Even if you’re not an avid birder, you can’t help but notice the birds of Lake Tahoe. Our vast, open spaces are the perfect backdrop for bird spotting as are the wilderness areas and old-growth forests. But even in the town areas, you can easily pick out common birds of Lake Tahoe such as the Mountain Chickadee, American Robin, the California Gull and the Canada Goose. Looking high up, you can see the broad wings of Red-Tailed Hawks. When you’re in the more wooded areas, keep an eye out for the Hairy Woodpecker and tune your ears for the noisy Steller’s Jay, which also sports gorgeous blue tones in its plumage. Another beautifully colored bird of Lake Tahoe is the male Western Tanager. And, if you’re a city dweller who might not have the opportunity to experience many majestic flyers, keep your eyes open for Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles, both of which are present in the Lake Tahoe are in winter.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Birding
12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site of the state park, during record-breaking snowfall. Now visitors can go to Donner Memorial State Park and check out the new $6.6 million visitor center/museum that chronicles the Donner Party and the human and natural history of the region. During summer season the park has 142 spaces for car, RV and tent camping. There is also a concessionaire renting water-sport toys from kayaks and SUPs to two-seater personal watercraft. Being a state park in the Sierra, everything is surrounded by beautiful pines and plenty of hiking and biking in adjacent Cold Stream Canyon and swimming in the kid-friendly canal and China Cove. Depending on snowfall, a cross-country ski trail is groomed through the park, which is also a great place for snowshoeing. An entrance fee is charged.
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site...read more
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
7360 West Lake Boulevard, Tahoma, CA
Explore the untouched beauty of Burton Creek State Park, just outside Tahoe City, spanning 2,000 acres of pristine forest and meadowland. Unwind on 6 miles of unpaved roads, ideal for hiking, mountain biking and winter cross-country skiing. Traverse the mountainous terrain, adorned with conifers and shrubs that prime wildlife and bird watching. Spring brings a burst of wildflowers, while fall paints the cottonwoods in vivid hues. Though lacking amenities like water and restrooms, Burton Creek's charm lies in its natural preserves, including Antone Meadows and Burton Creek Natural Preserve. Despite its undeveloped state, Burton Creek holds immense potential, with numbered junctions aiding in improvisational hikes along dirt roads. For a structured experience, the new Tahoe Rim Trail section guides you through the park, where Burton Creek and meadows create a picturesque setting for leisurely walks. Motorized vehicles are prohibited, ensuring a peaceful haven for cross-country skiers, mountain bikers and hikers.
Explore the untouched beauty of Burton Creek State Park, just outside Tahoe City, spanning 2,000 acres of pristine forest and meadowland. Unwind on 6 miles of unpaved roads, ideal for hiking, mountain biking and winter cross-country skiing. Traverse the mountainous terrain, adorned with conifers and shrubs that prime wildlife and bird watching. Spring brings a burst of wildflowers, while
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read more Explore the untouched beauty of Burton Creek State Park,
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Lake Tahoe Birding
12593 Donner Pass Road, Truckee, CA
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site of the state park, during record-breaking snowfall. Now visitors can go to Donner Memorial State Park and check out the new $6.6 million visitor center/museum that chronicles the Donner Party and the human and natural history of the region. During summer season the park has 142 spaces for car, RV and tent camping. There is also a concessionaire renting water-sport toys from kayaks and SUPs to two-seater personal watercraft. Being a state park in the Sierra, everything is surrounded by beautiful pines and plenty of hiking and biking in adjacent Cold Stream Canyon and swimming in the kid-friendly canal and China Cove. Depending on snowfall, a cross-country ski trail is groomed through the park, which is also a great place for snowshoeing. An entrance fee is charged.
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site...read more
History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
CA State Park Road, Tahoma, CA
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained and is an excellent representation of the wealthy side of Tahoe. Tours are offered during the summer by Sierra State Parks Foundation (sierrastateparks.org). There are various trailheads, swimming beaches and great fishing within the park as well as a Nature Center that helps visitors identify the local flora and fauna. In the winter the foundation hosts full moon snowshoe expeditions, and this is a great place for sledding and snowshoeing. Dogs are allowed on leash only. Visitors should remember to pack it in, pack it out and leave no trace. An entrance fee is charged.
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also open with a larger selection of sites in the summer, the park is positioned to take advantage of both the beautiful natural setting of Lake Tahoe and the historic aspects. Within the park is access to the Hellman-Ehrmann Mansion that was built in 1903. The property is still exquisitely maintained...read more
Ed Z'Berg Sugar Pine Point State Park is your best bet for winter camping. Also...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
10981 Truckee Way, Truckee, CA
Take a look around and it’s clear that Truckee is a special town: history, mountains, lakes, river and forests. But there are many hidden gems known mostly to locals. Those gems are kept shining by the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. Some of the amenities and facilities managed by the district are accessible for free, others for a fee. The district has deservedly received awards for its facilities, from the nine-hole Ponderosa Golf Course and an ice rink in winter to super-kid-friendly West End Beach and the public piers on Donner Lake. The crown jewel is the 40,000-square-foot Community Recreation Center with, among other things, a two-court gymnasium, a state-of-the-art indoor aquatics center, an indoor running track, exercise equipment, two climbing walls (one is 29 feet tall) and a state-of-the-art aquatics center. Want to find Truckee’s soul? Check out the bike park at Riverview Sports Park and the popular disc golf course and skate park in Regional Park. Be sure to explore all of Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District's programing and facilities that continue to provide a wide variety of recreational opportunities in the Truckee area.
Take a look around and it’s clear that Truckee is a special town: history, mountains, lakes, river and forests. But there are many hidden gems known mostly to locals. Those gems are kept shining by the Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District for the enjoyment of locals and visitors. Some of the amenities and facilities managed by the district are accessible for free, others for a fee. The...read more
Take a look around and it’s clear that Truckee is a special town: history, mountains,...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Fallen Leaf Campground, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is located on National Forest lands and is an excellent place to enjoy the beauty of Tahoe while stepping away from the busy-ness that can sometimes occupy Lake Tahoe. Fallen Leaf Lake is adjacent to Lake Tahoe and offers a large trail network that accesses the top of Mt. Tallac as well...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Kaspian Recreation Area is on Highway 89, 4 miles south of Tahoe City at the base of Blackwood Canyon. A campground and outdoor recreation area, the zone is excellent for wilderness fun in summer and winter. Kaspian Beach and Campground are located on National Forest land managed by the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. The summer offers mountain biking, road cycling and hiking....read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Lake Forest Beach is a free day-use park within the neighborhood of Lake Forest Glen, a few miles outside of Tahoe City. The beach is a secluded, sandy and pebbly shoreline. The views are spectacular from the angle provided by the park, giving direct sight of Mount Tallac and other framing mountains. This beach is perfect for launching paddleboards, kayaks or windsurfing equipment. The area...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park is a park system found on the east shore of Lake Tahoe. With six different management units that total 14,301 acres, the park protects miles of dense Tahoe forest and beautiful sandy and rocky beaches. Within the park are the swimming areas of Sand Harbor, Chimney Beach, Hidden Beach, Secret Cove, Creek Beach, Boaters Beach and Whale Beach as well...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Birding
Memorial Point Overlook is on Highway 28 between Incline Village and Sand Harbor. The easiest way to see the expansive beauty of Lake Tahoe, this overlook gives you a bird's-eye view of the variations in water color and the large granite boulders that frame the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. The free parking area accesses a visitors center and a quick trail that accesses the shore....read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Skylandia is a gorgeous, 24-acre state park that offers a multitude of amenities. Situated a mile and a half from Tahoe City, Skylandia offers both a grass park area complete with grills, picnic tables, paved trails and public bathrooms as well as a sand beach that offers leisurely walks with views that look up the lake toward Mount Tallac and South Lake Tahoe. The park...read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Spooner Lake is an excellent winter and summer recreation area. The reservoir is home to year-round fishing, hiking and birding. In the summer the lake is the place for swimming, non-motorized boating and mountain biking, and in the winter the cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are great. There is a day-use fee collected per vehicle/bike, so make sure to bring some money. read more
Lake Tahoe Birding
Tahoe Adventure Company is a way to access any outdoor adventure in Lake Tahoe. Whether it is rock climbing or kayaking, mountain biking or hiking, Tahoe Adventure Company prides itself in creating custom recreation tours that connect exactly with what the guest desires. They add a ton of local knowledge to each of their trips and also offer kayak and paddleboard rentals and tours. Other fun experiences Tahoe Adventure Company offers include star tours, full moon, sunset excursions, group outings, backpacking trips...read more
