Aspens Showing Signs Of Fall In North Lake Tahoe
North Lake Tahoe
Jeff Dow
It's leaf peeping season - almost. The trails and roads in North Lake Tahoe are just starting to show signs of autumn as the area's aspens transition from a sea of green to a brilliant shade of yellow, making for a stunning contrast against Tahoe's solid wall of pines and firs.
"It's the changing foliage in North Lake Tahoe that makes you want to linger during fall," said Executive Director Bill Hoffman of the Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau. "Whether you're out hiking or paddling via kayak, when you see that striking contrast in the trees, you just have to take a moment and soak it all up."
According to Hoffman, the last two weeks of October and the first two weeks of November are when the region's trees really start to change over.
There are a number of great venues for soaking up Tahoe's fall foliage, but those using your own two feet are by far the most popular. Locals recommend road cycling, inline skating and running up Blackwood Canyon on the West Shore, which is located three to four miles south of Tahoe City. What makes Blackwood unique is its paved road that takes you from 6,200 feet lake level to Barker Pass at 7,200 feet.
Stately Eagle Rock, a popular Tahoe landmark, sits just south of the Blackwood Canyon entrance and is an easy 15-minute hike to the top, offering 180-degree panoramic views of the entire region. The California Tahoe Conservancy recently completed a new trail to the top, which has significantly reduced pollutants into Lake Tahoe.
Located nine miles south of Sand Harbor State Beach (just outside of Incline Village), Spooner Lake offers lush meadows and shimmering aspen groves that surround a scenic alpine lake. Visitors to the area will find miles of hiking trails, as well as a good starting point for those venturing into the backcountry for backpacking excursions.
Changing fall foliage can also be found on Lake Tahoe's most popular hiking, mountain biking and equestrian trail - the Tahoe Rim Trail. A 165-mile trail that completely circles Lake Tahoe, this dirt path has eight trailheads making it easy to access. Some favorites spots are Tahoe Meadows on the Mt. Rose Summit (Highway 431), Tahoe City off Fairway Drive behind the town's commercial core and Barker Pass up Blackwood Canyon, the paved road is open to cars until they snow flies.
More reasons to visit during the fall are the 2-for-1 dining deals, with coupons in area newspapers; significant savings on lodging; and many special events. The Village Center in Incline Village is hosting Oktoberfest October 15 with German food, beer, live music by Bigg Funn and raffle prizes. There will also be a crafts/arts fair and merchant specials. Furry friends are invited to the Dog Days of Fall Dog Party October 15 in Incline Village with dog pool, prizes for wildest belly flop, and dog costume contest with best in show. Costumes of another kind will be on display at The Creepers Ball at the Crystal Bay Club Casino's Halloween extravaganza October 29 with live music by Big 80s band Tainted Love. The 7th Annual Tahoe City Harvest Festival runs through October 22 and has a month long Scarecrows on Parade decorating downtown Tahoe City, making for the perfect autumnal photos, as well as a Pumpkin Patch Carnival (October 22) at Rideout Community Center on the West Shore. The Lake Tahoe Women's Wellness Weekend, November 12-13, fuses Eastern tradition with Western practices to offer health workshops, exercise classes, screenings and an interactive health fair.
For more information about fall in North Lake Tahoe, including trails and events, head to www.GoTahoeNorth.com. And, for the best bargains, check out the website's Cool Deals, which is updated daily and includes savings on lodging and activities.
North Lake Tahoe is a 45-minute drive from the Reno Tahoe International Airport, two hours from Sacramento International Airport and just over three hours from San Francisco International Airport. Visitor information centers are located at 380 North Lake Boulevard in Tahoe City and 969 Tahoe Boulevard in Incline Village. The North Lake Tahoe Visitors Bureaus, Incline Village Crystal Bay Visitors Bureau and the North Lake Tahoe Resort Association, work together to promote North Lake Tahoe as a premier, year-round destination.
