Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America, trailing only the Great Lakes in volume. The vast majority of this massive lake is in California, with the remaining one-third in Nevada. Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park covers 14,301 acres and encompasses the shoreline and wilderness on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe. This area of Lake Tahoe’s coastline and surrounds include fishing, boating, beautiful beaches, scenic walks, fishing, and cross-country skiing in the winter. The landscape includes high alpine peaks such as Snow Valley and Marlette Peak, as well as meadowland and aspen groves, alpine and sub-alpine lakes, and flat sandy beaches.
The sheer beauty of Lake Tahoe is overwhelming, leaving visitors enchanted and in awe of its splendor. The crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding snow-capped peaks, creating a mesmerizing panorama that is nothing short of spectacular. Whether it’s the vibrant hues of turquoise in the summer or the serene white wonderland during winter, Lake Tahoe never fails to impress.
Beyond its visual grandeur, Lake Tahoe offers a myriad of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts. From hiking along scenic trails to skiing down powdery slopes, the possibilities for adventure are endless. The lake itself beckons with opportunities for boating, fishing, or simply basking in the tranquility of its shores.
The surrounding communities near Lake Tahoe also add to its charm, offering a blend of rustic charm and modern amenities. Quaint towns and villages provide a warm welcome to visitors, with cozy lodges, lively restaurants, and a vibrant local culture that adds to the overall experience.
Whether it’s witnessing a majestic sunset over the lake, exploring the lush forests, or indulging in outdoor adventures, Lake Tahoe in Nevada offers an unparalleled experience that stirs the soul. It is a place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the pure beauty of nature.
For those fortunate enough to visit Lake Tahoe, they are rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime. It is a place where the magnificence of the natural world unfolds before your eyes, leaving you humbled and overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of this remarkable alpine lake.
Explore the Marlette-Hobart Backcountry: The Marlette-Hobart Backcountry includes around 13,000 acres of woodland with 50 miles of trails and dirt roads to explore. The Washoe tribe used this location during their seasonal movement between the Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe, and it was later the site of the historic Virginia Gold Hill Water System, which carried up to 10 million gallons of water per day to the adjacent Comstock gold and silver mines. The Marlette Lake Water System is currently a National Register of Historic Places and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
All of the picturesque lakes and reservoir areas in this section of the park were constructed to serve the water system’s pipelines and flumes to Virginia City. Boating, fishing, and picnicking are all popular activities at Marlette Lake, Hobart Reservoir, and Spooner Lake. The Flume Trail, which offers views of Lake Tahoe and connects to the Tahoe Rim Trail, is one of the most popular backcountry paths. You’ll walk among lofty pines and possibly see local species such as mule deer, bears, coyotes, osprey, bald eagles, and woodpeckers.
Lake Tahoe-Nevada State Park has teamed up with the non-profit organization Nevada Nordic to create a community-supported cross-country ski facility in North Lake Tahoe. The groomed paths in Spooner Meadow on the south side of Spooner Lake and up North Canyon to Marlette Lake are free and supported by donations.
Drive It All: Beginning at the Spooner Junction with US 50 (the Lincoln Highway) and proceeding northwest along the border before entering the park, Nevada State Route 28 weaves its way down the beach and into the state park. The route is 16 miles long, passing through Hidden Bach, Memorial Point, and Sand Harbour before arriving in Incline Village. It’s a lovely path that can get congested in the summer, but the trails and hidden locations that link to it are well worth the drive.