Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a high-altitude freshwater lake straddling the border between California and Nevada, covering 499 square kilometers (192 square miles). Its deepest point reaches 501 meters (1,645 feet), making it one of the deepest lakes in North America.

The Washoe people settled here over 10,000 years ago, using the water for food and spiritual practices. The silver rush in Nevada during the 19th century transformed the area, as loggers cleared surrounding forests to supply mines.

Locals gather year-round at public beaches and marinas for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply watching the water change color as the sun moves. The shoreline attracts families during summer and snowshoers in winter, creating a shared rhythm of outdoor recreation that defines life in the surrounding communities.

Visitors can walk or cycle along over sixty tributaries feeding the water, while the Truckee River to the northeast serves as the only outflow. Access is available year-round, though winter months bring snow to higher trails and summer months suit water activities.

Clarity of the water allows visibility down to 21 meters (70 feet) below the surface, driven by exceptionally low nutrient levels. On some days, the water appears bluer than the sky because it scatters light in a way only a handful of lakes worldwide can replicate.

Location: California

Location: Nevada

Elevation above the sea: 1,899.5 m

Length: 35 km

Width: 19 km

Address: Lake Tahoe, United States

GPS coordinates: 39.08333,-120.03333

Latest update: December 23, 2025 13:39