Lakestreams.com – Page 23 – Your Travel Destination

Lake Tahoe is in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and It is over 22 miles in length and over 12 miles wide and it’s total shoreline stretches out to more than 71 miles. Lake Tahoe covers the Nevada/California border. It is 198 miles northeast of San Francisco, 100 miles northeast of Sacramento, and 58 miles southwest of Reno. The average surface of Lake Tahoe is 6,222 feet above sea level. The highest peak rising directly from the shoreline is Mt. Tallac at 9,735 feet. The highest point in the Tahoe Basin is Freel Peak at 10,881 feet.

Fact: The water in Lake Tahoe is 99.7 percent pure, about the same as distilled water. It’s so clear that a white dinner plate can be seen at 78 feet below the surface.

Lake Tahoe has many lakefront homes on both the North and South shore which is the biggest snow capped lake in North America. It is widely known for its practically translucent waters that are known to bring out sentiments of marvel and wonderment. Mark Twain, during his visit to the territory in the late 1860’s once said: “it is the most attractive picture the Earth has to offer.”

The Lake which is thought to have been made by volcanic movement was first discovered by the ever expanding western frontier in 1844. Before that the Lake and its forested region was home to the Washo Indian tribe who called the Lake ‘enormous sky lake’ out of appreciation for its shimmering, blue and clear waters.

It has a average depth of 989 feet and at its deepest area is 1,645 feet. The Lake isn’t exactly popular for swimming as the waters of the lake are frequently cold and freezing; not counting the middle of the summer. Another intriguing certainty about the lake, is that this lake doesn’t drain into a sea despite the fact that almost sixty-three streams stream into it, rather it channels into the Pyramid Lake situated in the Nevada desert by way of the Truckee River. Aside from the magnificence of the lake, the are has fresh, clear air, thick backwoods and a tranquil peacefulness at most locations.

The Lake on a normal has 250 to 300 days of sunny weather during the year. Throughout the winter months it will in general get almost 300-500 inches of snow fall and this has empowered it to end up one of the country’s head ski goals. The Lake Tahoe zone has a huge number of ski resorts that offer countless exercises like snowboarding, ice – skating, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, sleigh riding notwithstanding skiing and crosscountry skiing.

During the hotter months Lake Tahoe offers countless outdoor recreations like sailing and water sports, climbing, tennis, outdoors, expanding, golf, horseback riding, parasailing, bungee bouncing and considerably more. During the summer months, the upper 12 feet of the lake can warm to 68 degrees F. Below depths of 600 feet and in winter months, the temperature remains a constant 39 degrees F. Remarkably, the lake does not freeze over in winter.

North Lake Tahoe spans two states, California and Nevada, with many top rated lodging available for the family, or even a romantic vacation. Unique communities dot the shores of North Lake Tahoe each offering fine, casual and leisure dining options. Lake Tahoe is a year-round outdoor playground with twelve ski resorts, hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, dozens of beaches, and 39 trillion gallons of water to enjoy.

Nationally recognized Lake Tahoe events including music festivals, concerts, food pairings and sporting events take place each season.

North and South Lake Tahoe are effectively open by different methods of vehicle. Lake Tahoe is situated on the outskirt among California and Nevada. This well known retreat goal lies 200 miles toward the east of the Californian city of San Francisco while it is only 30 miles toward the west of Reno in Nevada. North Lake Tahoe is served by the Reno/Tahoe International Airport, where you can rent a vehicle, take a shuttle, or go in style by limo to your Lake Tahoe vacation destination. If you’re driving, Interstate Highway 80 drops you into Truckee, California, where you can take California State Routes 267, or 89, to Lake Tahoe.

The nearest large air terminals are Reno Tahoe International air terminal in Nevada which can be gotten to by means of a 40 moment drive from this well known all year goal. Another enormous business airplane terminal that serves the locale is the Sacramento International Airport in California which is found two hours away. Smaller air terminals like South Lake Tahoe Airport and Truckee-Tahoe Airport manage the cost of extra air connects to Lake Tahoe.

Throughout the winter ski months a few bus lines work at different ski resorts like the Bay Area Ski Bus and the NAC ski. Lake Tahoe can also be reached by train on the Amtrak California Zephyr Route that makes a stop in Truckee.

The shoreline of Lake Town has a few towns and towns every one of which are known for their very own unmistakable character and heap attractions. Lake Tahoe is separated into two unmistakable parts North Lake Tahoe which is home to ski resorts and towns like Incline Village, which is a well off enclave that is peppered with million dollar homes, shops and cafés. Different towns in North Lake Tahoe incorporate the old railroad town of Truckee, Tahoe City, ski resort towns of Alpine Meadows and Squaw Valley which was the site of the 1960’s Winter Olympic Games among others.

South Lake Tahoe is a huge zone which is basically equipped towards the travel industry and lies mostly in the state of Nevada. This vacationer substantial territory is home to a few major name club like Harrah’s, Harveys, Mont Bleu and the Horzion which are altogether situated in the town of Stateline in Nevada. These club are referred to as betting goals as well as are viewed as resorts which give much stimulation of all the family.

Aside from these towns and towns, the region encompassing North and South Lake Tahoe additionally has various state parks like the Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park which offers a few diversions choices to vacationers and local people alike. Sand Harbor with its sandy shorelines is a favored area in the recreation center. It is found three miles toward the west of Incline town and has drifting and picnicking offices. Sand Harbor is has the prevalent Lake Tahoe Shakespeare celebration each July. Other famous regions in the Park incorporate Memorial Point and Hidden Beach, Cave Rock, Spooner Lake, Zephyr Cover all of which have offices for picnicking, climbing, mountain biking, angling, outdoors, trekking and so on.

You can get out on the town on the Lake itself by riding on-board a noteworthy three deck paddle wheeler called the MS Dixie II. This oar wheel supplanted the first MS Dixie in 1994. This oar wheeler heads out from the town of Zephyr bay. Comparative travels are additionally offered by the Tahoe Queen which sails from the town of Emerald Bay in South Lake Tahoe.

Historic Sites, Museums, and Natural Parks
The Lake Tahoe Historical Society Museum showcases the area’s most comprehensive collections of early photos, pioneer implements, and Washoe Indian basketry as well as a fine model of the historic S.S. Tahoe and the basin’s oldest erect building. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Thunderbird Lodge is one of the best examples of a great residential estate on Lake Tahoe. Built in 1939, it was designed to blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Tours are available by reservation only. Visitors must be shuttled to the lodge from the Incline Village/Crystal Bay Visitor’s Center.

D.L. Bliss and Emerald Bay State Parks offer the most breathtaking views of the Lake, the mountains, and Tahoe’s only island – Fannette Island. Both parks have campgrounds, hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and interpretive activities. The D.L. Bliss State Park has a wonderful beach on Rubicon Bay which is also a trailhead for the Rubicon Point Trail that continues to Vikingsholm Castle, the most popular attraction on the west end of Emerald Bay. The castle is considered the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in the United States and is open for guided tours during the summer months.

Sugar Pine Point State Park, a picturesque park along the shore of Lake Tahoe, features a year round operated campground, the Ehrman Mansion and Sugar Pine Point Nature Center. Ehrman Mansion is one of the most exquisite historic summer homes on Lake Tahoe and is open for guided tours July through Labor Day. For more information or to make a reservation, call 530-525-7982.

Back-country Hiking
More than 300 miles of hiking trails offer access to the wilderness areas in the Tahoe basin, and hikers and mountain bikers will be amazed by its pristine natural beauty, rugged cliffs, and steep mountain terrain.
The Tahoe Rim Trail, a 165-mile natural wonder open to hikers, equestrians, and in some areas to mountain bikers, encompasses the ridge tops of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Elevation on the trail ranges from 6,300 to 10,333 feet and is accessible from 12 different trailheads around the lake. The trail is fairly level, making it ideal for families with young children.

The Mt. Tallac/Glen Alpine Trail, the 9,736-foot peak that dominates views throughout South Shore, winds past the historic Glen Alpine Springs. The one-way trail climbs 3,275 feet over a distance of just 5.3 miles and is one of the most challenging in the basin. A rocky scramble to the summit is the last hurdle for those who make it to the top; hikers are rewarded at the summit with panoramic views of Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake. The trailhead is located off Fallen Leaf Lake Road approximately three miles from the junction of Highway 89 and Highway 50.

The Cascade Falls trail is a mild hike to the base of a 200-foot waterfall. The one-mile hike begins at the Bayview Campground off Highway 89 near Emerald Bay.

At the top of the Heavenly Gondola, hiking trails meander through the high Sierra forest with sweeping views of Lake Tahoe along the way. Routes vary from 1.6 miles to just under four miles round-trip.

Rock Climbing
For rock climbers, Tahoe is nirvana thanks to massive spires of granite prevalent around the region. Sierra Mountain Guides, 775-852-4049 or www.sierramtnguides.com, will show climbers Tahoe’s more impressive peaks and climbing routes or teach them the basics. Equipment is provided, and group rates are offered. Climbers who are not quite ready for Mother Nature can visit Kirkwood for its 30-foot climbing wall complete with a straight surface, an incline, and an overhang. The wall is open weekends and holidays.

Mountain Biking, Cycling, and Ski-biking
Biking is ranked as the third most popular outdoor vacation activity in American, according to The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA). Lake Tahoe’s South Shore boasts miles of bike trails for all ability levels, both paved and off-road.

The Angora Lake Climb is an eight-mile paved and dirt trail appropriate for beginners. Despite its minor 270-foot elevation gain, this route offers stunning view of Fallen Leaf Lake, Lake Tahoe, and Mt. Tallac. The trail starts about one mile east of Fallen Leaf Lake. At trail’s end, cyclists can sip lemonade at Angora Lakes Resort or cool off with a dip in the lake.

Two paved bike paths offer a leisurely ride well suited to families. The Pope-Baldwin Bike Path is relatively smooth and flat and meanders around Historic Camp Richardson, the Tallac Historic Site, and Fallen Leaf Lake. The South Lake Tahoe Bike Path runs through town, beginning at El Dorado Beach and crossing both Trout Creek and the Upper Truckee River.

The Flume Trail has been called one of Western America’s Top Ten Routes. The off-road trail begins at Spooner Lake and finishes near the Ponderosa Ranch at Incline Village. Shuttle service, guided tours, and mountain bike rentals are available at Spooner Lake.

the most popular attraction on the west end of Emerald Bay. The castle is considered the finest example of Scandinavian architecture in the United States and is open for guided tours during the summer months.

Horseback and Carriage Rides
Scenic wilderness horseback and old fashioned carriage or hay rides in the warm weather are as essential as sleigh rides are in the winter snow. Among the favorites are Borges Family Sleigh and Carriage Rides, Camp Richardson Corral, Kirkwood Corrals, and Zephyr Cove Stables.

Backcountry Wheel’n
Fun packed adventure on two wheels awaits daredevils ready to take in the sites of the surrounding Sierra Nevada while on an adrenaline tour of a lifetime. Try an off-highway adventure on the world-famous Rubicon Trail or in the dramatic Nevada Desert or tour the scenic backcountry in a rugged Jeep, ATV, or Hummer. Professionally guided tours are available seven days a week year-round At Lake Tahoe Adventures.

Fly Fishing
Many rivers flowing in the Tahoe basin offer fly fishermen ample opportunities to cast flies all year round. The American River, which flows westward out of the Tahoe basin along Highway 50 heading toward Sacramento, is one of the most picturesque rivers in the area and is easily accessible by simply pulling off the Highway. The East and West Carson Rivers just south of South Shore are also prime spots to cast a fly. Several smaller lakes in the area, including Spooner Lake on Highway 50 and Martis Creek Reservoir, are also top fly fishing spots. There are many guide services that can provide tackle, bait, instruction, and a guide for those wishing to explore fishing in Tahoe.

Golf
Visitors looking to tee it up will find 45 courses – including designs by Trent Jones Sr. and Jr., Nicklaus, Palmer, Miller, Weiskopf, Fazio, Harbottle, Zoeller, and Jacobsen – all within a 90-minute drive of Lake Tahoe. And playing in the thinner air of Lake Tahoe’s 6,300-foot elevation, golfers can expect an extra boost – about 10 percent – on each shot.

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is the site of the American Century Championship on NBC-TV and has been recognized as a Golf Digest’s prestigious Top 100. Bordering Lake Tahoe, it’s considered one of the country’s most breathtaking courses. The last three holes border Lake Tahoe. Tees can reach up to 7,600 yards over manicured fairways, through pine forests, and open meadows. Water on 14 holes and lightening fast greens make a lasting impression. The course was the site of the 1985 U.S. Senior Open and the 1980 U.S. Public Links Championship

Bars and Restaurants.
Lake Tahoe has a wide assortment of bars and cafés that will surprise you. Bars and cafés populate both North Lake Tahoe just as South Lake Tahoe. Some local eateries situated incorporate Rosie’s and the Old Post Café the two of which are situated in California and are favored early lunch and breakfast spots. Other well – like foundations incorporate the Char Pit, which is a little café situated in the town of Kings Beach that is eminent for its healthy burgers and infant back ribs. Waterway Ranch Lodge and Restaurant, Le Bistro, Dragonfly, Fiamma are as yet other eating spots which discover support with the two local people and out-of-towners who come to Lake Tahoe on vacation. visit Lake Tahoe