Lake Tahoe was all clear blue water, pine-covered mountains, rocky shoreline, and that easy alpine-lake feeling. We stayed near the south shore with Fallen Leaf Campground as our base, mixing a paddle on Fallen Leaf Lake, Tallac’s historic estates and nearby trails, the Donner Party museum and cabin site, Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm, and one last shoreline day at Sugar Pine Point.
Pick a stop to see its story and photos.
Fallen Leaf Lake is a quieter alternative immediately south of Lake Tahoe, with a forest campground and small marina. We stayed beside the lake and launched kayaks for a clear-water paddle along its less-developed shoreline.
Tallac Historic Site preserves former resort estates, including the Pope House and Valhalla, along Lake Tahoe's south shore. From there we biked the Kiva Beach path, walked Taylor Creek's Rainbow Trail, and returned for an outdoor concert.
Donner Memorial State Park explains the Donner Party, Washoe history, and the building of the transcontinental railroad. We toured the museum, emigrant monument, and Murphy cabin site connected to the winter of 1846–47.
Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe's most recognizable viewpoints. We hiked from the rim to the bay, visited the exterior of the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm estate, and added the short walk to Lower Eagle Falls.
Sugar Pine Point protects two miles of Tahoe shoreline and the historic Hellman-Ehrman estate. We spent time beside the lake and toured Pine Lodge, the furnished 1903 summer home at the center of the property.
Fallen Leaf Lake is a quieter alternative immediately south of Lake Tahoe, with a forest campground and small marina. We stayed beside the lake and launched kayaks for a clear-water paddle along its less-developed shoreline.
Tallac Historic Site preserves former resort estates, including the Pope House and Valhalla, along Lake Tahoe's south shore. From there we biked the Kiva Beach path, walked Taylor Creek's Rainbow Trail, and returned for an outdoor concert.
Donner Memorial State Park explains the Donner Party, Washoe history, and the building of the transcontinental railroad. We toured the museum, emigrant monument, and Murphy cabin site connected to the winter of 1846–47.
Emerald Bay is one of Lake Tahoe's most recognizable viewpoints. We hiked from the rim to the bay, visited the exterior of the Scandinavian-style Vikingsholm estate, and added the short walk to Lower Eagle Falls.
Sugar Pine Point protects two miles of Tahoe shoreline and the historic Hellman-Ehrman estate. We spent time beside the lake and toured Pine Lodge, the furnished 1903 summer home at the center of the property.
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