Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit is a protected area covering about 155,000 acres across California and Nevada, with elevations ranging from 6,200 feet (1,900 m) to over 10,800 feet (3,300 m). The terrain varies from the broad lake to surrounding forested mountains with numerous river valleys and springs.

The area was established as a forest reserve in 1899 by President William McKinley to protect the lake and surrounding woods. Over the decades it underwent several reorganizations before taking its current unified form in 1973.

The Washoe and other local communities have maintained connections to these waters and forests for many generations, where traditional food gathering and spiritual uses remain part of their heritage. These deep ties shape how visitors understand and respect the place.

The area offers year-round hiking, camping, fishing, and water activities with multiple access points scattered around the lake. Summer and early fall are best for trail walking, while winter requires special equipment depending on snow conditions.

Unlike typical national forests, management here restricts mining, livestock grazing, and commercial logging on about 78 percent of the land. This makes it one of the few regions where conservation takes complete priority over economic activities.

Location: El Dorado County

Operator: United States Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 39.01452,-120.05273

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41