10 Lakes Near Tahoe To Cannonball Into For Summer Fun

Fallen Leaf Lake

Fallen Leaf Lake as your backdrop while mountain biking Angora ridge; Photo by Local Freshies®

Lake Stats

• Location: South Lake Tahoe
• Length: 3.4 Miles
• Max Depth: 415 Feet
• Swimming: Yes (South-end beach)
• Access: Easy – 1-mile Moraine Trail or 15-minute path to the water

Fallen Leaf Lake Highlights

• Hidden Tahoe Gem: Just 10 minutes from South Lake Tahoe’s “Y,” only 10 minutes from town but feels completely removed from the crowds.
• Towering Mountain Backdrop: Mt. Tallac rises nearly 3,500 feet above the shoreline, creating one of Tahoe’s most iconic backdrops.
• Gateway to Adventure: The south end of lake features a swimming beach, scenic Lily Lake, and access to Glen Alpine Trail.
• Waterfalls & History: Visit 75-foot Glen Alpine Falls and the charming St. Francis of the Mountains Chapel nearby.

Located on the southwest corner of Lake Tahoe, this glacial lake would’ve been another bay similar to Emerald Bay if the glacier that created it hadn’t stopped short. Although it’s only a ten minute drive from the “Y” in South Lake Tahoe, it’s a secluded gem tucked tightly between the forested Angora Ridgeline to its east and the imposing Mt. Tallac to its west. Tallac casts a big shadow above Fallen Leaf’s shoreline. Rising sharply from its banks, nearly 3,500 feet above it. The mountain is also the tallest peak off of Tahoe’s immediate shoreline. On the lake’s south end, you’ll find a small beach perfect for a swim, a smaller alpine lake – Lily Lake, and the Glen Alpine Trailhead. From this trailhead, a short hike rewards you with breathtaking views of the thundering, 75-foot-tall Glen Alpine Falls.

Friar Tuck’s Chapel If He Lived In Tahoe

Be sure to search out the delightful St. Francis of the Mountains chapel. Tucked in a grove of aspens, its stone foundation and pine exterior will make you feel as if Friar Tuck from Robin Hood could suddenly appear offering you a mug of mead. Built in 1923, it was named after the patron Saint of animals. Inside the church’s humble structure is a cross from St. Grace in San Francisco which was used in the church after the 1906 earthquake.

Upper and Lower Angora Lakes

Lake Stats

• Location: South Lake Tahoe
• Swimming: Yes
• Parking: GO EARLY! $12 parking fee (bring exact cash)
• Access: Moderate – STEEP 0.7-mile hike (about 15–20 minutes)

Angora Lakes Highlights

• Granite-Framed Beauty: Upper Angora Lake sits beneath towering granite cliffs, creating one of Tahoe’s most stunning alpine settings.
• Worth the Hike: A short uphill walk past Lower Angora rewards visitors with sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and jaw-dropping views.
• Famous Lemonade: Grab a cup of the legendary fresh-squeezed lemonade made with local spring water at the historic lakeside resort.
• Adventure Ready: Hike in, paddle the lake, or turn it into a bike adventure via the Angora Ridge trail network.

Next to Fallen Leaf on the Angora ridgeline is a pair of shimmering sapphires called Angora Lakes. While lower Angora is pretty, the real star of the show is upper Angora Lake. As you hike past lower Angora and crest over the final hill to wind your way around the sprinkling of New England-like wooden shake cabins, you’ll understand why. Scanning the horizon to the right is a small quiet sandy beach. And in front of you is the lake butting up against hulking granite peaks.

Why Is The Lemonade Famous?

Whatever you do, do NOT forget to get a cup of the famous lemonade. Why is it famous? For starters, it’s made with freshly squeezed lemons. Similar to beer where 95% of a brew is the water, so does the same entail for lemonade. Using the fresh spring water that comes out of the ground right here, it tastes like no lemonade you’ve had before. Or maybe it’s just because of the views. Regardless, it’s worth the price of admission.

Full Day Adventure

For those looking to add a bit of adventure, instead of driving up to the parking lot where you’ll pay $12, make a day of it. Park at one of the many trailheads off of Tahoe Mountain Road. From there, hop on your mountain bike and pedal up the Mule Deer Connector and follow upper Angora Ridge Trail to Angora Lakes. The upper Angora Lakes resort has a FREE bike valet where you can lock up your bike.

Upper and Lower Echo Lakes

Lake Stats

• Location: Echo Summit (15 min from South Lake Tahoe)
• Swimming: Yes (both Upper and Lower Echo Lake)
• Paid Parking: GO EARLY! $12 parking fee (bring exact cash)
• Access: Easy to Moderate – shoreline access from TH, longer hikes available into Desolation Wilderness and along PCT.

Echo Lakes Highlights

• Easy Access to the High Sierra: Just off Highway 50 at Echo Summit, Echo Lakes offers quick access to alpine scenery without a long hike.
• Gateway to Desolation Wilderness: The western end of Upper Echo serves as one of the most popular entrances into Tahoe’s legendary 63,000-acre wilderness.
• Scenic Lakeside Trails: The Echo Lakes Trail follows the shoreline through polished granite, towering pines, and classic Pacific Crest Trail scenery.
• Endless Exploration: From short family-friendly walks to multi-day backpacking adventures, Echo Lakes provides access to more than 130 alpine lakes and 120+ miles of trail.

Just on the other side of the ridge line from Angora Lakes is yet another group of lakes called Echo Lakes. Although you could hike from here, it’s a challenge. The easiest way to access Upper and Lower Echo Lake is by driving over Echo Summit via Highway 50 and turning onto Johnson Pass Road. Yet another example of easy access to nature. From this trailhead, you have a variety of options depending on how long or short of a trip you’re looking for. The most popular is the Echo Lakes Trail. The relatively flat route follows the PCT along the northern shore of the twin lakes. The trail meanders its way through wind-polished granite and hearty pine trees with portions of the trail carved directly into the granite itself.

Desolation Wilderness

Along with the “quick hits”, at the far western end of Upper Echo is an entrance to Desolation Wilderness. This 63,000-acre wilderness provides an up close and personal view of the handiwork that glaciers did nearly 10,000 years ago. Granite polished as smooth as a park bench. Deposits of unconsolidated rock and sediment. And a variety of other glacial remains along with meadows filled with wildflowers. Within its boundaries, you’ll find more than 130 alpine lakes near Tahoe and over 123 miles of trail.

Donner Lake

Lake Stats

• Location: Truckee (20 minutes from North Lake Tahoe)
• Swimming: Yes (multiple public beaches and docks)
• Parking: Free and paid options available; arrive early on summer weekends
• Access: Easy – numerous shoreline access points, public docks, beaches, and lakeside parks around the lake.

Donner Lake Highlights

• Easy Mountain Escape: Just 20 minutes from North Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake offers easy access and stunning mountain scenery with far fewer visitors.
• Perfect for a Lake Day: Enjoy swimming, paddling, or relaxing from one of 37 public docks scattered along the north shore.
• Beaches & Breweries: Spend the day at public beaches on the east and west shores, then cap it off with a stop at one of Truckee’s award-winning breweries.
• Don’t Miss Rainbow Bridge: Perched above Donner Lake, this historic 1920s engineering marvel delivers one of the most iconic photo ops in the Sierra.

A mere twenty minutes from north Lake Tahoe you’ll find one of the other shimmering lakes near Tahoe that is worth a visit – Donner Lake. It provides easy access similar to its bigger cousin to the east but with a fraction of the people. A unique aspect to Donner is that the northern shoreline has 37 public docks. From each of these, you can sun bathe, go kayaking, or just take in the mountainous scenery. Or for beaches, there is a public beach on the west end as well as some in the Donner Memorial State Park on the east side. And any time we’re on this side of the lake, we make it a point to stop at one of the award-winning Truckee breweries.

A Don’t Miss

Whatever you do, don’t miss out on the Rainbow Bridge located near the top of Donner Summit. Built in the roaring twenties for the 1^st cross continental auto highway, this engineering marvel was the 1^st bridge that curved AND had a grade. With Donner Lake as the backdrop and this iconic architectural beaut in the foreground, it will be the “shot” of the trip.

Spooner & Marlette Lakes

Lake Stats

Location: Spooner Summit (East Shore of Lake Tahoe)
Swimming: No (swimming is prohibited) & Yes for Marlette
Parking: $10 per vehicle for NV and $15 for out-of-state plates; arrive early on summer and fall weekends
Access: Easy – flat shoreline trails and direct access to the Tahoe Rim Trail, Marlette Lake, and Flume Trail network.

Spooner Lake Highlights

• A Quiet East Shore Escape: Tucked near Spooner Summit, this peaceful lake is surrounded by pines and often feels far removed from Tahoe’s busier beaches.
• Fall Color Favorite: One of the best spots around Tahoe to catch vibrant autumn foliage reflected in calm water.
• Gateway to Adventure: Access the Tahoe Rim Trail, Marlette Lake, and miles of scenic hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails.
• Launch Point for the Flume Trail: Spooner Lake serves as the starting point for the legendary Flume Trail, one of the most scenic mountain bike rides in North America.

The eastern shore of Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most unspoiled natural beauty in the basin. This is all thanks in part to a man named George Whittell Jr. Most who visit this side of the lake bee-line to places like Sand Harbor or Chimney Beach. Near Spooner Summit, you’ll find a hidden ruby that most miss out on – Spooner Lake. Situated in a canopy of pine trees, this reservoir is filled with fish including the native Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. It’s also one of our favorite spots to take in the fall foliage.

Even on the busiest summer days, its shoreline is relatively quiet. This is thanks in part due to its topography. Tucked between the Carson Range to the east and a ridgeline to the west, the lake feels far more remote than it actually is. That sense of seclusion extends into the surrounding backcountry, making it a perfect escape for hikers, bikers, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy Tahoe’s quieter side.

Two Birds With One Stone

In addition to its seclusion, Spooner Lake State Park is a true gateway to a variety of adventures. It’s an access point to the legendary Tahoe Rim Tail as well as another secluded body of water – Marlette Lake. It’s also the starting point for arguably one of the most scenic mountain bike trails in the country or even the continent – the Flume Trail.

Round Lake

Lake Stats

Location: Big Meadow Trailhead (South Lake Tahoe)
Swimming: Yes (cold alpine water, no designated beach)
Parking: Free parking at the Big Meadow Trailhead; fills early on summer weekends
Access: Moderate – 6.3-mile round-trip hike with approximately 1,200 ft elevation gain.

Round Lake Highlights

• Wildflower Wonderland: The hike begins through Big Meadow, where spring and early summer bring colorful displays of wildflowers.
• A Rewarding Alpine Escape: The 6.3-mile round-trip hike keeps the crowds down and makes the lake feel surprisingly secluded.
• Volcanic Views: Continue around the shoreline to where the trees open up for stunning views of dramatic volcanic cliffs and spires.
• Perfect Picnic Spot: Crystal-clear water, granite boulders, and quiet shoreline pockets make Round Lake an ideal place to relax and recharge.

Don’t let the lackadaisical name “Round Lake” dissuade you. This cozy freshwater body of water that is “round” is accessed via another matter-of-fact named destination – “Big Meadow.” And you guessed it, it accesses a “Big Meadow.” With that being said, the hike to Round Lake via Big Meadow in spring provides a valley filled with a crayon box of wildflowers. Although popular, at 6.3 miles out-and-back with 1,200 feet of elevation gain, you’ll find a piece of shore that you’ll have to yourself. Be sure to make the extra effort and get to where the forest canopy opens. You can take in the volcanic cliffs and spires that sit to the west of the lake.

Lost Lake

Lake Stats

Location: West Shore Tahoe near Rubicon Trail / McKinney Creek
Swimming: Yes (cold alpine water, no designated beach)
Parking: Free trailhead parking; arrive early on weekends and holidays
Access: Difficult – best reached by MTB or a strenuous hike via Rubicon backcountry trail network.

Lost Lake Highlights

• Tahoe’s Hidden Oasis: Perched at 8,200 feet, Lost Lake appears almost out of nowhere, tucked deep within a secluded forested basin.
• Worth the Effort: Its remote location and challenging access keep the crowds away, making it one of the most peaceful alpine lakes near Tahoe.
• Epic Granite Riding: Reach it by mountain bike via a former logging road transformed by TAMBA into a route featuring massive granite slabs and sweeping mountain views.
• Double-Lake Adventure: Pair your visit with nearby McKinney Lake, another beautiful alpine gem along the route.

While Desolation Wilderness gets most of the attention for its abundance of alpine lakes, Tahoe’s west shore hides a few gems of its own. Scattered along the legendary Rubicon OHV route are several stunning mountain lakes, but the one that stands out most is Lost Lake.

Perched at 8,200 feet in a secluded forested basin, Lost Lake truly lives up to its name. The journey winds through dense forest and rugged terrain, giving little hint that a pristine alpine lake is waiting ahead. Then suddenly it appears, like an oasis tucked among the mountains. Its remote location and challenging access keep the crowds away, making it one of the most peaceful lakes near Tahoe.

Ride to Your Reward

While hikers can certainly reach Lost Lake, we think the best way to experience it is by mountain bike. What was once a rough logging road has been transformed through TAMBA’s trail work into a memorable ride featuring some of the biggest granite slabs to ride in the Tahoe basin and sweeping mountain views.

And if you’re making the trip, don’t confuse McKinney Lake with nearby McKinney Bay on Lake Tahoe. A worthwhile bonus stop it’s another beautiful alpine lake located along the route.

Like any list, these lakes near Tahoe are our personal favorites not the list of the “best”. What is your favorite body of water to visit?