How to Enjoy a Spectacular Fall Visit to Lake Tahoe

I've always enjoyed Lake Tahoe - the south side, or Stateline, for its gambling and entertainment (Willie Nelson was great) and glitz, and the North side for its quiet beauty. The paddle wheeler cruises are lots of fun. A drink and the view at sunset atop Harvey's is a wondrous site.

The sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe splash upon its 70+ miles of shoreline. Its elevation is at 6,225 feet with a depth of 1,645 feet in some places. There are 63 different streams that flow into this lake. Lake Tahoe was formed millions of years ago when the Sierra Nevada split apart and volcanoes sealed up each end of the gorge that was created by this shift. Glaciers formed and eventually melted into this depression creating this wonderful and beautiful lake.

Fall at Lake Tahoe, often called the "Jewel of the Sierra" due to its unique emerald-blue color, is a great time to visit. The leaves are turning, there is a crisp to the air and hordes of summer tourists have gone away. There is still much to do after summer is gone but before the snow flies - hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, golfing, tennis and, of course, the casino action and the great entertainment nearby.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money and time to visit this area

1. Hike part of the Tahoe Rim Trail. Once merely a vision, the US Forest Service built a trail going all the way around Lake Tahoe. This trail, is 165 miles long and follows the ridge tops of Lake Tahoe, overlapping 50 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. The views are spectacular, the hiking difficulty listed as moderate, with an average grade of about 10 percent. A section of trail is wheelchair accessible. For an easy hike you might take the Hawley Grade Trail which is 3.5 miles long. This hike is on the first wagon road built in this area back in the mid 1800's. It follows the Upper Truckee River and you can reach it by from the South Lake Tahoe Y by driving south on Hwy. 50 for just over five miles and turning left on South Upper Truckee Road. Drive another three and a half miles and turn at the Hawley Grade sign. Your dog is welcome on this trail also.

2. Visit the popular Fanny Bridge which leads to the west shore of the lake. You can often look down and see hundreds of trout waiting to be fed. Crossing over this bridge takes you to the west shore. If you have seen The Godfather II, you've seen pieces of west shore because much of the filming for that movie was done there.

3. Another one of Lake Tahoe's most popular features is Emerald Bay, home to the only island in the lake, Fannette Island. Built on this island is the "Tea House" which is an excellent example of Scandinavian architecture. The color of the water in this bay is simply magnificent.

4. Fireside, a recently remodeled, log cabin-style lodge features unique, retro-Tahoe themed suites, and is perfect for sports enthusiasts. The Fireside Lodge is the last lodge on the way to Emerald Bay. It backs up to the National Forest, providing miles of hiking and biking trails. In their suites you can snuggle up to fieldstone fireplaces and enjoy cable TV and computer hook-up access. All suites include a refrigerator and microwave. Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast in their Gathering Room and an afternoon snack and wine during the daily Happy Hour. There is also a social held every Friday evening, welcoming new guests and introducing them to their fellow guests. Your dog is welcome to accompany you on your stay at the Fireside Lodge. The Hot Tub Room can help soothe tired muscles after a day of hiking and cavorting around Lake Tahoe.