It’s family fun time at Lake Tahoe!
Our seven-month old grandson, escorted by parents and two pairs of grandparents, set off for a long weekend at Lake Tahoe.
A 4-hour drive from San Francisco got us to Lake Tahoe, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It is the largest alpine lake in North America, with a shoreline of over 70 miles, and the 2nd deepest lake in the country, after Crater Lake in Oregon.
Fall was a great time to go there because the crowds were less, the weather was superb, and the wondrous fall colours added charm to its scenic beauty.
We stayed in South Tahoe close to the Emerald Bay. South Lake Tahoe offers plenty of choice for accommodation and dining, including cosy, well-equipped cabins on lakeshore. Ours was a nice three level cabin with a huge deck overlooking the lake.
Drive around the lake
We drove around the southern part of the lake taking in the panoramic views, stopping at vantage points for photo ops, short picnics, coffee breaks.
The countryside of Hope valley around the lake was particularly charming, providing a very relaxing atmosphere to just chill with the family. The dense Aspen groves added yellow and orange colors to the scenery. A short drive to Fallen Leaves lake was totally worth it.
For the adventurous, there are kayaking and canoeing opportunities at the lake.
Cruises in Lake Tahoe
In Emerald Bay there are daytime and sunset cruises aboard Paddlewheel boats. The Tahoe Paradise and M.S. Dixie II from Zephyr Cove run scenic daytime and sunset dinner cruises with historic narration. You might be lucky to spot a bald eagle!
We just had a weekend and did not have the time to enjoy the cruise.
Watch the Kokanee Salmon Spawning
This is one of the highlights of the fall season. The salmon migrate to Taylor Creek, one of the 63 Lake Tahoe tributaries, to spawn. With cooler water temperatures comes the instinctive urge for the kokanee salmon to leave the lake and go upstream to spawn.
From the Taylor Creek visitor center, you can take the easy walk along the Rainbow trail loop and about halfway down the trail you will find the Stream profile chamber, where you can enjoy the underwater views of the Kokanee salmon in their natural habitat, and a few trout too, while looking through huge glass bay windows.
There is a two-day festival called the Fall Fish Fest to celebrate this spawning event. It is interesting that several activities and educational programs are organised at this festival for children.
Trails and Hikes
The best way to experience the magic of fall is to get out on the trails. It really does not matter where you go hiking as the views are spectacular everywhere.
We picked the Emerald Bay State Park – a great place to indulge in some hikes and walks. It was convenient as we stayed close to the bay.
Inspiration Point on the Emerald Bay Road, situated high above the lake, has paved walkways and offers amazing views of the bay and the lake. We could also view Fannette Island, the only island on Lake Tahoe. This island is only accessible by boat.
It was fun to do the Eagle vista loop – a short easy hike to a vista point on top to view Emerald Bay.
There are several longer and tougher hikes in this state park for seasoned hikers.
The short weekend break away from the city was perfect for just relaxing, enjoying some quality family time and getting some exercise amidst beautiful nature. We loved it!
Wow, the fall colors look spectacular! I would love to hike around Lake Tahoe. Your photos are amazing. I can only imagine how pretty the sunset cruises are.
I’ve been wanting to go to Lake Tahoe! As for Fannette Island, is there a ferry that takes you there, or only private boats?
Hi Yanitza, The only way to get to the island seems to be by kayak, canoe or boat. There is no ferry service. Hope this helps. 🙂
What a beautiful place. I took like such a wonderful day out 🙂
The more I see of Lake Tahoe, the more I want to visit! It is such an incredible area to go for a hike (especially in fall, with those incredible trees!)
Lake Tahoe has been a dream/bucket list item of mine! Can’t wait to visit one day!
Ah! I would love to go to Lake Tahoe. I’ve never been, but the photos are so beautiful. I think that taking a cruise around the lake would be a wonderful way to see the land from the water. Such a gorgeous place – especially in the fall!
I only visited Lake Tahoe once and that was not much more than a drive through. The fall seems like the perfect time for a visit. A cabin overlooking the lake sounds perfect to enjoy the fall colours. We have never managed to catch the salmon spawning so that would be a thrill.
Tahoe is the perfect spot for a family vacation, especially with a little one. I have not visited in the fall and your images have me convinced I need to this year. I will be sure to plan for the Fall Fish Fest to see the salmon spawn too
It’s lovely to know that you had a great time with your family at Lake Tahoe. I’d love to watch salmon spawning and spot a few trout there. How exciting! Driving around the lake and just relaxing are definitely what I love to do as well. The scenery of the Fallen Leaves lake looks amazing in the fall.
What a fun outing this is – hikes, leisurely strolls, watching a unique fest – spawning. Loved the fact that the festival is not only unique but a good learning for kids. I loved the fall colors during your drive. It is ideal even for the older parents who might not want to take to those long trails. Interesting read!
Lake Tahoe looks perfect for an autumn break! Such beautiful pictures! I always try to go to popular places in shoulder season – so thanks for the advice! I am not so much intrested in watching salmons – but I hope the restaurants also have some good ones on the menu..
I first heard about Lake Tahoe in the movie, City of Angels and I can say this place is really beautiful. Not to mention your photos are stunning and they’re enough to convince us to visit soon. Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience with us.
Wow I have never seen salmons migrating and swimming. I would love to see them. I have never visited Lake Tahoe but it is surely on the places that I would love to go. I will remember to go during the fall season, as the drive around the lake looks spectacular and colourful.
I’ve always wanted to visit Lake Tahoe. It looks gorgeous especially with those colorful Aspen trees. I would definitely do some of those hikes. The views are just beautiful.
You’re so right. Touring Lake Tahoe during the fall is the perfect time of year. Hiking and taking advantage of those beautiful views would be high on my list of things to do.