Kayaking or canoeing around Lake Tahoe might be the best way to experience Big Blue, and it's certainly one of the most popular things to do in Tahoe. Follow the 72-mile trail that takes you around the lake at a pace where you can really experience the environment. Kayak and canoe rental businesses are readily found all around the area.
Featured for Your Visit
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
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
Truckee-Donner Recreation & Park District
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
15962 South Shore Drive, Truckee, CA
Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of its own: Donner Lake. While not as big and broad as Big Blue, Donner Lake offers up a good bit of watery fun too. One of the best places to access Donner is West End Beach. In summer months, there is a modest admission fee to enter the 10-acre west end area, but the sandy beach and roped-off, kid-friendly swim area is the place to take youngsters to build sand castles and splash in the water all under the watch of life guards. Operated by the Truckee Donner Park and Recreation Department, West End Beach also has paddleboards, kayaks and pedal boats available to rent. There is plenty of fun on the beach area: two playgrounds for kids to get their kicks on, a sand volleyball court, tennis court and horseshoe pits. A snack bar serves up soft drinks, hot dogs and ice cream. Get there early and stake out a picnic table and grill. There are shady group picnic areas available by reservation.
Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of its own: Donner Lake. While not as big and broad as Big Blue, Donner Lake offers up a good bit of watery fun too. One of the best places to access Donner is West End Beach. In summer months, there is a modest admission fee to enter the 10-acre west...read more
Lake Tahoe, 15 minutes away, gets all the attention, but Truckee has a gem of...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
One way to experience Lake Tahoe as the rich and famous do (or at least how we imagine they do) is to stay at one of the lakeside resorts. The Aston Lakeland Village Beach & Mountain Resort is located very nearly right in the center of South Shore on some 19 acres of woods and beach. They even have a pier that stretches out onto...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
Baldwin Beach, a part of the USDA Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit, is a great place to enjoy the nature that Tahoe has to offer. The wide-open, sandy beach includes dunes and is often uncrowded. Baldwin provides restrooms and some picnic tables, and there is a nearby campground for overnighters. The parking, which costs $10 (subject to change) per vehicle, is convenient for those...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
Discover the hidden gems of South Lake Tahoe with Black Tie Adventure Rentals. Founded by a team of outdoor enthusiasts, Black Tie's motto is to help you explore the region's beauty off the beaten path. Whether you're paddleboarding on Lake Tahoe, catching a breathtaking sunset at Zephyr Cove or cruising along Tahoe's stunning beaches, Black Tie has you covered. They offer convenient delivery of e-bikes,...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
By foot, Boaters Beach is reached via the same trail system that accesses Chimney Beach, Secret Cove, Whale Beach and Creek Beach. The trailhead starts at the free public parking about 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor on Highway 28. The hike begins as a steep downhill and then quickly levels off. When it flattens out, take the trail to the left (right will take...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
On the picturesque shores of South Lake Tahoe, the original Camp Richardson Resort is a cherished destination that has offered a timeless retreat for generations of families and friends. This historic resort blends a rich history with modern amenities. Welcoming those who have made cherished memories for decades and inviting new visitors to create their own traditions, Camp Rich offers a range of accommodations — from a...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
Historically known as Jameson Beach, this is the expanse of Tahoe beach at Camp Richardson. Visitors can rent Jet Skis, powerboats, paddle boats and kayaks, or they can take a Rum Runner Cruise to Emerald Bay. The beach has grills and picnic areas, and leashed dogs are allowed in the picnic areas only. It's a good swimming beach and has one of the longest docks...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
Carnelian Beach West is a nice sandy beach on the west side of Sierra Boat Company, located in Carnelian Bay. The free public beach is a little more than 500 feet in length. Free parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to Gar Woods Grill & Pier. This beach offers a few different amenities including a shoreline promenade, picnic tables, barbecue grills, public restrooms...read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
Cave Rock is an esteemed part of Lake Tahoe. Considered sacred by the Washoe Indians, the 3 million-year-old rock formation is known as the Lady of the Lake due to the image of a woman's profile. Cave Rock is 3 miles south of Glenbrook on Highway 50, and the entrance to the park is just a few feet south of Cave Rock Tunnel. The small...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
Chambers Landing Beach is a small, pebbly beach next to the historic and iconic Tahoe fine-dining restaurant Chambers Landing on the west shore of Lake Tahoe. The beach doesn't offer any amenities like garbage cans or bathrooms. It does, on the other hand, allow dogs. Parking is along the street only. read more
Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
Chimney Beach is one of the more spectacular beaches on Lake Tahoe. Located 2.6 miles south of Sand Harbor on Highway 28, it tends to be a little quieter than other beaches that are accessed via car as it is a bit of a hike to get to it. The mile-plus hike starts out to the right of the free parking area, with a steep...read more
Lake Tahoe Kayaking & Canoeing
One of the magical aspects to Lake Tahoe is the clarity of her water. With shorelines reminiscent of the tropics, Lake Tahoe is blessed with a lovely ranges of blues and turquoise that are hard to find elsewhere. To celebrate this fact, Clearly Tahoe is taking their guided kayak trips to the next level with transparent kayaks. Specializing in providing unique, luxurious guided excursions, Clearly...read more
