I’ve driven past this bay hundreds of times in my life. I’ve stopped a handful of those. Recently, I made it a priority to stay roadside and explore Emerald Bay so I could understand what makes this place so memorable to others. Well, I must say, I now understand! Emerald Bay, regardless of the time of year, holds an energy that sucks you into its grasp. When you are here, you realize that you can do just about every outdoor activity in one of the most outstanding locations in the world.
Emerald Bay is Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel containing an oasis of shimmering greens, turquoise and blues against a strikingly beautiful mountain backdrop on the Lake’s west shore. Reaching depths over 200 feet deep creates the brilliant colors of Emerald Bay, meanwhile being known as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. It is only here, at Emerald Bay, that you can hike, swim, ski, kayak, backpack, photograph, paddle-board, rock climb, and so much more all in a single location.
Read on to discover why Emerald Bay is amazing, how to get to the beaches, where you can swim, and so much more.
A double rainbow during a fire-red sunset over Lake Tahoe’s Emerald Bay. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
And magically two rainbows appeared
Lake Tahoe summers occasionally have a rainstorms, but rarely do they last until the sunsets. This day was different. As the rain fell from the clouds over South Lake Tahoe, I noticed something different about this summer storm, it’s size. Slightly hopeful there would be a mix of rainclouds and a sunset, I headed for Emerald Bay.
Parking on an overlook, Emerald Bay was covered in clouds, no light was getting through. Slightly disappointed, I sat in my van and watched the wind make lines on the water’s of Emerald Bay. There was still hope that something would happen.
As the time ticked, I began editing images and occasionally peaking out the window of the van in hopes the sunset would be good. Then, BOOM, the clouds started to turn red. I scrambled to grab my camera, the wrong lens was on.
Swapping to a wider angle lens, I stepped outside in the falling rain to snap the colorful clouds lingering over Emerald Bay for sunset. As I snapped, I looked to my right, a sunset rainbow was forming. Getting even more excited that the choice to drive to Emerald Bay for the summer storm in Lake Tahoe was paying off.
Getting wet from the rain, I watched the first sunset rainbow stretch across the sky. Glowing red-orange, the clouds and rainbow were bringing me joy. Minutes were passing, the light was changing, then a second rainbow appeared.
Moving around to create a composition for a sunset landscape photograph of Emerald Bay, I was finally happy. Snap.
A double rainbow at Emerald Bay was created.
Camera Gear Used for the Photograph
Sony a7r4
Polarizer
Tarmon 28-75
A very blue sunrise over Emerald Bay during the summer in Lake Tahoe. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Where is Emerald Bay Tahoe
Emerald Bay in Lake Tahoe is a large bay located along the southwest shore of Lake Tahoe in California. The most popular parking location is the Vikingsholm Parking Lot, or the Eagle Falls Trailhead.
Driving directions to Emerald Bay
FAQ about Emerald Bay Tahoe
Is Emerald Bay Tahoe open to the public?
Emerald Bay is a public space with the beach being a California State Park. To get to the beach at the bottom of the hill, you will need to take a service road that can only be driven on by emergency vehicles. Fun fact, this road used to be the driveway for the Vikingsholm that is at the bottom of the hill.
In fact, several years ago, Emerald Bay was privately owned by a widow, but in her passing the surrounding land was given to the State of California to be protected and preserved. The widow wanted the land to be open and accessible to all, in hopes of creating a movement to protect the land’s surrounding Lake Tahoe.
Does Emerald Bay have a beach?
Emerald Bay has a beach at the bottom of the hill where you park. To get to the beach you will need to walk 1 mile down a paved service road. Hiking down to the beach and playing at the beach is free to the public. This California State Park is open from sunrise to sunset everyday.
At the beach you will find several amenities like bathrooms, kayak rentals, a restaurant, motorboat rentals, and paddle-board rentals. There are dedicated swimming spots at the beaches in Emerald Bay as well picnic tables.
Additionally, once you reach the beach, you can hike around the bay on a few different trails. Pick any of them, they are all fantastic.
Is Emerald Bay Tahoe hike hard?
Hiking to Emerald Bay is a one mile hike that takes between 20 to 30 minutes. Most find hiking down to Emerald Bay to be easy, but hiking back to your car can be a challenge for some. The hike back to your car can take 35-40 minutes at you walk up 400 vertical feet. The good news is that there are several benches and places you can sit along the way and look out upon the stunning views of Emerald Bay.
The best trail down to Emerald Bay is called the Vikingsholm Trail.
What is the Island at Emerald Bay?
The island in the middle of Emerald Bay is a naturally forming island, and the only island, in Lake Tahoe. As the glaciers receded creating Emerald Bay, the granite island stood its ground and did not weather away. Today, this island in the middle of Emerald Bay has become a tourist destination for many kayakers, paddle-boarders, and motorboats. Since the surrounding water is very deep, you can stop at the island and hike to its summit.
At the summit of this island you will find the remains of an old teahouse. While today the remains are four walls, when you are there let you imagination run wild and imagine all of the dinner parties, dances, solidarity, and wonder this teahouse has brought for so many others.
Lastly, if you look around the island, you can find several spots to jump off the cliffs into the water. Make sure to check your landing before jumping and have fun!
9 Things To Do around Emerald Bay Tahoe
Rock Climb at Eagle Lake
Hike to the summit of Maggies Peak
Eagle Lake Hike
Hike to Dick’s Lake and Summit Dick’s Peak
Cliff Jump at DL Bliss
Visit the Island in the middle of Emerald Bay
Hike and swim in Fallen Leaf Lake
Eagle Falls pours into Emerald Bay as the sun rises over Lake Tahoe on an early summer morning. Photograph by Dalton Johnson
Now that you have discovered why Emerald Bay is amazing, how to get to the beaches, and where you can swim, it is your turn to get outside and explore this amazing landscape! Please, if you found this blog helpful, or have additional information you think would/could be helpful to other adventurers in this community, leave a comment!
