Tahoe Lake has been a popular tourist destination for many years. In the summer, you will see sun-drenched youngsters and umbrellas along the shoreline. Skiers will enjoy snowy adventures in the winter season. This region also offers outstanding outdoor recreation. There are scenic cruises on the lake, mountain gondola rides, as well as four-season activities.
The native Washoe tribe first occupied the area thousands of years ago. The lake was sacred to the Washoe for many generations. In the mid-1800s, white settlers arrived and forced the tribe from the land. George Whittel, Jr., who was a lumber magnate, spurred the development and growth of the north shore in the early 1900s. He built a narrow gauge railway linking Truckee to Tahoe City. He also planned to construct a casino.
Since the beginning of time, the lake was a popular location for entertainment and film production. Many classic American movies were shot here. The opening sequence of Bonanza was filmed with Mount Tallac in the background. A Place in the Sun was also filmed. True Lies, The Navigator and A Place in the Sun were other movies.
There are many casinos on the Nevada side of the lake, as well as high-end shopping. The lake is also popular as a skiing destination. The 1960 Winter Olympics boosted the popularity of winter sports in the Lake Tahoe area.
The name Tahoe comes from the Washoe word da ow a ga, which means "water in a high place." The Lake is surrounded on all sides by majestic mountain peaks. They range in height between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. The development on the eastern shore is less than that on the western shore.
The Lake Tahoe basin lies on the border between Nevada and California. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, which is part of the United States Forest Service, has jurisdiction over seventy-five percent of the watershed. It's home to some the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. It is a popular destination for outdoor recreation and hiking. It has a reputation for pristine clarity of the water.
Lake Tahoe is a year round attraction featuring scenic shorelines, mountain-gondola rides, and exceptional 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 covers 100 miles and circles the lake. There are many stunning views to be enjoyed.
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit assesses environmental conditions, monitors lake clarity and assesses meteorology around the lake. This unit also focuses on education and outreach to the public. The agency produces an annual report, called the "State of the Lake", that assesses the health of the lake. The report details changes in the lake's clarity, depth, particles and nearshore environment. Because of the improved environmental conditions in watersheds, the rate of clarity loss has fallen.