Lake Tahoe in California, USA – photo, description, map
Mark Twain argued that “taho” in Native American translation is grasshopper soup. Of course, the second deepest lake in the US has nothing to do with soup. In fact, the Indians who lived in these places called it “da hou aga”, which translates as “lake district”, these are already “pale-faced” people who have changed everything in their own way. Tahoe – this is the official name of the lake and the surrounding area only since 1945. Before that, there was a lot of controversy over the correct name.
What attracts tourists here
In many ways, this reservoir is unique. The water in it, shimmering with different shades of blue and green, is very clean. In winter it does not freeze, and in summer it does not warm up above 20 °C. Not a very comfortable temperature for swimming, but in summer it is full of satisfied vacationers.
Tahoe is a very popular place for water sports enthusiasts. Diving brings great pleasure to lovers of fabulous views of the bottom, illuminated by the sun through the thickness of clear water. A large sports fishing fleet has also been created here. A huge number of boat stations and piers provide tourists with catamarans, scooters, boats. You can even ride an Indian pie. Pleasure boats constantly ply the lake, connecting the resort areas with each other.
Americans love to spend weekends and vacations in the Tahoe area. The tourist infrastructure is very well developed here. Many different resorts have been built along the coast, there are even several cities that provide a decent rest after working days. Cinemas, concert halls, nightclubs, bars, restaurants and even gambling houses cater to any needs of guests around the clock.
In winter, millions of winter sports enthusiasts come to these places. For them, it's just heaven. Major ski resorts provide a variety of trails for both beginners and seasoned snowboarders and skiers, there are trails for night skiing under the stars. On average, up to eleven meters of snow falls in the mountains during the winter period. But, if it is not enough, systems for the production of artificial snow come to the safety net.
Precautionary measures
The length of the Tahoe coastline is 116 km. A highway has been built along the coast. Notably, driving around clockwise is safer than going around counterclockwise. Drivers are less distracted by the incomparable views of the lake, and more carefully monitor the road. It is very difficult here, basically, without any barriers on the passes. And there really is something to be distracted by. Therefore, observation platforms have been made along the entire highway to stop and contemplate the extraordinary beauties.
Huge, with an area of 496 km2, the reservoir stretches between the Sierra Nevada mountain ranges. Its length is 365 km, width is 19 km. The mountains and gorges around are covered with mixed coniferous forests. Huge boulders adorn the shore. Landscapes around amaze with their grandeur and power. The weather in these places almost always pleases with the sun. And the lake below it just shines, making everything around glow. Fresh air with coniferous aromas makes you dizzy.
Lady Laura J.M. Tea House and Summer House Knight
Emerald Bay is especially beautiful and the most photographed area. The color of the water, the beaches with scattered stones and ancient pines that frame it. Right in the middle stands a lonely rocky island. A small stone house in the form of a fortress was built on its top. This is Lady Laura J.M.'s tea house. Knight. No more than twice a year, she and her friends got here by boat to enjoy the intoxicating scenery at the tea ceremony.
On the shore of the bay stands her summer house. In one season in 1928, with the help of 200 workers, Lady Knight's nephew, an architect by profession, built a house that includes elements of Scandinavian castles and churches. The stones and wood used in the construction were taken from the lake. Now Vikingsholm, as the house is called, is visited by tourists as a tourist attraction. And it is not at all surprising, its architectural style is very unusual and among the shaggy fir trees the structure looks more than harmonious.
Entertainment
The surroundings of the reservoir are popular for hiking, horse riding and cycling. Wonderful pictures open up for travelers in the forest. Trees, shrubs, growing in some places right on the rocks, amaze the imagination with their size. Many travelers who have visited these places, leaving reviews, say that Tahoe is distinguished by the impressive size of everything that is here: rocks, cliffs, trees, even pine cones are larger than usual. 63 rivers flow into the lake, crossing many obstacles. The waterfalls they create also add charm to the local scenery.
In addition to fish, many animals and birds live in the area. They are protected by the US Forestry, as nature reserves are organized here. You can only hunt with special licenses. Resorts and holiday homes even have special barriers against visits by large animals and predators. Garbage cans are specially designed in such a way that grizzly bears could not get into them.
Best time to visit
In the evening and at night, Tahoe is spectacular in a new way. The sky, dotted with stars, turns into black mountains, and under them dozens of resort towns, recreation centers, hundreds of campsites glow with multi-colored lights. They have a vibrant nightlife. All this magnificence is reflected in the lake. An amazing view, which is observed only by true connoisseurs of natural beauty.
In summer and winter, the wonderful views of Tahoe enchant tourists even on rare days of bad weather. The wind bends the trees, the waves roll on the rocks, breaking on the stones, dark clouds cover the tops of the mountains. The noise of the forest and the surf do not let you forget about the omnipotence of natural forces. At such moments, unity with the environment is especially felt. The delight from what he saw does not leave anyone indifferent.
Americans are absolutely right when they come here on vacation and for the weekend. The scenery of Lake Tahoe is therapeutic. They give courage and confidence, make you gather your thoughts and throw everything unnecessary out of your head. Encourages to love life in all its manifestations.
A few more articles on the topic of tourism in the USA: Yellowstone, Thor's Well and Lake Powell – read on our website.