Hike to Skunk Harbor
Added by Thomas Burton
Easy Hike through a forest. Beautiful Hidden Beach Dogs Allowed. Distance - 3 Miles round-trip, Elevation Gain: 930 feet. Duration 2 hours or all day depending on how long you'd like to swim. Less Crowded than other beaches (It can still get crowded though).
The parking for Skunk Beach is very limited and a little difficult to find. Make sure you get there early if you want a spot. The parking is a turnoff along highway 28, about two miles north of the junction with highway 50. There is no trail sign or anything but there is an old green pipe gate which is the entrance to the trailhead. Parking is free but don't park in front of the gate or you might get fined.
Once parked, take the old dirt road that is on the other side of the green gate. It will lead gradually downhill through the tall pine trees. There will be two different forks; always choose the right fork. After 1.5 miles you will arrive at the beach. There is an old abandoned house right at the beach that was used as a summer party house in the 1920s.
Spots on the beach are limited. If you don't show up early you may not get a sandy spot and be forced to lay out on the rocks. Boaters also will arrive and fill up the bay so if you want a good photo I would recommend getting there at sunrise or sunset. This beach is very near the famous Bonsai Rock area.
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Join the communityReviews
Rate this AdventureBeautiful
Sunsets here are beautiful! There’s usually little people here especially when you find your own little spot.
5.0
Be Aware...
LOVE this beach. Local's warning: when you walk to the bathrooms, (which are just past the beach on the left), keep in mind you are walking through a nude beach. Caught me off guard once haha. It's immediately to the left of Skunk Harbor (when facing the lake), but completely secluded by large rocks and trees and such.
5.0
Isolated Little Beach
This is my favorite beach in Tahoe. It's been more crowded so I recommend going on a week day. Love taking the dogs here too. Be sure to save some energy for the hike back to the car.
4.0
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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
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