Whether you’re looking for beautiful fall colors, a change of scenery for your remote office, or both, North Lake Tahoe is the perfect destination for any getaway. From its scenic hiking trails to the breathtaking lakeshore, the area’s vibrant fall colors just make everything better. To learn more about this awe-inspiring escape in the Sierra Nevada, we have some fall adventure tips from the North Lake Tahoe team. Here’s what they said.
Why Fall Is Special
If you like vivid autumn colors, fun events, and open space, you’ll love North Lake Tahoe in the fall. During this secret season, the community celebrates with the Made in Tahoe Festival, two Oktoberfests (one in Tahoe City and one at Palisades Tahoe), a collection of food and wine festivals, and more. It’s also a perfect time to leaf-peep while exploring hiking or biking trails, taking a swing on a golf course, zipping down treetop ropes courses, walking along the beach, strolling around the destination’s 12 unique towns, hopping in the water to kayak or stand-up paddle—the opportunities are endless. Come for a weekend getaway or midweek escape to breathe it all in and experience Lake Tahoe in the secret season.
Take a Trail
While there are hundreds of trails to explore, we collected the top 12 for hiking and biking in North Lake Tahoe to help narrow the selection. These are some of the trails that made the list:
- Tahoe Rim Trail North Shore Segment: A well-known 165-mile point-to-point trail, the Tahoe Rim encircles the entirety of the Tahoe Basin. Hiking a short segment of the trail along the North Shore is a great way to experience fall color along Lake Tahoe.
- Tunnel Creek Trail: The view at the top overlooks one of the best panoramic views in Lake Tahoe. This 4.7-mile out-and-back trail is also home to Monkey Rock.
- Eagle Rock Trail: This short 0.7-mile trail only takes about a half hour but carries a huge payoff. From the top of Eagle Rock, you get an incredible view of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains.
- Vikingsholm Trail: Take this 1.7- mile trail down to the Emerald Bay beaches and the historic Vikingsholm Castle (open for tours May 25–September 30). Keep in mind that it’s a steep hike back to the parking area from the shore.
Hiking and mountain biking are some of the most popular activities in the region, and it’s important to leave no trace by staying on the trail, packing out what you packed in, and giving wildlife space. Learn more and help Make a Clear Difference in the region.
Get on the Water
The crystal-blue waters of Lake Tahoe create a one-of-a-kind fall backdrop. From an early morning walk on the beach to a sunset dinner cruise, time spent on and near the lake creates truly unforgettable experiences. Kayaking and paddleboarding are favorites, and you can use the Lake Tahoe Water Trail to guide your journey along 72 miles of fun. The route connects designated launch and landing sites that feature restrooms and interpretive displays.
For a truly unique experience, rent a clear-bottom kayak during the day, or paddle an LED-lighted kayak on a guided stargazing tour. And if you plan to bring your own watercraft, please wash, clean, and dry it before putting it into the lake to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
Fishing along the lakeshore or on the river is a great activity for any age. You can also cast a line from a boat or kayak. Trout and salmon are common catches along the West Shore, in Sawmill Lake (reservations required), and at Martis Reservoir. Be sure you understand safe fish handling and catch-and-release practices.
Try the Bites and Brews
North Lake Tahoe is home to some of the most enticing dining options in Northern California and Nevada. And the beer scene isn’t too shabby either! Take your pick of more than 150 restaurants and breweries. Some spots will also welcome your four-legged companions.
The ultimate resource for finding a frosty brew after an outdoor adventure? The Ale Trail. From most trailheads, there’s a world-class brewery, bar, or restaurant nearby. This means you can start your day working up a sweat and end it with regionally crafted refreshments. If rum is more to your liking, check out the Rum Trail—a collection of five restaurants and bars located around the North Lake Tahoe shoreline offering specialty rum cocktails.
Looking for the best bites around Lake Tahoe? Download this interactive map. Dine in or take your meal to enjoy at one of the many picnic tables along the beaches—just be sure to dispose of your trash in the designated receptacles.
Adventure Deeper
Midweek adventures offer more open space. With 12 unique towns, it can be hard to choose a base camp, but we’ve created a quiz and itineraries to help guide you to the best town for you. By extending your stay, you have time to explore more of North Lake Tahoe. If you need a hand in planning, we have your Tahoe Trifecta. Just spin the compass and uncover your ideal itinerary in the mountains, on the lake, and around town. Ultimately, an extended trip allows you to more freely explore the region, escape into nature, and feel rejuvenated.
North Lake Tahoe spans two states—California and Nevada—and boasts two dozen beaches, 11 downhill ski resorts, ten cross-country ski areas, hundreds of miles of biking and hiking trails, and communities filled with local artisans and shopping experiences. North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from Reno-Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport, and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 100 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City, 8611 North Lake Boulevard in Kings Beach, and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. For more information, visit gotahoenorth.com.
