Emerald Bay State Park - Lake Tahoe

Sunrise at Emerald Bay Viewpoint with smokey skies from a nearby wildfire

There’s no shortage of wonders to behold when visiting Lake Tahoe, and there are over half a dozen spectacular State Parks and recreation areas here. Today we’re heading to South Lake Tahoe on the California side to explore the unique beauty of Emerald Bay State Park, as well as the history both above and below the water’s surface.

Emerald Bay view from the Vikingsholm trailhead in Lake Tahoe

Inspiration Point at Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe

History

The Washoe people long thrived in the Lake Tahoe basin and Sierra Nevada range, hunting fishing, and gathering. However, by the mid-1800s over 10,000 square miles of Tahoe shoreline and surrounding Washoe land were taken and logged during the gold/silver rushes. The Washoe Tribe of California now operates the Meeks Bay Resort and are engaged in efforts to regain portions of their local land. In the late 1800s Emerald Bay Resort opened, and the golden age of recreational watercraft travel began here. By the 1920s Emerald Bay became one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular tourist attractions as Summer visitors were boated around these beautiful shores.

Lower Eagle Falls at Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe

State Park Status

Emerald Bay State Park was established in 1953, and soon after the Emerald Bay Resort was demolished. Numerous watercrafts that once transported tourists here were sunk to the bottom of the bay and perfectly preserved by the incredible cold Alpine waters here. In 1969 Emerald Bay was designated as a National Natural Landmark, and in 1994 the Emerald Bay waters were designated as an Underwater State Park. In 2018 Emerald Bay State Park opened California’s first Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail…scuba divers and snorkelers can now explore the 4 unique dive sites of this shipwreck preserve, ranging in depths of 10 to 60 feet. The trail boasts the United States largest and most diverse group of sunken small vessels, which are known to rest in their original locations. Divers are always reminded to follow proper safety precautions when exploring Lake Tahoe with its often frigid water and remote diving areas.

Vikingsholm

This park is also home to some of the finest Scandinavian architecture in the western hemisphere. Vikingsholm was built nearly a century ago in 1928 when Mrs. Laura Josephine Knight hired over 200 workers to build this lakefront masterpiece, which still welcomes visitors for day tours during the Summer months. Vikingsholm can only be accessed by the water or a 2 mile round trip hike with over 400 feet in elevation gain. So while this is an absolute must stop on any Emerald Bay trip, make sure to wear your comfy walking shoes here. Lake Tahoe’s only Island, Fannette Island, is also located here, rising 150 feet above the water’s edge. Once a small tea room topped the island for owner Mrs. Knight and her guests to enjoy unparalleled lake views. Now the only structure that remains on the island is the tea house’s stone shell. Boating and kayaking to the island make this a popular day trip destination, but swimming here from the Lake Tahoe shores is strictly prohibited due to the cold waters and heavy boat traffic.

Fannette Island in Emerald Bay State Park in Lake Tahoe

Trails

Along with the short but steep Vikingsholm Trail, Emerald Bay is home to multiple spectacular trails. The incredibly picturesque Rubicon Trail stretches over 10 miles (out & back) from Callawee Cove in nearby D.L. Bliss State Park passed Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay State Park. Eagle Falls Trail is a short but rewarding hike that leads to beautiful waterfall viewpoints. This trail continues to Eagle Lake with just a little extra effort (see my full Eagle Falls/Eagle Lake blog post here). Emerald Point and Cascade Trail are also stunning, with the latter located close to the popular Eagle Point campgrounds.

Upper Eagle Falls near Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe

Know Before You Go

• If you’re looking to find those picturesque overlook spots without the hiking, check out my full Emerald Bay Viewpoint & Inspiration Point blog here.

• Hikers must stay on the established trails in Emerald Bay. Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles on your visit, packing out everything you pack in and leaving this place even more beautiful than you found it, so it can be enjoyed by for generations to come.

• Always check the State Park website for up-to-date information when planning your visit. Currently the State Park is a drone-free zone, and dogs are not allowed on any of the Emerald Bay trails or beaches.

• Along with the beautiful plant life and fishing, this is active black bear territory. All food must be stored in the bear-resistant facilities provided.

• Some of the campsites are wheelchair accessible, and restrooms can be found throughout the park. Vikingsholm tour videotapes and visual guides are available at Vikingsholm.

Other Lake Tahoe Points of Interest

• Cave Rock
• Eagle Falls/Eagle Lake Trail
• Glen Alpine Falls
• Fallen Leaf Chapel
• Tallac Historic Site
• Sand Harbor Beach
• Bonsai Rock & Whale Rock
• D. L. Bliss State Park

Views of Emerald Bay and Fannette Island near the Vikingsholm trailhead in Lake Tahoe

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me this week in Lake Tahoe for a virtual visit through Emerald Bay State Park. Make sure to see my Behind the Blog YouTube video below…and until next week I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!

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