The sun is shining. The temps are hovering in the mid 70’s. Lake Tahoe is calling you. You just want to get to the beach and explore the Lake Tahoe Water Trail. But, you don’t want to deal with the traffic and don’t have the gear. We’ve made it easy. Rent your gear at the beach from a local paddle outfitter. Skip the Tahoe beach access headache by fully planning ahead with a reservation at a Tahoe paddle outfitter and taking an alternative mode of transportation like a bus or even a bike! Leave It To Us & Take A Bus The Tahoe region is home to several transportation hubs that give you acce ..read more

The hillsides may be alive with the sound of music, but the shores of Lake Tahoe are trumpeting the return of summer with a native plant that ONLY exists on the shores of this wondrous alpine lake. It’s the Tahoe Yellow Cress or as scientists like to call it “Rorippa subumbellata.” What Is Tahoe Yellow Cress This unique low-growing, herbaceous perennial plant is in the mustard family & found only along the sandy enclaves of Tahoe. Its leaves are fleshy, oblong-shaped and pinnately lobed, resembling a feather while its flowers are yellow with small, plump, round fruits. These plants are so ..read more

The precious stone within the crown of Lake Tahoe. The unforgettable vistas. Home to the only island within its waters. Like a siren, Emerald Bay calls to everyone. Similar to the calm, glassy surface of Tahoe, Emerald Bay can easily hide some of its lurking dangers. Here’s a few things you should know if you want to kayak Emerald Bay. Not For The Beginner The long paddle to Emerald Bay – Image appears courtesy: Sierra Business Council The normal gateway that kayakers must use to get to Emerald Bay is to raise anchor from Baldwin Beach. With that being said, this isn’t a trip to take without p ..read more

Let’s start with the good news. For an alpine oasis, Lake Tahoe is home to some of the best summer weather you’ll find. Ample amounts of sunshine. Perfect temps. And most of all, jaw-dropping views. With that being said, when you do shove off in a kayak, canoe, on a paddleboard, or any other human powered watercraft, you should understand Lake Tahoe weather in June, July, August or pretty much ANY month so you can be prepared and plan ahead. Mountain Weather Can Change Quick! Image appears courtesy: North Lake Tahoe High pressure LOVES California in the summer. On average, the sun shines 90% o ..read more

Established in 2007, the Lake Tahoe Water Trail is a water route along the 72-mile shoreline that connects public beaches with launch/landing sites to help paddlers have a safe and fun recreation experience while practicing good stewardship that protects the watershed. The most integral part of the Lake Tahoe Water Trail are the 20 official trailheads around Lake Tahoe. To find the trailheads near you, use our online map or waterproof Map & Access Guide. The Map & Access guide is available for purchase online here or at local shops listed here. Our customized Google map is a great too ..read more

When gearing up for an adventure on the gorgeous waters of Tahoe, one major thing to consider is what to wear kayaking. Even though the air temperature is warm or even toasty, Lake Tahoe’s water stays cold. So chilly that its waters can literally take your breath away. This advice will make sure that you’re prepared for Tahoe’s climate. Tahoe’s Waters Can Kill You Paddler wearing a P.F.D. – Image appears courtesy: Sierra Business Council Yes, it looks like the Caribbean. Yes, it’s absolutely perfect out. Just don’t let the beauty affect your preparedness. Lake Tahoe’s waters hover around 64 de ..read more

When it comes to a paddling mecca, the Lake Tahoe Water Trail ranks pretty high up on the list. The views, the impossibly clear waters, and of course amazing weather. With that being said, there are certain things you should be aware of like cold water shock, endangered species to protect, and one you wouldn’t think about, fire in Tahoe. Be Aware Of Fire Danger While Tahoe is home to nearly 37 trillion gallons of water, the surrounding region is especially parched in the summer months. A majority of the precipitation comes during the winter. And so, as the sun reaches its apex, it can create a ..read more

On the Lake Tahoe Water Trail website, we provide A LOT of information, tips, and maps to help beginners as well as seasoned paddlers enjoy the bounty of Tahoe’s waters. Not all of us bring a computer along when visiting Big Blue, so we wanted to ensure you have this info at your fingertips anywhere you’re at. We’ve done this by making our website not just mobile friendly but paddle mobile ready. Easy Route Finding One of the first things to do before heading out on any paddling adventures is figuring out where you’re going to launch and land from so you have a plan. A good place to start on y ..read more

The sun is shining, not a wisp of wind as you start your paddle on Lake Tahoe. Suddenly in the distance, you see a dark blue line form on the western side of the lake. The mysterious yet invisible wall quickly approaches slamming you with a Lake Tahoe wind you’ve never felt in your life. Unrelenting and strong. The gusts do their best to knock you over. Luckily, you’re near the shore and quickly paddle in. If you do plan on paddling out onto the Lake Tahoe Water Trail in the summer, be VERY aware of the daily Lake Tahoe wind known as the Washoe Zephyr. Where The Name Comes From and Why It Form ..read more

Every year, good ‘ole Big Blue is voted one of the best places in the world to Standup Paddle Board. With our views and unreal clear waters, it shouldn’t be a shock. If it’s your 1st time paddle boarding Lake Tahoe, here’s 5 of the most common beginner mistakes to avoid. Or if you’re an experience paddler, be sure to check out our article: Paddleboarding Tahoe – Like Walking On Water… Only Better. Wear A P.F.D. Image appears courtesy: Sierra Business Council Yes, we all want that perfect bronze tan, but it’s not worth your life. You will fall, and when you do that life jacket will save you. La ..read more