Days
<1
Motors Allowed?
Yes
Difficulty
Easy / Class A
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Paddling the north shore of Lake Tahoe makes for a beautiful day trip that runs approximately 8 miles, depending on your course and distance from shore. Though the winds are predominantly westerly, conditions can change in coves and boat slip areas. An early paddle from Commons Beach toward Kings Beach is the suggested route, however, because of high traffic flow and parking issues at both beaches. While Commons Beach is free for user access, Kings Beach requires a day use fee. The route has good launches for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards, but expect crowds on the beaches in the summer. Likewise, boats and water-skiers tend to populate the area later in the day.

Throughout your paddle you'll enjoy Lake Tahoe's beautiful, glassy waters, clear blue skies, and unparalleled scenery. Keep an eye out for the big sandbars at the tip of Carnelian Bay, or stop and enjoy Waterman's Landing and Moon Dunes Beach before you finish at Kings Beach.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

State Park Fee

Pros

Beautiful views. Clear water. Good access.

Cons

Very crowded in the summer. Limited parking.

Features

Picnic tables

Site characteristics: Water

Lake

Portage required

No

Location

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