Located in picturesque Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay State Park is a breathtaking wonderland of natural wilderness, crystal blue waters and snow capped mountains. Here, you will find one of the best wilderness locations in the state. In 1969, the part was considered one of the best in the country and named a National Natural Landmark. In particular, the granite mountainsides carved by glaciers and the full panoramic view is truly breathtaking. The park itself is located just 22 miles south of Tahoe City, making it very easy to get there. Most com to take in these views, to camp, hike and in some cases ski. You can bring in your camping equipment and relax, do some fishing, biking and bird watching.
When you arrive, you will want to stop at Vikingsholm which is about a mile off the trail from the parking area at a drop of 500 feet in elevation. Here, you will find an older, Scandinavian architecture building to explore. You will also find
Fannette Island here, on the west shore. For those bringing boats in, Boat Camp is located on the north side of the bay. It is best to visit during the spring, summer and early fall, especially if you want to see some of the amazing wildlife in the region. Plan to spend some time exploring the wilderness, but realize that you are mostly on your own when you visit. The summer months are more crowded as many families come to enjoy the atmosphere and get away from hectic city lifestyles.
