Tahoe National Forest Travel Guide

Today in the United States: Jefferson Davis Birthday (3 Jun)

Trek Zone

National park

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the California region, Tahoe National Forest is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all over the world. With its majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests, this enchanting destination offers a myriad of opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation.

One of the highlights of Tahoe National Forest is its stunning lake, Lake Tahoe. With its pristine blue waters and picturesque surroundings, it is no wonder that this lake is often referred to as the "Jewel of the Sierra." Visitors can indulge in a variety of water activities such as swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing, or simply take in the serene beauty from the shores.

For those who prefer to explore the land, Tahoe National Forest boasts an extensive network of hiking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. From leisurely strolls through meadows filled with wildflowers to challenging treks up rugged mountain peaks, there is a trail for everyone. Along the way, hikers can marvel at the diverse flora and fauna that call this forest home, including towering pine trees, vibrant wildflowers, and elusive wildlife.

In addition to its natural beauty, Tahoe National Forest also offers a wealth of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy. Outdoor enthusiasts can partake in camping, picnicking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, immersing themselves in the tranquility and serenity of the forest. During the winter months, the forest transforms into a winter wonderland, attracting skiers and snowboarders to its world-class resorts and pristine slopes.

Beyond its natural allure, Tahoe National Forest also boasts a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historic sites, such as the Emigrant Trail Museum, which provides insights into the area's pioneer history and the challenges faced by early settlers. Additionally, the forest is home to several Native American archaeological sites, offering a glimpse into the region's ancient past.

Alternative names: Established: 1905 (119 years ago)Area: 1370.9 mi²Elevation: 7756 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 39°23'37"N, 120°33'43"W

Location

CaliforniaUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Tahoe National Forest Top Attractions

Tahoe National Forest Attractions - What to See and Explore

Tahoe National Forest offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort, Mount Pluto, Castle Peak, Donner Summit Historical Society. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Winter sport • Ski area • Park
Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort is claimed to be the largest cross-country ski resort in North America. Located in Soda Springs, California, the resort offers 65 trails and about 195 kilometres of skiable terrain.
Nature • Natural attraction • Volcano
Mount Pluto
Mount Pluto is an extinct volcano in the Granite Chief Range near Lake Tahoe, California. The volcano erupted approximately 2 million years ago producing lava and mudflows that dammed Lake Tahoe.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Castle Peak
Castle Peak is a mountain in California's Sierra Nevada near I-80, Donner Pass, and the Nevada border. It is in the Tahoe National Forest not far off the Pacific Crest Trail, and adjacent to Castle Pass.

39°19'24"N • 120°22'44"W
Donner Summit Historical Society
Museum
39°33'38"N • 120°49'41"W
Yuba Expeditions
Concerts and shows • Theater
Park
Donner Memorial State Park
Donner Memorial State Park is a state park of California, US, preserving the site of the Donner Camp, where members of the ill-fated Donner Party were trapped by weather during the winter of 1846–1847.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Lola
Mount Lola is a mountain in the Sierra Nevada of California. Its summit, located north of Donner Pass and Interstate 80, is the highest point in Nevada County. It is also the highest point in the Sierra Nevada north of Interstate 80.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Schroeder Mountain
Schroeder Mountain is a mountain in the California's Sierra Nevada, on the Tahoe National Forest. It is located 0.8 miles east of California State Route 49 in Sierra County. Its elevation is 6,942 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
Beyers Lakes
The Beyers Lakes are located in the Tahoe National Forest, in California. They can be accessed via the Beyers Lakes Trail from Grouse Ridge Trail.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Ina Coolbrith
Mount Ina Coolbrith is a mountain of the Sierra Nevada, near the Nevada border in Sierra County, Northern California.
Natural attraction • Protected area
Granite Chief Wilderness
The Granite Chief Wilderness is a 19,048 acre federally designated wilderness area of the Tahoe National Forest. Created by the California Wilderness Act of 1984, it is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains west of Lake Tahoe in the U.S. state of California.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Crystal Peak
Crystal Peak is a mountain in Sierra County, California. It is located on the south end of the Bald Mountain Range, 3 mi northeast of Sardine Valley and 16 mi northwest of Reno, Nevada.
Dam
Jackson Meadows Dam
Jackson Meadows Dam is a dam in Nevada County, California. The earthen dam was constructed in 1965 for flood control and irrigation water storage, with a height of 195 feet and a length of 1530 feet at its crest.
Bridge
Oregon Creek Covered Bridge
Oregon Creek Covered Bridge is a historic bridge that spans Oregon Creek just above its confluence with Middle Yuba River. It is located approximately 3 miles northeast of the community of North San Juan just off California State Route 49 within the Oregon Creek Day Use Area of the Tahoe National Forest.
Dam
Stampede Dam
Stampede Dam is a dam in Sierra County, California, impounding the Little Truckee River. The earthen and rock-filled dam was constructed in 1970, at 239 feet high and 1,511 feet long at the crest.
Dam
Prosser Creek Dam
Prosser Creek Dam is a dam in Nevada County, California. The earthen and rockfill dam was constructed from 1959 to 1962 by the United States Bureau of Reclamation with a height of 163 feet feet and a crest length of 1,830 feet.
Nature • Natural attraction • Valley
Martis Valley
Martis Valley is a geographic area of 70 square miles in the United States, extending northward from the North Shore of Lake Tahoe, California, to the west of the California-Nevada border.
Nature • Natural attraction • Lake
New Bullards Bar Reservoir
New Bullards Bar Reservoir is a large reservoir in northeastern Yuba County, California, United States, at an elevation of 2,000 feet in the Tahoe National Forest and about 30 miles northeast of Yuba City.
Dam
Boca Dam
Boca Dam is an earthfill dam and a part of the Truckee Storage Project that encompasses Nevada County, California and Washoe County, Nevada in the United States.

Things to See and Do in Tahoe National Forest by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Tahoe National Forest.

Active

Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Resort
Tahoe National Forest
Winter sportSki areaPark
Boreal Mountain Resort
Tahoe National Forest
Winter sportSki area
Donner Ski Ranch
Tahoe National Forest
Winter sportSki area
Tevis Cup
Tahoe National Forest
HikingHiking trail
Sugar Bowl Ski Resort
Tahoe National Forest
Sport venueSport

Other categories

Natural attraction Nature Mountain Dam Lake

Day trips

Tahoe National Forest – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Tahoe National Forest, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum (Reno), Wild Island (Sparks), Sierra-at-Tahoe (Eldorado National Forest).

41 milesE
Museum, Science museum
Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Reno
The Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, nestled in the heart of Reno, United States, is a vibrant hub of learning and creativity designed for children and families. This interactive museum, opened in September 2011, spans over 67,000 square feet and offers an...
46 milesE
Theme park, Water park, Amusement park
Wild Island, Sparks
Wild Island is a water park located off I-80 in the city of Sparks, Nevada. The park is the only one in the vicinity of the double city. Wild Island opened in June 1989 and has grown and expanded throughout its history. The park originally opened with only five attractions and...
49 milesSE
Winter sport, Outdoor activities, Ski area
Sierra-at-Tahoe, Eldorado National Forest
Sierra-at-Tahoe is a ski and snowboard resort in Twin Bridges, California south of Lake Tahoe. Sierra-at-Tahoe is approximately 16 miles south of Stateline, Nevada and 12 miles south of South Lake Tahoe on U.S. Route 50 and is contained within the Eldorado National Forest.
45 milesE
Historic government offices
Nevada State Capitol, Carson City
The Nevada State Capitol is the capitol building of the U.S. state of Nevada located in the state capital of Carson City at 101 North Carson Street. The building was constructed in the Neoclassical Italianate style between 1869 and 1871. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
39 milesSE
Museum, Forts and castles, Historical place
Vikingsholm, South Lake Tahoe
Vikingsholm is a 38-room mansion on the shore of Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe, in El Dorado County, California, U.S. and on the National Register of Historic Places.