Big Blue. Ocean in the Sky. Jewel of the Sierra. Bigler for a short time in 1853. Mountain Lake by the 1st European to see it. It’s gone by many names, but one thing’s for certain – Lake Tahoe is the largest alpine lake in North America. As you crest over Spooner Summit and see it for the first time, it will take your breath away. It’s no wonder this beautiful blue specimen is so popular in the summer. For those visiting for the 1st time, be sure to read our article how to enjoy the most popular attractions to help reduce your time stuck in traffic and increase the fun factor. And if you’ve seen the sights and want to get away from everyone but still enjoy crystal clear waters, here’s a sampling of the lakes near Tahoe with a fraction of the crowds of Lake Tahoe’s beaches.
Fallen Leaf Lake
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.
Angora Lakes
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 $10, 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.
Echo Lakes
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
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 1st cross continental auto highway, this engineering marvel was the 1st 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 Lake
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. Spooner Lake is tucked between the Carson Range to its east and a ridge line to its west. This also helps provide the lake and its backcountry a feeling of remoteness.
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
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.
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?
