The lake of Tahoe has long been a popular destination for travelers. The scenic shoreline is lined with umbrellas and sun-drenched kids in the summer. Skiers will enjoy snowy adventures in the winter season. The region offers excellent outdoor recreation, as well as stunning scenery. The lake offers scenic cruises, mountain gondola rides and four-season activities.
The area was first inhabited by the Washoe tribe many thousands of year ago. For many generations, the lake was a sacred place for the Washoe. In the mid-1800s, white settlers arrived and forced the tribe from the land. The north shore was developed by George Whittel, Jr., a lumber magnate in the early 1900s. He built a narrow gauge railway that connected Truckee with Tahoe City. He also planned on building a casino.
The lake has been a destination for the entertainment and film industry for almost a century. It is the setting for many American classic films. Mount Tallac was seen in the background during Bonanza's first sequence. A Place in the Sun was also filmed. True Lies, The Navigator and A Place in the Sun were other movies.
The lake is home to a number of casino resorts and high-end shopping on the Nevada side. It is also a popular destination for skiing. The Lake Tahoe area was popularized by the 1960 Winter Olympics.
Tahoe comes from the Washoe phrase da owa a ga which means "water at a high place". The Lake is surrounded on all sides by majestic mountain peaks. They range in height between 8,000 and 10,000 feet. The development on the eastern shore is less than that on the western shore.
The border of Nevada and California is the Lake Tahoe Basin. The United States Forest Service oversees seventy-five per cent of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit. It is home of some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. It is considered one of the best destinations in the United States for hiking and outdoor recreation. It is well-known because of its clear, uncolored water.
Lake Tahoe is a year-round attraction with scenic shoreline, mountain gondola rides and excellent skiing. There are many events throughout the year including the Brews Jazz and Funk Fest in August and Lake Tahoe Food and Wine Festivals in September. The Tahoe Loop Drive covers 100 miles and circles the lake. There are many stunning views to be enjoyed.
The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit reviews environmental conditions, monitors lake clarity, and assesses the weather around the lake. This unit also focuses on education and outreach to the public. The agency produces an annual report, called the "State of the Lake", that assesses the health of the lake. The report details changes in the lake's clarity, depth, particles and nearshore environment. The rate of clarity loss has decreased due to improved environmental conditions in the watershed.