Emerald Bay State Park, State park and National Natural Landmark at Lake Tahoe, California, US.

Emerald Bay State Park centres on Emerald Bay, a 2.7 km long inlet up to 1 km wide that opens into Lake Tahoe at its northeast end, on the lake's southwest shore. Fannette Island, a rounded mound of grey and brown stone with sparse trees and a pale shoreline, rises near the middle of the deep blue water. A low forested shore borders the bay and a mountain ridge lines the horizon.

The state established this park in 1953, and it received federal recognition as a National Natural Landmark in 1969. These designations acknowledged the area's unique geological features and ecological importance to the region.

Vikingsholm, a 38-room mansion on the bay's shore, was designed by architect Leonard Palme for his aunt Lora Josephine Knight and is counted among the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in the United States. Visitors can see the building on the shoreline below the park's trails.

The park sits along California State Route 89 with parking near the water and trails ranging from easy walks to steep climbs. Plan for temperature swings depending on the season, and wear layers to adjust as you move between sun and shade.

Fannette Island, Lake Tahoe's only island, was home to Captain Dick Barter from 1863 to 1873. The English sea captain built his own grave and a chapel on the islet, and liked to show guests his self-amputated toes. He died in a storm and his body was never found, so the grave stayed empty.