Home » United States » LAKE TAHOE, CA

Lake Tahoe, The Lake, is the jewel of the Sierra Nevada's. At 6,226 feet above sea level Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. It is 12 miles wide, and 22 miles long. The Lake has a surface area of 191.6 square miles. The average depth of The Lake is 989 feet, while its deepest point is 1,645 feet. This is the third deepest lake in North America. Lake Tahoe contains about 40 trillion gallons of water. To put that number in perspective, that amount of water would cover the state of California in 14 inches of water.

LAKE TAHOE, CA

Dave
2004-02-21 14:15:23

Displayed times (last time: )

shores and then dragged away by steamers.

In 1944 Harvey's Wagon Wheel Saloon and Gambling Hall was opened. It was a rustic cabin built with $10 worth of nails. This was the start of the many gambling casinos now present in South Lake Tahoe, although large scale development didn't begin until the mid 1950's.

The view of Tahoe in the distance from Emerald Bay is truly Breath taking. That Highway 89 continues to be passable through this part of the Lake is a miracle. Several times it has been completely washed away by giant mud and debris slides. The scars of these slides are visible from many many feet above the road all the way to the shoreline of Emerald Bay. Only now are some small shrubs and trees starting to come back. Their growth will help ensure some soil stability. The snow fall in this area closes the road at various times throughout the winter. During the summer months there is always major road repair underway. Sometimes there can be delays as only one lane of traffic may be open.

This part of Highway 89 is one of the most incredible driving experiences that I have had anywhere. At one point you are driving along a high ridge with Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay on your left, and Fallen Leaf Lake on your right. There is a sheer cliff on either side of the road. In order to get down from that ridge the road switches back and forth, and you pass next to a few 10mph signs. When you drive through the "devastation" area, the area that was destroyed by the giant avalanche of a few years ago, you look up and see giant rocks appearing as if they will fall at any minute.

There are parking lots on both sides of the road at the Emerald Bay turnoff. The parking lot on The Lake side of the road can be quite crowded but if you are patient you will find parking as people often leave. I enjoy walking around on the large granite outcrops just above the parking lot. From ...