Tahoe Lake has been a popular tourist destination for many years. In summer, the scenic shoreline is lined by umbrellas and sun-drenched children. Skiers can look forward to snowy adventures during winter. This region also offers outstanding outdoor recreation. You can enjoy scenic cruises, mountain gondola rides, and other four-season activities at the lake.
The area was first inhabited by the Washoe tribe many thousands of year ago. The lake served as a sacred swimming hole for generations of Washoe. The tribe was forced off the remaining land by the arrival of white settlers in the mid-1800s. In the early 1900s, a lumber magnate named George Whittel, Jr., was responsible for spurring the development of the north shore. He constructed a narrow gauge railroad that linked Truckee and Tahoe City. He also intended to build a Casino.
Since the beginning of time, the lake was a popular location for entertainment and film production. It is the setting for many American classic films. Mount Tallac was used as a backdrop for the opening sequence of Bonanza. Other movies have included A Place in the Sun, True Lies and The Navigator.
It is also home to several casinos, high-end shopping and a few other amenities. The lake has also become a popular spot for skiers. 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 with majestic mountain peaks, ranging in height from 8,000 to 10,000 ft. The eastern shore has less development than the western shore.
The border of Nevada and California is the Lake Tahoe Basin. The United States Forest Service has jurisdiction over seventy five percent of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Some of the most spectacular landscapes are found here. It is known for being a great place to hike and enjoy outdoor recreation. It is known for its beautiful water clarity.
Lake Tahoe offers year-round attractions with breathtaking shoreline views, mountain gondola rides and outstanding skiing. Various events take place throughout the year, including the Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest in August and the Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival in September. The Tahoe Loop Drive runs 100 miles around the lake. You can enjoy a variety of stunning views.
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is responsible for assessing environmental conditions, monitoring lake clarity, and evaluating meteorology around the lake. This unit also focuses on education and outreach to the public. The "State of the Lake", which is an annual report by the agency, evaluates the lake's health. The report details changes in the lake's clarity, depth, particles and nearshore environment. Improved environmental conditions have led to a decrease in clarity loss.