Often referred to as "The Jewel of the Sierra," Lake Tahoe is a stunning alpine lake nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, straddling the border between California and Nevada in the United States. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, breathtaking scenery, and diverse recreational activities, Lake Tahoe is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
LAKE TAHOE: A GIANT AMONG LAKES
Lake Tahoe is a massive freshwater lake spanning to both California and Nevada in the United States. Its sheer size and depth make it one of the most impressive lakes in North America. The lake is surrounded by towering mountains, lush forests, and pristine beaches, offering stunning views and ample opportunities for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Known for its crystal-clear waters, Lake Tahoe's clarity is often compared to that of distilled water. This exceptional clarity is due to the lake's depth, the surrounding granite basin, and the relatively low levels of pollution.
- Surface Area: Lake Tahoe covers 191 square miles (490 km²).
- Length and Width: It stretches 22 miles (35 km) long and 12 miles (19 km) wide.
- Shoreline: The lake has a total shoreline of 72 miles (116 km).
- Depth: Lake Tahoe boasts an average depth of 1,645 feet (501 m), making it the second-deepest lake in the United States after Crater Lake in Oregon. Its maximum depth is 1,645 feet (501 m). Lake Tahoe is deeper than the Empire State Building is tall.
- Volume: Lake Tahoe holds an astonishing 122,160,280 acre-feet of water, surpassing all other alpine lakes in North America in terms of volume. Only the five Great Lakes hold more water. 63 tributaries feed Lake Tahoe, however there’s only one going out of the lake, the Truckee River. Unlike most bodies of water in North America, Tahoe’s water never reaches the ocean.
Lake Tahoe's immense size and depth, combined with its pristine waters, make it a truly remarkable natural wonder. The water is so clear that in some places objects can be seen to depths of over 70 feet. Its sheer scale and beauty have captivated visitors for generations, making it one of the most iconic lakes in the world.
FUN FACTS ABOUT LAKE TAHOE
Lake Tahoe straddles two states, Nevada and California, with approximately 2/3 of its shoreline in California. It’s renowned for its stunning beauty, crystal-clear waters, and diverse recreational opportunities. Over 2 million years old, it’s considered one of the 20 oldest lakes in the world.
“Tahoe is surely not one but many. As I curve around its heads and bays and look far out on its level sky, fairly tinted and fading in pensive air, I am reminded of all the mountain lakes I ever knew, as if this were a kind of water heaven to which they all had come.” – JOHN MUIR, 1873
A Natural Wonder:
- Pure Water: The lake water has been tested as 99.994% pure, cleaner than most commercially distilled water. Water suppliers who draw from deep within the lake aren’t required to filter it before delivering to local customers.
- Beautiful Blues and Greens: Water as pure as Tahoe absorbs red light on the color spectrum. When clear skies shine on the lake, the red is absorbed, leaving a clear blue color. Emerald Bay and Emerald Cove are named for a reason, the shallower water at the edges of the lake gives off an inviting green color when the sky is clear.
- Diverse Ecosystem: Lake Tahoe is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, deer, bald eagles, and numerous aquatic species.
Year Round Adventures:
- World-Class Skiing: Lake Tahoe is a premier ski destination, offering a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, the area offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling.
- Hiking and Biking: Explore the surrounding mountains and forests on countless hiking and biking trails.
- Water Sports: Enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.
A Celebrity Hotspot:
- Famous Residents: Lake Tahoe has been a popular retreat for celebrities and high-profile individuals for many years. Back in the day, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe and Sammy Davis Jr. used to hang out in South Lake Tahoe. More recently Larry Ellison, the founder of Oracle, has a home on the Nevada side, as do David Cloverdale of Whitesnake and Mike Love of the Beach Boys. Both Jeremy Renner and Helen Mirren are known to have homes in Tahoe as well.
Whether you're a nature lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking for a beautiful place to relax, Lake Tahoe has something to offer everyone. Check out our vacation rentals on the North Side of Lake Tahoe. Call us at 888.598.6353 or email reservations@eastwest.com for help planning your next trip.
