Paddle Board Lake Tahoe
Paddle boarding Lake Tahoe was a dream of mine for years, and after finally experiencing it, I can say it should be on your bucket list too!
Here are two epic locations you need to check out if you want to paddle board Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe sits on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Washoe people.
Its breathtaking blue colour is a result of both science and nature working together. The lake’s crystal-clear waters, low algae levels, and the way it absorbs red light all create the iconic deep blue that Tahoe is known for. As the second deepest lake in the U.S. and the largest alpine lake, Tahoe spans both California and Nevada, offering a truly unique and stunning natural wonder.
1. Sand Harbour State Park, Nevada
- Located on the eastern shores of Lake Tahoe, a short drive from Incline Village.
- One of the most convenient and beautiful spots to paddle on Lake Tahoe
- $15 entrance fee ($10 for Nevada residents)
- Beach launch is just a short walk from the parking lot
- Head north to discover bouldered coves or south to see the popular Bonsai Rock (1 mile from Sand Harbour). You can’t go wrong in either direction!
- The park opens at 8 am and is extremely busy in the summer months. Cars line up prior to the park opening. Consider taking public transit (East Shore Express bus #28 runs in the summer months from Incline Village). Or consider visiting in the shoulder months when the weather is still warm but the crowds aren’t as big.
- Don’t have a paddling vessel? No problem. Rentals are available on location and at various places around Lake Tahoe.
- Pets are only allowed in the off-season.
- For more info check out the official Sand Harbour State Park site
Paddle boarding at Sand Harbour
Bonsai Rock
2. Emerald Bay State Park, California
- Located a short drive from South Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay is Lake Tahoe’s only inlet and home to the lake’s only island, Fannette Island.
- Emerald Bay does not have vehicle access to the shoreline. Camp Richardson Marnia is the closest boat launch. 3 options to launch and paddle Emerald Bay if you don’t have a boat:
- Vikingsholm parking lot requires you to hike 1 mile down a steep hill to the shores of Emerald Bay.
- Baldwin Beach has easy shore access but is a 3.1-mile paddle north to Emerald Bay.
- Lester Beach in D.L. Bliss State Park with 3.45-mile paddle south to Emerald Bayn
- Kayaks and paddle boards are available to rent on the shore of Vikingsholm Beach but only in the summer months.
- Check out California Parks for more info on Emerald Bay.
Paddling around Fannette Island in Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay Tea House on Fannette Island
Other Resources:
Sand Harbour and Emerald Bay are the top places to go but there are a ton of other great spots to paddle on Lake Tahoe.
- D.L Bliss State Park
- King’s Beach State Park
- Cave Rock
Check out Lake Tahoe Water Trail for more info on paddling routes.
When visiting Lake Tahoe please treat it like your own home!
Over-tourism, pollution, and litter are big challenges—let’s all do our part.
Ways to help:
- Wash, clean and dry your gear to stop invasive species
- Put out fires and dispose of cigarette butts properly
- Don’t feed wildlife
- Stick to designated parking and trails
- Use a reusable bottle
- Take transit when you can or visit during off-peak times
- Pack out what you pack in, and pick up any trash you see
Remember the lake can be cold, and storms often roll in later in the day.
Wear a PFD and check the weather and wind forecast. Check out How To Read the Wind for paddle boarding. Always paddle within your ability and gear limits.
For another iconic place to paddle check out Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida.
2 Comments
Tony Felgueiras
Stunning views!!
Marybeth
It’s an amazing place to explore and paddle!