Emerald Bay

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The most photographed spot in Lake Tahoe and it’s easy to see why! We spent the day exploring Emerald Bay State Park, which includes Eagle Falls and the Vikingsholm Castle, Laura Knight’s 38-room summer home that is considered one of the best examples of Scandinavian architecture in the US. I love me a good history lesson!

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We relaxed by the shore of Emerald Bay for a little bit, but only Olivia and Mom were willing to brave the cold water.

Eagle Falls

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A welcome refresher after a hike on the Rubicon Trail around Emerald Bay. The water was cold and clear and the view of Emerald Bay was incredible. Although I can’t say it was comparable to Las Cataratas del Iguazú in Argentina, it was still beautiful in its own way.

The Flume Trail

…at last the Lake burst upon us–a noble sheet of blue water lifted six thousand three hundred feet above the level of the sea, and walled in by a rim of snow-clad mountain peaks that towered aloft full three thousand feet higher still! It was a vast oval, and one would have to use up eighty or a hundred good miles in traveling around it. As it lay there with the shadows of the mountains brilliantly photographed upon its still surface I thought it must surely be the fairest picture the whole earth affords.”

Roughing It, Mark Twain

The above picture, from the initial section of the Tunnel Trail, was taken in the spot where Mark Twain took inspiration for this quote- and I’ll be the first to say that this photo doesn’t do this vista justice.

Fun fact: Samuel L. Clemens (aka Mark Twain) loved Lake Tahoe and took inspiration for his writing from the Lake and its surrounding peaks. He also, quite unfortunately, started a forest fire here in 1861, while attempting to make coffee on the beach. Way to go, Sam!

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The 14 mile mountain bike trail began with a steep incline for the first 4 miles, up trails originally created by loggers in the 60s to bring down logs from clear cut areas higher up the mountain. The woodland areas gave way to beautiful meadows created by the clear cutting, which almost helped relieve the exhaustion we felt from the steep ride (for me at least.. I thought Mom and Dad were either going to die on the trail or hate me forever for dragging them along on this “ride from hell” and Dad called it). After 4 miles, we finally made it to the beautiful Marlette Lake where we enjoyed lunch and washed off in the cool water, and it was all downhill from there (literally, not figuratively)!

In other news… my bike was named “Milly Rock,” an appropriate (and amusing!) coincidence- thanks Fume Trail Bike Rental!

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The strenuous North Canyon Trail gave way to the adrenaline-inducing Flume Trail- the highlight of the ride. The views of Lake Tahoe were incredible from this trail which was cut into the mountainside by dynamite after the trail began to be used for mountain biking in the 80s! Mom was freaked out by the sheer drop offs, but Livie and I enjoyed the ride! We just wish we had brought more water. 😅

While this ride was definitely a challenge, and there were times when I was genuinely worried the rest of my family wouldn’t be able to finish the trail, this ride was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done (probably tied with a boat ride under the aforementioned Cataratas de Iguazú). I would 100% recommend this trail ride to anyone visiting Lake Tahoe, the views are unlike those you could get anywhere else. Just make sure you bring plenty of water, and a family for support!

The Flume Trail was an amazing way to round out our week in Tahoe and after relieving our aches and pains by relaxing in the hot tub, we celebrated with a visit to the one and only Fire and Ice (which, by the way, is incredibly veg-friendly, read- tooofuuuu 😋). We were so proud of everyone, especially Mom, for crushing the trail and finishing strong, and were riding an endorphin high from that afternoon. It was sad to leave the Lake, but its on to Sonoma we go! Wine country? Yes please!!