Lake Tahoe -- worth the time ???

Its not wall to wall private homes but it isn't underdeveloped either. Personally I like other lakes in the Sierras particularly in the summer or when there is snow.

In my youth we went to Lake Tahoe often - lake, forest, trails, casinos etc. Outstanding ---- but I haven't been for 15 years so maybe others can give better info.

Its a beautiful area over crowded by people and traffic. The lake itself is under siege by polution from what I have heard. Its been a long time since I was last there, but as I remember there are only a few places with decent views or access to the lake. I personally would drive by look and head for Lasson area.

I would come to Lake Tahoe and stay at the Fallen Leaf Forest Service campground. The Camp Richardson area, Sugar Pine Point park and Emerald Bay are all worth the trip. A day trip around the lake, clockwise, is worth the time.

The pollution of the lake is relative. It is measured with a white disc about 1 foot in diameter lowered in the lake until it cannot be seen. The clarity has decreased from about 100' to about 65'. The numbers may not be quite right but the lake is still very clean. People swim and play in it all summer and while I would not drink the water close to shore out in the middle I would't hesitate.

If you've never seen Lake Tahoe, go. I was there this spring, and it's very scenic, not over-crowded at all.

wgriswold wrote:
I would come to Lake Tahoe and stay at the Fallen Leaf Forest Service campground. The Camp Richardson area, Sugar Pine Point park and Emerald Bay are all worth the trip. A day trip around the lake, clockwise, is worth the time.

The pollution of the lake is relative. It is measured with a white disc about 1 foot in diameter lowered in the lake until it cannot be seen. The clarity has decreaseed from about 100' to about 65'. The numbers may not be quite right but the lake is still very clean. People swim and play in it all summer and while I would not drink the water close to shore out in the middle I would't hesitate.

I second this wholeheartedly.

If you love it now, you should have seen the beauty 35 years ago.

I live 60 miles away. We go there for day trips quite often. As said above, a trip around the lake is a treat. There is a campground in Zephyr Cove that is right across the road from the lake. I would call for a reservation there. Also has a very good restaurant on site. The resort has a lot of water amenities but some may be shutting down this time of year. Still a very worthwhile visit. You will always remember it. Leaving, a trip to Truckee lets you see Donner lake and the park dedicated to the group. Down to Carson City provides a great railroad museum and the state history museum in the old Carson City mint. Virginia City is another good touristy place but if you approach it from the south in an RV, be sure to take the truck route into town to avoid a really steep hill/curve.

Stayed two Labor Days ago after 50 years ago visit. Could not tell any difference in the clarity without using a Secchi disk. Yes traffic was heavy/slow but still well worth it. Did a dinner cruise which was well worth the time and the food was actually pretty good.

Yes it is worth a visit and we stayed at the South Lake Tahoe City CG without reservations...starting on Monday, not Friday. :S

352 wrote:
If you love it now, you should have seen the beauty 35 years ago.

I have been here 40 years and haven't noticed much change in its beauty. But incremental change may not be noticed by one who is here every day and the occasional visitor may see change I don't.

The traffic now is not as bad as it was before the casinos lost their monopoly although it is still a nightmare leaving to the west after major holidays.