Tahoe is an iconic destination that has been popular with tourists for years. In the summer, the picturesque shoreline is lined in umbrellas and sun-drenched families. Skiers can look forward to snowy adventures during winter. It is also home to outstanding outdoor recreation. There are scenic cruises on the lake, mountain gondola rides, as well as four-season activities.
It was home to the Washoe tribe, who first lived there thousands of years back. For many generations, the lake was a sacred place for the Washoe. In the mid-1800s, white settlers arrived and forced the tribe from the land. George Whittel, Jr., a lumber magnate, was responsible in the early 1900s for the development of the north coast. He built a narrow gauge train that connected Truckee and Tahoe City. He also planned to build a casino.
Since almost 100 years, the lake has been a popular destination for entertainment and film industries. Several classic American films have been shot there. Mount Tallac was the backdrop to Bonanza's opening sequence. Other movies have included A Place in the Sun, True Lies and The Navigator.
It is also home to several casinos, high-end shopping and a few other amenities. The lake is also a popular ski destination. The popularity of winter sports in Lake Tahoe was boosted by the 1960 Winter Olympics.
The name Tahoe comes from the Washoe word da ow a ga, which means "water in a high place." The Lake is surrounded with majestic mountain peaks, ranging in height from 8,000 to 10,000 ft. The eastern shore is more developed that the western.
The Lake Tahoe basin lies on the border between Nevada and California. The United States Forest Service manages 75% of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. Some of the most spectacular landscapes are found here. It is considered one of the best destinations in the United States for hiking and outdoor recreation. It is known for its pristine water clarity.
Lake Tahoe offers year-round attractions with breathtaking shoreline views, mountain gondola rides and outstanding skiing. Various events take place throughout the year, including the Brews, Jazz and Funk Fest in August and the Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festival in September. The Tahoe Loop Drive, a 100-mile loop around the lake, is also known as the Tahoe Loop Drive. You can enjoy a variety of stunning views.
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit monitors the lake's clarity, assesses weather conditions and evaluates the environmental conditions. The unit is also committed to education and public outreach. The "State of the Lake", which is an annual report by the agency, evaluates the lake's health. The report details changes in the lake's clarity, depth, particles and nearshore environment. Due to better environmental conditions within the watershed, clarity has declined.