Explore Carnelian Bay

This is a super fun way to enjoy the day, get some exercise and see some really cool parts of the lake that are usually hidden. You can rent boards/ paddles at a few different places either for the day or by the hour. Bring some water, sun block and a camera...if you dare! Once the day is done and you want a hearty, delicious meal, make your way to Baxter's Bistro (http://baxtersbistro.com/) ...

Burton Creek State Park is a moderate hike. It is a secluded peaceful hike that offers amazing views of the lake. This is a popular spot for mountain bikers, but is also ideal for hiking.  Much of the trail is through the forest and there are many maps and signs pointing out the trails. The hike ends near a bench that overlooks the lake.  There is a small dirt parking lot at the end of a one l...

A quick walk through Lake Forest Beach in Tahoe City, California provides unparalleled opportunities to photograph expansive fields of lupine. These brilliant purple wildflowers cover the lowland shore of this public beach each summer, typically starting in mid-July through mid-August. In drought years, the flowers start blooming earlier in the season, in late May or June. Growing up to three f...

This quick 2-mile RT hike takes you to a lookout point above the Stateline of California and Nevada. The road to the lookout is paved so beginners can make the trek to the top in the summer; winter covers the road with snow, so snowshoes or boots are recommended. The lookout offers spectacular views of North Lake Tahoe from Incline Village and the east shore to Tahoe City and the west shore. Th...

The hike up to the Historic Stateline Fire Lookout above Lake Tahoe's Crystal Bay area is somewhat of a misnomer, as the fire lookout no longer exists. Instead, the path, which follows a paved forest road, up to the site where the tower once stood will bring hikers to a panoramic viewpoint that looks out over wide swaths of the northern Tahoe lakeshores. Start off by parking in a neighborhood t...

Commons Beach is a small beach and park on the northwest side of the lake. It is located very close to the CA-89 exit, so is ideal for road trip stops. There is a park for kids, and a grassy area near the beach. The beach itself is on the smaller side, but is relatively uncrowded. This area of the lake is perfect to paddle and has kayak and SUP rentals on the beach.  From the main road, you'll ...