Take this Short Hike Down to Emerald Bay, Home of the Only Island in Lake Tahoe!

Emerald Bay is a popular destination for a reason - it provides breath-taking views of Lake Tahoe, Fannette Island, and Eagle Falls! 

The trail is approximately 1.7 miles with steep elevation changes (about 400 feet) as you travel from the overlook parking lot down to Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle. The path is stroller- or wagon- friendly; great for packing up all your beach gear and food or snacks! Because there is a big elevation change, be aware that you will have to push or pull your gear uphill on the way back to the top. 

Emerald Bay offers an array of recreational opportunities like kayaking, paddleboarding, boating, swimming, camping, scuba diving or snorkeling, and hiking. You can even tour Vikingsholm Castle for a small fee. 

Just a short hike from Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle (about a quarter of a mile) is Lower Eagle Falls. You do not want to miss these incredible falls such a short distance from the bay. There is signage that will direct you to the path to the falls.

Vikingsholm Castle is available to tour at a price. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children 7-17, and free for children under 7. The Sierra State Parks Foundation offers these tours from late May to late September from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. You can purchase your tickets at the visitors center. 

Recreational rentals (kayaks and paddleboards) are available through Kayak Tahoe, starting at $35 per hour. Boat rentals are not available at Emerald Bay but can be rented at other places in Lake Tahoe. You can then drive the boat to Emerald Bay if you want an alternate way to visit the area. You can use these methods to reach Fannette Island in the middle of Emerald Bay.

Swimming in the blue waters of Lake Tahoe is a free activity (after paying for parking) to do. The waters can be chilly earlier in the summer - so visiting in late summer may be optimal if you want to swim. Our children did not seem to mind the colder water and still played without complaint. 

Eagle Point campground is a seasonal campground that opens mid-June. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance on reservecalifornia.com. Reservations fill quickly, so be prepared and plan ahead!

Emerald Bay is home to the Maritime Heritage Underwater Trail. This trail can be accessed via scuba diving or snorkeling and showcases historical artifacts. 

A day-use parking fee of $5 (or $2 per vehicle for 1 hour) is required at the self-pay stations in the parking lot. Parking fills quickly, so arrive early (by 8-9 AM) or plan to come later in the afternoon (after 3 PM). 

Picnic tables are available at Emerald Bay and are first-come, first-served. Pack a lunch and spend the day playing here!

There is no reliable cell phone service in Emerald Bay, so plan accordingly. There is no food available for purchase as well. Make sure to pack snacks or food.

Restrooms are available at Emerald Bay.
Dogs are not allowed at Emerald Bay - on trails or at the beach.