Development history

Scientists cannot accurately estimate the age of Lake Tahoe. He only knows that he is more 2.5 million years old, that it was formed due to a tectonic fault and survived the ice age. The depth of the waters reaches 501 meters, and the area is slightly less than 500 square kilometers. The air temperature there on average varies from 20-25 degrees in summer to 1-2 degrees in winter. The lake has become the main source of life for all the surrounding areas.

It was located between the mountains and was the only fresh water reservoir for tens of kilometers around. Natural beaches and forests were located along the shores of the lake, which attracted the Washo Indians — food, protection, and free access to spirits were nearby.

Because of the Friel Peaks, Monument and Tallas Mountains surrounding the lake, the settlers did not immediately find the Tahoe. But as soon as it was discovered, the place turned into a cult place. The Indian name of the region "da hou a ga" was translated into "Tahou", which is easier for Europeans.

Lake Tahoe located between the modern states of Nevada and California. In 1915, the new Americans built an intermountain road — this marked the beginning of a new, tourist era of the Tahoe.

Present time

The water in the lake is almost completely transparent and has a deep blue color, and closer to the shores it is bright turquoise. The colonialists called the Tahoe an Indian emerald. And beauty played a cruel joke on him.

Hotels and hotels along the shores of the lake grew by leaps and bounds. Coniferous forests around the perimeter were cut down, and even mountain ranges were destroyed for the convenience of travel. Unregulated fishing, deformation of natural landscapes and constant air pollution nearly wiped out the Tahoe.

In the 60s, environmentalists took over Lake Tahoe. The place is also accessible to tourists, but for money and with restrictions in order to preserve a natural attraction. It will not work just to come and set up a camp — most of the territories adjacent to the lake have become the property of national natural parks with a paid entrance or hotel complexes that strictly follow the rules. For those wishing to “just look”, there are several viewpoints right on the mountain roads, all of them are indicated in the road maps.

How to get there and where to live

Today, Lake Tahoe is much nicer and quieter. You can get to it both by motorways and by ferry along the Truckee River. There are three small towns along the banks: Tahoe City, South Lake Tahoe and Stateline. The latter is located in Nevada, so there are plenty of gambling establishments.

Hotels, guest cottages and campgrounds are located, as a rule, in cities, in the mountains or forests nearby. Living on the very shore of the lake will come out sideways, even if you are an ecologist and naturalist with a tent — apart from cool nights, the water level can rise significantly in a matter of hours.

The optimal period for a vacation in Tahoe is July, August and early September. Although it has its own charm in winter — downhill skiing, snowboard trails and even ice rinks.

How to relax

Tahoe and beach holidays are inextricably linked. Best for swimming are Emerald Bay, Baldwin and Zephyr Cove beaches. There are also several mountain viewpoints in the Emerald Bay. But it is better not to focus on one place, but to go with an excursion around the lake. The route is long, about a hundred kilometers. It usually includes camping. But there is simply no better option to enjoy the landscapes of the Tahoe.

Fishing on the Tahoe is a real trout Klondike. But from September to November, there is a ban in connection with the spawning of sockeye salmon — you can watch, you cannot catch. But there is something to see.

For families with children there is an amusement park "Ponderosa Ranch", as well as an island with a Viking Castle. The latter is not only interesting, but also very quickly pumps Instagram — the views on the photos are amazing.

Winter near the lake is magical; before Christmas, small cozy houses are exhibited on the shore. There is a lot of snow in the mountains in December — although this creates difficulties on the road, the holiday is issued as in a fairy tale.