Tahoe Lake has been a popular tourist destination for many years. In the summer, the picturesque shoreline is lined in umbrellas and sun-drenched families. Skiers can look forward to snowy adventures during winter. The region offers excellent outdoor recreation, as well as stunning scenery. There are scenic cruises on the lake, mountain gondola rides, as well as four-season activities.
The first inhabitants of the area were the native Washoe tribe who occupied it thousands years ago. The lake was sacred to the Washoe for many generations. The arrival of white settlers in mid-1800s forced the tribe off the remaining land. George Whittel, Jr., lumber magnate, was responsible for the development on the north shore. He built a narrow gauge railway that connected Truckee with Tahoe City. He also intended to build a Casino.
The lake has been a destination for the entertainment and film industry for almost a century. It has been the location of many iconic American films. The opening sequence of Bonanza was filmed with Mount Tallac in the background. A Place in the Sun was also filmed. True Lies, The Navigator and A Place in the Sun were other movies.
On the Nevada side, there are a variety of casinos resorts. The lake is also a popular ski destination. The Lake Tahoe area was popularized by the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Tahoe comes from the Washoe phrase da owa a ga which means "water at a high place". The Lake is surrounded on all sides by majestic mountain peaks. They range in height between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. The development on the eastern shore is less than that on the western shore.
The Lake Tahoe basin lies on the border between Nevada and California. The United States Forest Service oversees seventy-five per cent of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. It is home some of the best landscapes in all of North America. It is known for being a great place to hike and enjoy outdoor recreation. It is known for its pristine water clarity.
Lake Tahoe offers year-round attractions with breathtaking shoreline views, mountain gondola rides and outstanding skiing. There are many events throughout the year including the Brews Jazz and Funk Fest in August and Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festivals in September. The Tahoe Loop Drive covers 100 miles and circles the lake. There are numerous stunning views to choose from.
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is responsible for assessing environmental conditions, monitoring lake clarity, and evaluating meteorology around the lake. It also provides education and outreach services. The "State of the Lake", an annual report produced by the agency, assesses the state of the lake. The report details changes to the lake's transparency, depth, and surrounding environment. The rate of clarity loss has decreased due to improved environmental conditions in the watershed.