Recreational Activities

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Recreational Activities at Lake Tahoe

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit provides some of the finest recreational opportunities in the nation. While enjoying the fun activities at Lake Tahoe, please remember that the land, water, and wildlife are very sensitive to disturbance. Follow instructions posted on signs and stay on designated trails. It's up to all of us to protect our shared public lands. The Forest Supervisor's Office in South Lake Tahoe provides a year-round source of information. The front desk is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, please contact us. Follow the links provided below for specific recreation information.

  2009 Winter Trek Express

5th Grade Environmental Education Program

The US Forest Service, Heavenly Ski Resort, the City of South Lake Tahoe and the Tahoe Heritage Foundation are excited to announce the 5th year of our high mountain Winter Trek Express. The 5th Grade Snowshoe program will take place Mondays through Fridays starting January 12 and continuing through March 27, 2009

Summer Activities

From sightseeing to camping, numerous summer recreational opportunities are available at Lake Tahoe. Hiking, mountain biking and a wide variety of beach and water sports are among the most popular activities. Other opportunities include horseback riding, cycle touring and wildlife watching

Winter Activities

There are many winter recreational activities available at Lake Tahoe. Skiing and Snowboarding are among the most popular activities. Other opportunities include Ice Skating, Sledding/Tubing, Snowmobiling and Snowshoeing

 Accessible Recreation Sites at Lake Tahoe

This page provides an overview of accessible recreation sites in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Although some activities and facilities provide limited access to those with disabilities, we hope that by describing the following access information, you will be able to make an informed decision about which sites will be the most worthwhile for you to visit

 Cultural Heritage

Lake Tahoe has a rich and diverse cultural heritage spanning thousands of years. Much remains to be learned about the first peoples who utilized the Lake Tahoe Basin as many as 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. Follow the link provided below to learn more about the original inhabitants of the Lake Tahoe Basin

  Dogs on Forest Lands at Lake Tahoe

Information for Dog Owners who live at or visit Lake Tahoe including "Where can I take my dog?" Tips for hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, swimming, skiing and snowshoeing with your dog. Resource information such as Dog-Friendly Events, Veterinarians, 24-hour Emergency Services, Lost Pets and Boarding Facilities

 Forest Orders

Regional Foresters and Forest Supervisors may issue orders that will close or restrict the use of certain areas if the need arises. Here you will find a list of Forest Orders  that are relevant to the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

  Lake of the Sky Journal

The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Outdoor Recreation Guide, The Lake of the Sky Journal is now available online! The journal is in a PDF format that requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader to view.  To download the journal and/or the Acrobat Reader, follow the "more" link provided below. You may obtain a paper copy of the Journal for free from the Visitor Center or the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Forest Supervisor's Office located at 35 College Drive, South Lake Tahoe. 

 Recreational Residences

Here is information for the Recreational Residents who own cabins on Forest Service property

 Regulations for Forest Users

As a visitor to the National Forests, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forests and the natural environment, to ensure the health and safety of visitors, and to promote a pleasant and rewarding outdoor recreation experience for all visitors

 Special Use Permits

A Special Use authorization provides use of and access to National Forest Lands for a wide variety of activities to both commercial and non-commercial operations 

 Tallac Historic Site

A century ago, what is now the Tallac Historic Site was the "Grandest Resort in the World", a summer retreat for the socially elite. This area attracts thousands of visitors annually and recaptures a bygone and significant era in Tahoe's history

  Taylor Creek Visitor Center

Please visit the Forest Service Visitor Center located at Taylor Creek. Follow this link to learn more about our interpretive activities, trails, hikes, and general recreational information

 Weddings

Weddings in the Lake Tahoe Basin are very popular. Here you can find specific information for planning your wedding on National Forest Land

 Wilderness Areas

Four Wilderness Areas are located in or near the Lake Tahoe Basin. The Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit also manages Meiss Country Roadless Area and shares management duties of Desolation Wilderness with the El Dorado National Forest and the Mt. Rose Wilderness with the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. For more information on these national treasures follow the link provided

 Wildlife

Follow this link to learn more about wildlife found at Lake Tahoe.  Many species from a wide variety of birds to squirrels, raccoons, coyote, deer and bears are found in and around the Lake Tahoe Basin