Midsummer is one of my favorite times of the year. My vegetable garden is in full production, I adore the lazy steamy evenings, and a piping hot day is great for water sports. However, here in the valley, the temperatures can climb a little too high, so for this summer’s final destination, I am aiming for the higher elevations.
In my opinion, Lake Tahoe is the most beautiful lake in the world. At a depth of more than 1600 feet, it is the second deepest lake in the country. The depth of the water and the altitude make for a brisk and refreshing swimming experience; in other words, the water is extremely cold. By August, however, the lake water will have reached peak temperature for the season and the swimming will be the best of the year. There are several public beaches available on the North Shore, such as Chambers Beach one mile south of Homewood on Highway 89.
There are so many things to do in the areas surrounding Lake Tahoe that you could spend years there and never exhaust the possibilities, but I have a couple of favorites that I think you should experience. The Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) is a hiking adventure that no one should miss. This beautiful trail rounds the lake in a 165 mile loop. This is an excellent way to experience breathtaking views of the lake and the Tahoe National Forest. The trail is open to bikers, hikers and equestrians, and passes through two states, six counties, one state park, three national forests, and three natural wilderness areas. Of course, if you are an adventurist extraordinaire, feel free to hike through. However, for those of us that take our excitement in lesser extremes, there are many segments of the trail that you can try. For an easy 1.4 mile trip, hike from Ward Canyon to Page Meadows on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe. To arrive at the trailhead for this day hike, travel south on 2.5 miles past Tahoe City, and turn right onto Ward Creek Blvd. Travel another 2.5 miles and you will see the TRT signage and kiosk. Be sure when hiking to wear supportive shoes, travel in pairs, bring plenty of water and some trail snacks, and don’t forget your camera.
While in Tahoe City, take a walk out on Fanny Bridge and look down at the huge trout that are swimming in the emerald water of the Truckee. The sight is worth the potential downfalls of displaying your backside to passing motorists. While you are there, make a day of it and raft down the Truckee River. The Truckee is a lazy river winding through the forest. If you take your time, the five mile trip can make a full day, ending at the River Ranch Lodge. This is a great place to end your trip with a nice dinner on the patio. The seafood and steakhouse fare is delicious, with a plate averaging about $25 a person.
While you cannot exhaust all of the beauty of Lake Tahoe in one weekend, you can certainly have a full and fun excursion without traveling too far from home. There is something about being in an alpine setting, with the crisp thin air and the pervasive fragrance of pine, which makes me inexplicably happy. It’s not the Rocky Mountains, but I sure do get the mountain high when I am there.