About Lake Tahoe

A Natural Wonder at the Border of California and Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake nestled high in the Sierra Nevada mountains, straddling the state line between California and Nevada. Known for its crystal-clear blue waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains, Lake Tahoe is one of North America's most spectacular natural landmarks.

A Lake of Superlatives

• The second deepest lake in the United States at 1,645 feet (501 meters)
• The largest alpine lake in North America
• One of the clearest large lakes in the world, with visibility up to 100 feet
• A massive volume of water that could cover the entire state of California to a depth of 14 inches
• Located at an elevation of 6,225 feet (1,897 meters) above sea level

Year-Round Destination

Lake Tahoe offers spectacular recreational opportunities in all seasons:

Rich Natural and Cultural History

Lake Tahoe was formed about 2 million years ago through a combination of geologic faulting and volcanic activity. The lake was originally the center of the Washoe Native American tribe's territory, who called it "Da ow a ga" or "edge of the lake."

European Americans discovered the lake in 1844, when explorer John Fremont and his expedition came upon the immense body of water. By the 1860s, the area gained prominence during the Comstock Lode silver mining era, when timber was harvested around the lake to build the mines and cities of Virginia City and Gold Hill.

Conservation Efforts

Today, Lake Tahoe faces environmental challenges including impacts from development, erosion, invasive species, and climate change. Numerous organizations work to preserve the lake's exceptional clarity and ecosystem health, including the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA), the League to Save Lake Tahoe (known for the slogan "Keep Tahoe Blue"), and the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center.