swimming, lying along the beach, parasailing. If your thrills involve the outdoors, chances are you’ll find it in Lake Tahoe. It seemed as though everyone was on their way to hike a trail or grab a kayak when we drove through. If there was one stop I regret not staying an extra day or so, Lake Tahoe is that stop.
Highway 89 runs along the western part of the lake while US-50 hugs the east coast. Route 28 runs along the north. Driving along all three parts is known as “looping the lake” and can take up to four hours. We drove south along Rt. 89 into the South Shore region (Lake Tahoe is actually several towns divided along two regions—North Shore and South Shore), where South Lake Tahoe is located. South Lake Tahoe is where the majority of accommodations and attractions are located, but North Lake Tahoe—though pricier—is becoming more popular. We found a nice inn among many that run along Lake Tahoe Boulevard. Best Tahoe Western Inn ran on Pine Street right off the Boulevard and only cost us 50 bucks a night.
We spent the morning on a hike down to the shore to Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style house built right along the beach. After seeing the Biltmore, Hearst Castle, and even the Winchester Mystery House, Vikingsholm was unimpressive and we opted out of the $5 entry fee. Nonetheless, the hike down to the house revealed some incredible views of Lake Tahoe, and the crystal-clear Emerald Bay.
The water in Lake Tahoe is impressive and reminiscent of the Caribbean—translucent, bright-blue in the near distance, and darker as it later reaches the horizon. Kayaks were visible in Emerald Bay as they approached an island—the only island in Lake Tahoe– in the center. Apparently there was a tea house built on it and that seems to be a destination for many boaters.
We left Lake Tahoe wanting more and perhaps we’ll be back someday. As for now, we’re marching to Salt Lake City and driving through barren desert in Nevada, where they name towns like Battle Mountain and Elko. Good times!
