Author: Rick Rockwell
Vikingsholm: History, Tours, and How to Visit Lake Tahoe’s Castle in Emerald Bay
Few places at Lake Tahoe combine history and scenery as dramatically as Vikingsholm. Sitting at the head of Emerald Bay, this remarkable stone-and-timber mansion is one of the basin’s most iconic landmarks and one of the finest examples of Scandinavian-inspired architecture in the western hemisphere. The setting alone is unforgettable,...
Fannette Island in Emerald Bay: History, Tea House Ruins, and the Legend of Captain Dick
Out in the blue-green waters of Emerald Bay, Fannette Island looks almost too perfect to be real. The small granite island rises from one of the most photographed corners of Lake Tahoe, topped by the ruins of a tiny stone tea house and wrapped in one of the basin’s most enduring legends. It is the …...
Emerald Bay State Park: Why It Is One of Lake Tahoe’s Most Unforgettable Places
There are beautiful places all around Lake Tahoe, and then there is Emerald Bay State Park. This is the one stop that tends to steal your breath. The water looks impossibly blue-green, the granite walls drop sharply toward the shoreline, and Fannette Island rises from the center of the bay like it was placed there …...
Modjeska Falls in South Lake Tahoe: Hike, History, and What to Know
Modjeska Falls is one of those South Lake Tahoe waterfalls that can be easy to overlook if you only know the lower falls along Glen Alpine Creek. Positioned above the more frequently photographed Glen Alpine Falls, this upper waterfall sits near Lily Lake and the Glen Alpine Trailhead, where the road narrows, the forest closes …...
St. Francis of the Mountains: History of the Hidden Chapel at Fallen Leaf Lake
Tucked among the trees near Fallen Leaf Lake, St. Francis of the Mountains is one of those places that feels easy to miss and impossible to forget. The little chapel does not announce itself with size or grandeur. Instead, it draws people in with its quiet setting, rustic character, and deep ties to the early …...
Glen Alpine Trail: Guide to Hiking, Waterfalls and Wilderness Adventure
If you are looking for a South Lake Tahoe hike that gives you a little bit of everything, you would be hard-pressed to find an option better than the Glen Alpine Trail. This trail starts opposite of Fallen Leaf Lake near Lily Lake, quickly delivers waterfalls and serene creek scenery, passes through the historic Glen …...
Glen Alpine Falls in South Lake Tahoe: How to Visit, What to Expect, and Why It’s Worth the Drive
If you are looking for a South Lake Tahoe waterfall that feels dramatic without requiring a long hike, Glen Alpine Falls is one of the easiest waterfall-stops in the basin. Nestled near Fallen Leaf Lake at the edge of Desolation Wilderness, this wide, rushing cascade delivers granite scenery, spring runoff, and that classic Tahoe mix...
Stateline Lookout Trail: Easy Hike to a Historic North Lake Tahoe Viewpoint
Stateline Lookout Trail is one of the easiest scenic hikes in North Lake Tahoe. Starting near Crystal Bay on the Nevada side and climbing to the site of a former California fire lookout, this short uphill walk delivers wide-open lake views, interpretive stops, and a surprisingly big payoff for such a brief trail. For visitors …...
Angora Fire Lookout: History, Views, and How to Visit This Lake Tahoe Lookout
Angora Fire Lookout is one of the most interesting historic viewpoints near South Lake Tahoe. Perched high on Angora Ridge above Fallen Leaf Lake, this former fire lookout combines Tahoe history, wide-open basin views, and easy access to nearby outdoor stops like Angora Lakes. Also known as Angora Ridge Lookout, the site is no longer...
Angora Lakes California Travel Guide: Hiking, Kayaking, Camping, and When to Go
Above the busier stretches of South Lake Tahoe, Angora Lakes feels quieter, steeper, and more intimate than many first-time visitors expect. Reached by a punchy, uphill trail, these alpine lakes sit in a granite basin above Fallen Leaf Lake, where cold clear water, mountain views, and a tucked-away setting create one of the most...
